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ANNEX 8 PATTERNS OF RURAL VOLUNTEERING
This annex provides an analysis of volunteering issues in rural areas. It looks at:
- the prevalence of volunteering in rural areas
- propensity to volunteer in rural areas by socio-economic characteristics
- type of volunteering activity in rural areas
- intensity of volunteering in rural areas
- attractions to volunteering in rural areas
- barriers to volunteering in rural areas.
Prevalence of Volunteering in Rural Areas
Figure 1 and Table 1 illustrate that respondents in small remote towns, accessible rural and remote rural areas are significantly more likely to volunteer than those in large urban areas, other urban areas and small accessible towns. The proportion of volunteers from rural areas is above the survey average of 19.8%, and percentages increase as level of rurality increases. The percentage of volunteers from rural areas ranges from on average 24.3% to 31.5%.
Figure 1 Prevalence of Volunteering by Urban/Rural Classification
Table 1 Prevalence of Volunteering by Urban/Rural Classification
Urban/rural classification | Volunteers (% of classification total and 95% CI) |
|---|
Large urban areas (4,144) | 17.1 (16.0 to 18.3) |
|---|
Other urban (2,770) | 17.6 (16.2 to 19.0) |
|---|
Small accessible towns (1,093) | 21.2 (18.8 to 23.7) |
|---|
Small remote towns (270) | 29.3 (23.8 to 34.7) |
|---|
Accessible rural (1,234) | 24.3 (21.9 to 26.7) |
|---|
Remote rural (540) | 31.5 (27.6 to 35.4) |
|---|
All respondents | 19.8% (19.1 to 20.6) |
|---|
Propensity to Volunteer in Rural Areas by Socio-Economic Characteristics
The propensity to volunteer in rural areas is analysed below, broken down by the following socio-economic characteristics:
- Age
- Gender
- Economic status
- Annual household income
- Ethnicity
- Qualifications.
Table 2 Age of Volunteers in Rural Areas
Age of Volunteers | Urban/Rural Classification |
|---|
Large Urban Areas (600) | Other Urban (494) | Small Accessible Towns (221) | Small Remote Towns (123) | Accessible Rural (291) | Remote Rural (258) |
|---|
16-24 (131) | 10.3 (7.9-12.8) | 6.5 (4.3-8.6) | 5.0 (2.1-7.8) | 7.3 (2.7-11.9) | 3.1 (1.1-5.1) | 3.1 (1.0-5.2) |
|---|
25-34 (234) | 13.8 (11.1-16.6) | 10.9 (8.2-13.7) | 12.22 (7.9-16.5) | 10.57 (5.1-16.0) | 9.97 (6.5-13.4) | 10.85 (7.1-14.6) |
|---|
35-44 (459) | 20.7 (17.4-23.9) | 25.51 (21.7-29.3) | 25.3 (19.6-31.1) | 20.3 (13.2-27.4) | 24.4 (19.5-29.3) | 22.1 (17.0-27.2) |
|---|
45-59 (502) | 20.8 (17.6-24.1) | 23.5 (19.7-27.2) | 22.6 (17.1-28.1) | 29.3 (21.2-37.3) | 31.9 (26.6-37.3) | 31.8 (26.1-37.5) |
|---|
60-74 (493) | 25.0 (21.5-28.5) | 26.1 (22.2-30.0) | 25.3 (19.6-31.1) | 25.2 (17.5-32.9) | 23.4 (18.5-28.2) | 22.8 (17.7-28.0) |
|---|
75 plus (168) | 9.33 (7.0-11.7) | 7.5 (5.2-9.8) | 9.5 (5.6-13.4) | 7.3 (2.7-11.9) | 7.2 (4.2-10.2) | 9.3 (5.8-12.8) |
|---|
There appears to be little significant difference between urban and rural areas in terms of the age distribution of volunteers. Across all urban/rural classifications, the largest proportion of volunteers is aged between 35 and 74. However, it appears that there is a significantly larger proportion of volunteers aged 16-24 in large urban areas (10.3%) than in small accessible towns (5.0%), accessible rural (3.1%) and remote rural areas (3.1%).
