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November 2023 - Voluntary

Volunteers from marginalised ethnic groups are volunteering less due to cost of living crisis: According to a survey conducted by Human Appeal, 38% of volunteers from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic groups have reduced their volunteering commitments due to the cost-of-living crisis. In comparison, 30% of volunteers from none marginalised ethnic groups have made similar adjustments for the same reason.

Despite these challenges, 36% of volunteers from marginalised ethnic groups have expressed their intent to increase their volunteering efforts in response to the crisis, while only 23% of volunteers from none marginalised ethnic groups said the same.

The survey gathered insights from 1,003 active volunteers in the UK, with over 30% identifying as being from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic  groups. 

Some respondents from marginalised ethnic groups (47%) mentioned that they have reduced their volunteering commitments to allocate more time to paid employment, which is necessitated by the cost-of-living crisis. Additionally, 41% cited new responsibilities related to the financial crisis, leaving them with less available time for volunteering.

Furthermore, 22% cited exhaustion and disillusionment as reasons for reduced volunteering, while another 22% mentioned financial constraints preventing them from continuing their volunteering work.

The survey also highlighted that volunteers from marginalised ethnic groups typically face higher personal costs compared to volunteers from none marginalised ethnic groups. For instance, 19% of respondents from marginalised ethnic groups reported losing paid work hours due to volunteering, compared to 9% amongst respondents from none marginalised ethnic groups.

Regarding volunteering motivations, volunteers from marginalised ethnic groups were three times more likely (15%) to work with refugees compared to those from none marginalised ethnic groups (5%). 

Motivations for volunteering

When asked about their primary motivation for volunteering, 47% of volunteers from marginalised ethnic groups cited wanting to help their community, while 13% mentioned gaining work experience. These respondents highlighted the benefits of volunteering, including a stronger sense of community (48%), increased skills (40%), and expanded knowledge (39%).

The report emphasises the need for greater support from organisations and government for volunteers as the cost-of-living crisis continues. 

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