Latest news: Students most likely to volunteer

Students are more likely to take part in volunteering than workers or the unemployed, according to a new survey released to coincide with Student Volunteering Week. 22/02/2012

The YouGov national survey found that 61% of respondents in full-time education took part in at least one voluntary activity in 2011, compared to an average of 55% across the general population.

Getting involved in a project that was close to their hearts was the main motivating factor for most students (23%), while improving employability (17%) and learning new skills (16%) were also given as reasons to volunteer.

The survey was commissioned by insurance firm Zurich, whose spokesman urged more students to get involved in voluntary projects.

‘Students, particularly in higher education, have a long history of community-spirited volunteering and fundraising, so it really is encouraging to see that they are still getting involved to such a large extent,’ said Paul Emery, Zurich’s head of community and social organisations.

‘However, there is always more that can be done and we are trying to help everyone realise the large range of volunteering activities they can take part in - whether it’s watering next door’s plants or caring for an elderly neighbour. It all counts and can make a big difference to communities,’ he added.

Student Volunteering Week runs from Monday 20 February until Sunday 26 February, with events running across the country.