Table 3 Gender of Volunteers in Rural Areas
Gender of Volunteers | Urban/Rural Classification |
|---|
Large Urban Areas (600) | Other Urban (494) | Small Accessible Towns (221) | Small Remote Towns (123) | Accessible Rural (291) | Remote Rural (258) |
|---|
Male (778) | 39.5 (35.6-43.4) | 39.5 (35.2-43.8) | 41.2 (34.7-47.7) | 42.3 (33.5-51.0) | 36.4 (30.9-42.0) | 37.6 (31.7-43.5) |
|---|
Female (1209) | 60.5 (56.6-64.4) | 60.5 (56.2-64.8) | 58.8 (52.3-65.3) | 57.7 (49.0-66.5) | 63.6 (58.0-69.1) | 62.4 (56.5-68.3) |
|---|
Across all urban/rural areas, the ratio of female to male volunteers is broadly similar.
Table 4 Economic Status of Volunteers in Rural Areas
Economic Status of Volunteers | Urban/Rural Classification |
|---|
Large Urban Areas (600) | Other Urban (494) | Small Accessible Towns (221) | Small Remote Towns (123) | Accessible Rural (291) | Remote Rural (258) |
|---|
Self-employed (125) | 3.3 (1.9-4.8) | 4.5 (2.6-6.3) | 5.4 (2.4-8.4) | 7.3 (2.7-11.9) | 7.2 (4.2-10.2) | 15.9 (11.4-20.4) |
|---|
Full-time Employment (674) | 36.0 (32.2-39.8) | 36.2 (32.0-40.5) | 33.0 (26.8-39.2) | 28.5 (20.5-36.4) | 32.3 (26.9-37.7) | 29.8 (24.3-35.4) |
|---|
Part-time Employment (266) | 10.3 (7.9-12.8) | 12.5 (9.6-15.5) | 16.7 (11.8-21.7) | 16.3 (9.7-22.8) | 15.5 (11.3-19.6) | 15.5 (11.1-19.9) |
|---|
Looking after Home/Family (119) | 4.2 (2.6-5.8) | 6.3 (4.1-8.4) | 5.0 (2.1-7.8) | 8.9 (3.9-14.0) | 8.6 (5.4-11.8) | 6.2 (3.3-9.1) |
|---|
Retired (589) | 32.0 (28.3-35.7) | 28.7 (24.8-32.7) | 28.9 (23.0-34.9) | 26.0 (18.3-33.8) | 29.5 (24.3-34.8) | 28.3 (22.8-33.8) |
|---|
Unemployed (47) | 3.7 (2.2-5.2) | 2.2 (0.9-3.5) | 1.8 (0.1-3.6) | 2.4 (-0.3-5.2) | 1.7 (0.2-3.2) | 0.8 (-0.3-1.8) |
|---|
Higher/Further Education (63) | 5.2 (3.4-6.9) | 3.8 (2.2-5.5) | 2.3 (0.3-4.2) | 3.2 (0.1-6.4) | 1.0 (-0.1-2.2) | 0.4 (-0.4-1.1) |
|---|
Permanently Sick or Disabled (62) | 4.0 (2.4-5.6) | 3.4 (1.8-5.0) | 3.6 (1.2-6.1) | 3.2 (0.1-6.4) | 2.1 (0.4-3.7) | 1.2 (-0.1-2.5) |
|---|
Across all urban/rural areas, the proportion of volunteers in each economic status classification is broadly similar, with the following exceptions:
- a significantly larger proportion of volunteers are self-employed in remote rural areas (15.9%) than in accessible rural areas (7.2%), small accessible towns (5.4%), other urban areas (4.5%) and large urban areas (3.3%)
- a significantly larger proportion of volunteers in large urban areas (3.7%) are unemployed than in remote rural areas (0.8%)
- a significantly larger proportion of volunteers are in higher/further education in large urban areas (5.2%) and other urban areas (3.8%) than in remote rural areas (0.4%) There is also a significantly larger proportion of volunteers in higher/further education in large urban areas (5.2%) than in accessible rural areas (1.0%).
