Almost 7,000 UK organisations are looking for 18,000 volunteers this National Volunteers Week, according to data from Co-op's online community centre, Co-operate. Developed during the pandemic, Co-operate is as an online community centre which is currently enabling over 15,000 organisations across the country to gain access to funding and resources including volunteers. To date, Co-operate has connected these organisations with 1,200 volunteers.
This National Volunteers Week, Co-op is looking to highlight the sheer volume of volunteering opportunities available to people. There are currently almost 7,000 organisations looking for volunteers according to Co-op and this number is expected to dramatically increase as the mutual reports that in the last week requests for help from organisations have increased by 400.
Nottingham tops the list as the City most in need of volunteers, followed by Sheffield and Newcastle. In light of this, Co-op is urging volunteers to sign up to support organisations in their local area this National Volunteers Week through their Co-operate platform.
Rebecca Birkbeck, Director of Community and Membership at the Co-op said: “Since we launched Co-operate we’ve seen a fantastic number of community groups and grassroots causes sign up to be a part of our online community centre. Co-operate really is about bringing individuals and communities together to make a difference in their local community and volunteering is a key part of that.
"This National Volunteers Week, whether you are passionate about your local community or you want to learn new things and build your own skills, we would urge people to continue to sign up and give volunteering a go, so these incredible organisations can continue doing their amazing work.”
National Volunteers Week 2022 will run from June 1-7 and is looking to shine a light on the millions of people across the UK making a difference through their contribution to volunteering. This can be from a simple thank you through to various festivities held throughout the week showcasing these incredible individuals and organisations.
Since its inception, Co-operate has connected 1,200 volunteers with various organisations and matches around 60 volunteers on average each week with various roles that include helping to run the group, fundraising, maintenance of community spaces or simply providing a listening ear and a friendly chat.
Any individual looking to connect with an organisation or groups with volunteering opportunities can register online via Co-operate.
