The Quiet Power of Volunteering
Volunteering has always been part of the fabric of Totnes life — from neighbourhood litter picks to food‑bank shifts, festival stewarding, mentoring, and the countless small acts that keep our town connected. New national research shows just how powerful volunteering really is, not just for communities, but for the volunteers themselves.
Recent government analysis puts hard numbers on something many already feel instinctively: volunteering is one of the most effective ways to strengthen wellbeing, build social resilience, and support the local economy. According to the Department for Culture, Media & Sport, the total economic impact of formal volunteering in England is valued at £24.69 billion, or £2,012 per volunteer! It indicates that volunteering isn’t just “nice to have” but a cornerstone of a grounded civil society.
The wellbeing impact is particularly striking. The same research shows that volunteering measurably improves life satisfaction, reduces loneliness, and increases people’s sense of belonging in their neighbourhoods . Where community identity is strong but pressures on public services are growing, these benefits help keep people connected, confident, and supported — especially those who might otherwise slip through the cracks.
Volunteering also plays a major role in the wider UK economy contributing £39.5 billion to the UK economy in 2024, representing 2.5% of all hours worked nationwide . That contribution includes everything from charity shops and community centres to environmental groups and youth services. Without volunteers, many of these organisations simply could not function.
Sadly participation is declining.
The governments’ Community Life Survey 2023/24 found that only 16% of adults volunteer formally at least once a month, down from 27% just a decade earlier . Even annual volunteering has dropped sharply, from 45% in 2013/14 to 28% in 2023/24 . The pandemic contributed to this fall of course, but the trend began long before. Fewer volunteers means more pressure on already stretched community organisations — including many here in Totnes.
Despite the national decline, Totnes continues to buck the trend in many ways. Our town’s strong culture of mutual aid, environmental activism, and grassroots organising means volunteering remains part of everyday life. But the national picture is a warning: without active renewal, volunteer‑led organisations risk decline.
Perhaps the greatest value of volunteering is cultural? Communities thrive through relationships — through people showing up for one another.
If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, now is the time. Here at the Totnes Pulse a group of us were inspired by a recent event in Follaton House which was sadly too far away for many and had minimal fanfare – so why not bring the idea closer to the people, the Civic Hall, make a fuss and include a wide range of fabulous local organisations ? (The full list so far is below). We are also extremely grateful to The Totnes Town Council for helping us to enable the use of the Civic.
Join us to find out remarkable ways to enrich lives on Saturday September 12th from 10:30am to 3:30pm.
If you have project, there is still time and space for a small number more to join us – contact one of the organisers Bob Carpenter – bob@totnespulse.co.uk for further details.
- Berry Pomeroy Village Hall
- Bob the Bus
- Children’s Hospice
- Citizens’ Advice
- Climate Hub (joint stall with Walk & Talk)
- Compassionate Care Day Centre
- Dartington Repair Cafe
- Food for Children
- HealthSource
- Heritage stall (TTC covering the Guildhall, Heritage Trust, Totnes Castle & Totnes Museum)
- Leechwell Community Garden
- Meadowbrook (Dartington Recreation Association/Things Happen Here)
- Oxfam (both shops)
- Radical Plant Folk
- Rowcroft Hospice
- St Mary’s Church
- Stepping Stones
- Totnes Canoe Club
- Totnes Caring
- Totnes Elizabethan Society
- Totnes Gardens
- Totnes Rugby Club