In each urban/rural classification, the largest proportions of volunteers are in full-time employment or retired.
Table 5 Annual Household Income of Volunteers in Rural Areas
Annual Household Income of Volunteers | Urban/Rural Classification |
|---|
Large Urban Areas (585) | Other Urban (487) | Small Accessible Towns (216) | Small Remote Towns (119) | Accessible Rural (285) | Remote Rural (254) |
|---|
£0-£6,000 (114) | 6.8 (4.8-8.9) | 5.3 (3.3-7.3) | 4.2 (1.5-6.8) | 3.4 (0.1-6.6) | 6.7 (3.8-9.6) | 6.3 (3.3-9.3) |
|---|
£6,001-£10,000 (242) | 12.8 (10.1-15.5) | 12.5 (9.6-15.5) | 12.0 (7.7-16.4) | 15.1 (8.7-21.6) | 10.9 (7.3-14.5) | 12.2 (8.2-16.2) |
|---|
£10,001-£15,000 (337) | 19.0 (15.8-22.2) | 18.5 (15.0-21.9) | 13.0 (8.5-17.4) | 13.5 (7.3-19.6) | 13.3 (9.4-17.3) | 21.3 (16.2-26.3) |
|---|
£15,001-£20,000 (280) | 14.2 (11.4-17.0) | 16.8 (13.5-20.2) | 12.5 (8.1-16.9) | 19.3 (12.2-26.4) | 9.5 (6.1-12.9) | 15.0 (10.6-19.3) |
|---|
£20,001-£25,000 (242) | 9.7 (7.3-12.1) | 12.7 (9.8-15.7) | 14.8 (10.1-19.6) | 19.3 (12.2-26.4) | 13.0 (9.1-16.9) | 12.2 (8.2-16.2) |
|---|
£25,001-£30,000 (224) | 11.1 (8.6-13.7) | 12.7 (9.8-15.7) | 11.1 (6.9-15.3) | 8.4 (3.4-13.4) | 11.6 (7.9-15.3) | 11.8 (7.8-15.8) |
|---|
£30,001-£40,000 (300) | 14.5 (11.7-17.4) | 13.8 (10.7-16.8) | 19.4 (14.2-24.7) | 16.8 (10.1-23.5) | 17.9 (13.4-22.3) | 13.8 (9.5-18.0) |
|---|
£40,001+ (207) | 11.8 (9.2-14.4) | 7.6 (5.2-10.0) | 13.0 (8.5-17.4) | 4.2 (0.6-7.8) | 17.2 (12.8-21.6) | 7.5 (4.2-10.7) |
|---|
There are some significant differences in the propensity of particular income groups to volunteer depending on their urban/rural classification.
- there is a significantly smaller proportion of volunteers who earn between £15,001 and £20,000 in accessible rural areas (9.5%) than in other urban areas (16.8%)
- Nineteen point three per cent of volunteers in small remote towns earn between £20,001 and £25,000. This is a significantly larger proportion than in large urban areas (9.7%)
- a significantly larger proportion of volunteers in large urban areas (11.8%), small accessible towns (13.0%) and accessible rural areas (17.2%) earn more than £40,001 than in small remote towns (4.2%).
Table 6 Ethnicity of Volunteers in Rural Areas
Ethnicity of Volunteers | Urban/Rural Classification |
|---|
Large Urban Areas (600) | Other Urban (494) | Small Accessible Towns (221) | Small Remote Towns (123) | Accessible Rural (291) | Remote Rural (258) |
|---|
White (1961) | 97.7 (96.5-98.9) | 99.0 (98.1-99.9) | 99.1 (97.8-100.3) | 99.2 (97.6-100.8) | 99.3 (98.4-100.3) | 99.2 (98.2-100.3) |
|---|
Non-white (25) | 2.3 (1.1-3.5) | 0.8 (0.0-1.6) | 0.9 (-0.3-2.2) | 0.8 (-0.8-2.4) | 0.7 (-0.3-1.6) | 0.8 (-0.3-1.8) |
|---|
Across all urban/rural classifications, a consistently very small proportion of volunteers are non-white.
