Our charity shops are seeing a rise in younger volunteers, particularly when it comes to ‘micro-volunteering’.
This involves volunteers dropping in for an hour or two without committing to anything regular or long-term.
Our survey of 3,068 of our retail volunteers found that 73 per cent of 16 to 18 year olds volunteer for up to five hours per week. Volunteers across all age groups are opting for ad hoc shifts rather than traditional regular volunteering patterns.
The demographic of volunteers is also shifting, with the average age of our volunteers now being 30 years old compared to 50 years old before the pandemic. Over half (53 per cent) of our volunteer recruits last year were also between the ages of 16 and 24.
Volunteering improves mental health
Dan Wilkinson, a 24-year-old BHF volunteer in our Bristol vintage shop, needs volunteering to be flexible around his other commitments. He said: “I’m a musician and hope to write my own music one day, but I also volunteer as a scout leader and at a youth club. The flexibility at the BHF lets me spend time on other things I enjoy.
“My mum has had dementia since I was 11, so I know how devastating it can be to have family members affected by health conditions. I’ve enjoyed giving back to research by volunteering, and the shop team are just amazing. I’ve been volunteering for three months now, and I want to continue after I’ve finished studying, whether that’s just on the weekends or for a couple of hours here and there.”
Nearly half (46 per cent) of our volunteers aged 16-24-year-olds say that volunteering has improved their mental health. Dan has struggled with his mental health in the past, which led to him taking a few years out of studying. “Whenever I have a free morning, I simply message our shop group chat and let them know I’d like to come in. It’s such a great way to start the day and gives me some structure, which helps my mental health.”
Meeting new people
Similarly, Joe Leatherbarrow, 19, drops in to volunteer flexibly while he studies for his maths degree at the University of Bristol. He said: “I’ve always been a fan of charity shopping. In Dorset, where I’m from, I usually look around the charity shops once or twice a week. I started volunteering because I think it’s a really nice way to engage with the local area.”
Seven in 10 of our volunteers say meeting people is the most important thing they get out of volunteering, which is something Joe enjoys about volunteering with us: “I like to speak to older people in different walks of life and get out of the student bubble. I usually show up and see what tasks need doing and then get stuck in, whether it’s till operating, scanning items, tagging or arranging displays. I don’t work in the back, as I prefer being front of house and chatting to the team and customers.”
“I have a very busy timetable, but I squeeze in volunteering hours where I can between lectures,” Joe says. “If I need to change this, I can just speak to the shop manager, whether that’s because of uni stress, visiting family, or just needing a lie in!”
Creative tasks
Anastacia Oliveira, 17, is a college student and volunteers in our Hemel Hempstead shop whenever she wants to get involved with something creative. Anastacia says, “I love art and fashion and over the summer, I’ve been decorating sunglasses with alphabetical beads and made a few types of jewellery to sell in the shop. I’ve also painted a dollhouse to put up on display.
“My favourite task is decorating the chalk boards outside. I try and keep to the topic and style of season or occasion. I even decorated some Halloween cauldrons and filled them with sweets for the children.”
Volunteering fits around life
Our survey also revealed that 94 per cent of volunteers say volunteering with us fits around their life and is flexible. Ameena Shaffi, 28, an international student from India, is studying marketing at the University of Bristol.
Ameena said: “I can get quite anxious during exam periods, and it helps to get out and go somewhere friendly for a couple of hours. I like to be busy and sorting stock in the back room can be very mindful. If I need a break from studying, I post in the group chat and drop in for an hour or two.
“Volunteering with the BHF is my way of giving back. I’m also hoping to go into the retail sector after I finish my masters, so it helps to get more experience.”
Try out a taster session this summer
We are offering drop-in ‘taster’ volunteer sessions in our shops this summer, allowing you to drop in for an hour or two with no ongoing commitment, either from home or your local BHF shop.
Sarah Boardman, our Retail Volunteering Operations Manager, said: “We are seeing increasing numbers of volunteers seek flexibility and opt for ‘micro-volunteering’, where they pop in for an hour or two, instead of traditional regular shifts. We appreciate all our volunteers, every hour makes a difference, and no matter how much time you spend with us, you will be helping to fund lifesaving research.
“Our volunteer survey shows 96 per cent of our volunteers would recommend volunteering at the BHF. Whether you’re obsessed with all things preloved, want to try out something creative, or just hoping to meet some new people, we will welcome anyone who wants to book in one of our taster sessions and try out volunteering.”
Try a volunteer taster session
