Why Volunteer? Well, why not? Something truly amazing happens when people of all ages and backgrounds give their time and skillsets freely to volunteer and they do so for many reasons. Some volunteers seek to help others, some support a particular cause or community project, while others hope to develop skills, meet people or try a new activity. Whatever the motivation, volunteering succeeds in three ways:

1. Volunteering boosts wellbeing and personal growth in the individual while enhancing services for the common good, and moreover, building the capacity of Suffolk communities.
2. Building skills in the individual, builds strength in the community.
3. Volunteering helps to make our communities more resilient and cohesive, with people from different backgrounds and ages coming together to volunteer.

With the continued aftermath legacy that the Covid-19 pandemic has had for the communities in Suffolk, it still has had a huge impact on the way people Volunteer and if they want to Volunteer.

We acknowledge that many retired people who were the backbone of voluntary groups had to take a break, while many new people stepped forward to volunteer. We must note that not all volunteers or communities will use the term ‘volunteer’ or ‘volunteering.’ They may identify as a forum member or simply ‘helping out’ in their community. We have also engaged with young people to see what they know of Volunteering and how it can benefit them.

We acknowledge that many retired people who were the backbone of voluntary groups had to take a break, while many new people stepped forward to volunteer. We must note that not all volunteers or communities will use the term ‘volunteer’ or ‘volunteering.’ They may identify as a forum member or simply ‘helping out’ in their community. We have also engaged with young people to see what they know of Volunteering and how it can benefit them.

We have welcomed new approaches to volunteering as leaders embrace digital solutions, innovation, creativity and become more flexible in their approach. Businesses are increasingly ‘switched on’ to their social responsibility and encourage staff to volunteer through Corporate Social Responsibility policies, Environmental, Social and Governance policies and of course Employer Supported Volunteering programmes. There is no doubt that our young volunteers would love to support with the digital and AI age, help with social media and explore their creativity. We would value organisations who are in need of Volunteers who have these opportunities available to them.

The Suffolk Volunteering Strategy has been revisited to highlight the learning from the last three years. Three clear objectives will inspire an action to move volunteering forward in Suffolk.

We know that the Suffolk Volunteering Strategy will not reflect the nuances of each individual organisation and community led group which involves volunteers in their day-to-day work nor should it. However, this provides a starting point for working together across the community.

The purpose of the Suffolk Volunteering Strategy is to implement and drive forward a clear framework for volunteering. This will allow each individual organisation to continue to develop along the path they have chosen, and allow them to access the resources, support, and knowledge which they need. Suffolk aims to grow its knowledge and practice in volunteering and been seen as an exemplar county in the UK.