Table 7 Qualifications of Volunteers in Rural Areas
Qualifications of Volunteers | Urban/Rural Classification |
|---|
Large Urban Areas (437) | Other Urban (366) | Small Accessible Towns (161) | Small Remote Towns (96) | Accessible Rural (224) | Remote Rural (195) |
|---|
School Leaving Certificate (145) | 11.9 (8.9-14.9) | 10.4 (7.3-13.5) | 9.9 (5.3-14.6) | 8.3 (2.8-13.9) | 6.7 (3.4-10.0) | 8.2 (4.4-12.1) |
|---|
GSVQ Foundation/Intermediate or equivalent (185) | 11.2 (8.3-14.2) | 11.5 (8.2-14.7) | 19.9 (13.7-26.0) | 12.5 (5.9-19.1) | 10.3 (6.3-14.2) | 13.8 (9.0-18.7) |
|---|
O'Grade, Standard Grade, GCSE, CSE or equivalent (960) | 59.7 (55.1-64.3) | 64.2 (59.3-69.1) | 61.5 (54.0-69.0) | 66.7 (57.2-76.1) | 68.3 (62.2-74.4) | 75.9 (69.9-81.9) |
|---|
City & Guilds (150) | 7.1 (4.7-9.5) | 12.6 (9.2-16.0) | 10.6 (5.8-15.3) | 11.5 (5.1-17.8) | 8.0 (4.5-11.6) | 13.8 (9.0-18.7) |
|---|
Higher Grade/A Level or equivalent (649) | 47.6 (42.9-52.3) | 41.0 (35.9-46.0) | 42.2 (34.6-49.9) | 36.5 (26.8-46.1) | 47.3 (40.8-53.9) | 42.1 (35.1-49.0) |
|---|
GSVQ Advanced etc or equivalent (177) | 11.2 (8.3-14.2) | 15.3 (11.6-19.0) | 10.6 (5.8-15.3) | 9.4 (3.5-15.2) | 10.7 (6.7-14.8) | 11.3 (6.8-15.7) |
|---|
HNC/ HND, SVQ 4 & 5 or equivalent (264) | 15.1 (11.7-18.5) | 20.5 (16.4-24.6) | 19.9 (13.7-26.0) | 11.5 (5.1-17.8) | 20.5 (15.2-25.8) | 17.4 (12.1-22.8) |
|---|
First Degree, Higher Degree (412) | 38.4 (33.9-43.0) | 19.9 (15.9-24.0) | 27.3 (20.4-34.2) | 20.8 (12.7-29.0) | 29.9 (23.9-35.9) | 20.5 (14.8-26.2) |
|---|
Professional Qualifications (366) | 25.6 (21.5-29.7) | 22.1 (17.9-26.4) | 26.7 (19.9-33.5) | 20.8 (12.7-29.0) | 29.5 (23.5-35.4) | 22.6 (16.7-28.4) |
|---|
Across all urban/rural classifications, the largest proportions of volunteers have standard grade or equivalent, higher grade or equivalent, a first or higher degree and/or professional qualifications.
The likelihood of volunteers holding standard grade or equivalent qualifications appears to be greater in rural than urban areas. A significantly larger proportion of volunteers in remote rural areas (75.9%) hold this qualification than those in large urban areas (59.7%), other urban areas (64.2%) and small accessible towns (61.5%).
However, a significantly larger proportion of volunteers in large urban areas (38.4%) hold a first or higher degree than those in other urban areas (19.9%), small remote towns (20.8%) and remote rural areas (20.5%).
Socio-Economic Characteristics of Rural Volunteers
Overall, it appears that the socio-economic characteristics of volunteers in rural areas are largely consistent with those in urban areas. Although there are some differences between urban/rural classifications in terms of socio-economic characteristics of volunteers, it does not appear that any socio-economic characteristic has a remarkably greater affect on the propensity of people living in rural areas to volunteer than in urban areas.
Type of Volunteering Activities
Type of Organisational Activity
Although there are generally no significant differences in the organisational activities volunteers are involved with across urban/rural areas, a significant difference can be found in remote rural areas where community involvement or community development is equally common to organisational activities focused on young people, children and sports and physical activities which are the most common activities in all other areas.
