Volunteers are the lifeblood of the UK’s charity sector, and nowhere is that more evident than in the thousands of small charities and community groups that operate across the country. These organisations may not always make headlines, but they have an enormous impact on local lives. But, without volunteers, most wouldn’t exist.
In the UK Charity Sector, Volunteers Matter
- They Keep Services Going – Most small charities operate on tight budgets. Volunteers provide skills, time and energy without cost, enabling charities to stay open longer, run additional services and reach more people.
- They Are the Local Experts – Many volunteers come from the communities they serve. Their lived experience, cultural understanding and local knowledge are invaluable. They build trust with service users in a way that paid staff sometimes can’t.
- They Bring Skills Money Can’t Buy – Volunteers come with a huge range of skills, covering everything from accounting and mentoring, social media, gardening and IT. For small charities that can’t afford specialist staff, this expertise can make a transformational difference.
- They Strengthen Communities – Volunteering creates connection and belonging. It builds social cohesion, especially in areas facing isolation, poverty, or inequality. Volunteers don’t just help others, they often gain confidence, friends, and a renewed sense of purpose themselves.
The Challenges Volunteers Face
While volunteers are crucial, small charities often face volunteer shortages. There’s simply not enough people who are in a position to help on a volunteer basis, especially when balancing work and home life.
Burnout is also a challenge, and this occurs when a small number of people do too much. There’s also a lack of resources or training to support and retain volunteers properly. This is why investment in volunteers is just as important as funding frontline work.
Volunteers are not just an “extra pair of hands, they are the heart of the UK’s small charities and community groups. Without them, many charities and community groups would struggle to continue on making such an impactful change.
Tracks Through Pastures are so incredibly grateful for our wonderful volunteers. We simply couldn’t do what we do without them.
Below are some photos taken recently by our Volunteer Rebecca.
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