Charities Warn of Volunteer Shortage, Risking Essential Services

According to a recent study, charities in the UK are bracing for a shortfall of 3 million volunteers over the next year. This volunteer crisis is jeopardizing essential services across hospices, conservation, animal welfare, and local community support.

The Royal Voluntary Service, along with a coalition of major charities, is urging the public to step up and volunteer. Over 40% of charities have reported a rise in requests for help, while one-in-four say they are unable to meet the growing demand. Emily Jack, chief executive of Bookmark Reading Charity, emphasizes the urgent need for volunteers, stating they currently require almost 25% more volunteers to ensure every struggling child in their partner schools receives the reading support they need.

To help address the volunteer shortage, the Royal Voluntary Service has launched a digital platform called GoVo, which connects volunteers with local and remote opportunities. Catherine Johnstone, the charity's chief executive, stresses that "vital services risk being unable to meet growing needs" and that "every contribution, no matter how much time someone can give, helps sustain services, provide support, and make a real difference to causes and communities."