Volunteers in small remote towns, accessible rural and remote rural areas are more likely to be involved in a smaller range of organisational activities and are less likely to be involved with voluntary organisations focused on particular disadvantaged groups such as refugees and asylum seekers, offenders/ex-offenders, gender or sexuality focused groups, travelling people, people with learning difficulties, homeless people, and people with mental health problems.
Table 8 Type of Organisational Activity by Urban/Rural Classification
Type of Organisational Activity | Urban/Rural Classification |
|---|
Large Urban Areas | Other Urban | Small Accessible Towns | Small Remote Towns | Accessible Rural | Remote Rural |
|---|
Young People (357) | 19.86 (16.9 to 22.8) | 17.36 (14.0 to 20.7) | 22.94 (17.5 to 28.4) | 17.72 (9.3 to 26.1) | 22.07 (17.4 to 26.8) | 17.06 (11.4 to 22.7) |
|---|
Children (300) | 14.18 (11.6 to 16.8) | 17.77 (14.4 to 21.2) | 18.26 (13.3 to 23.3) | 6.33 (1.0 to 11.7) | 17.67 (13.4 to 22.0) | 19.41 (13.5 to 25.4) |
|---|
Sports or Physical Recreation (281) | 15.74 (13.1 to 18.4) | 13.4 (10.4 to 16.4) | 16.45 (11.7 to 21.2) | 24.05 (14.6 to 33.5) | 15.67 (11.6 to 19.8) | 14.71 (9.4 to 20.0) |
|---|
Religion/Faith Issues (272) | 13.78 (11.2 to 16.3) | 15.91 (12.7 to 19.2) | 16.02 (11.3 to 20.7) | 11.39 (4.4 to 18.4) | 8.03 (4.9 to 11.1) | 9.41 (5.0 to 13.8) |
|---|
Older People (218) | 10.35 (8.1 to 12.6) | 11.16 (8.4 to 14.0) | 6.96 (3.7 to 10.2) | 8.86 (2.6 to 15.1) | 10.03 (6.6 to 13.4) | 12.94 (7.9 to 18.0) |
|---|
Physical Health/Illness (196) | 9.22 (7.1 to 11.4) | 13.84 (10.8 to 16.9) | 8.23 (4.7 to 11.8) | 10.13 (3.5 to 16.8) | 7.33 (4.4 to 10.3) | 4.71 (1.5 to 7.9) |
|---|
Community Involvement or Community Development (172) | 6.96 (5.1 to 8.8) | 5.77 (3.7 to 7.8) | 10.0 (6.1 to 13.9) | 7.59 (1.8 to 13.4) | 8.7 (5.5 to 11.9) | 19.3 (13.4 to 25.2) |
|---|
Disabled People (101) | 5.82 (4.1 to 7.5) | 5.79 (3.7 to 7.9) | 3.48 (1.1 to 5.8) | 1.27 (-1.2 to 3.7) | 4.00 (1.8 to 6.2) | 2.94 (0.4 to 5.5) |
|---|
Arts or Cultural Issues (101) | 4.55 (3.0 to 6.1) | 5.15 (3.2 to 7.1) | 3.46 (1.1 to 5.8) | 3.8 (-0.4 to 8.0) | 6.67 (3.8 to 9.5) | 8.82 (4.6 to 13.1) |
|---|
People with Learning Difficulties (64) | 4.97 (3.4 to 6.6) | 3.09 (1.6 to 4.6) | 2.6 (0.5 to 4.6) | 1.27 (-1.2 to 3.7) | 3.01 (1.1 to 4.9) | 0 |
|---|
Families (60) | 3.84 (2.4 to 5.3) | 3.71 (2.0 to 5.4) | 1.3 (-0.2 to 2.8) | 1.27 (-1.2 to 3.7) | 3.0 (1.1 to 4.9) | 2.34 (0.1 to 4.6) |
|---|
The Natural Environment (49) | 3.55 (2.2 to 4.9) | 1.03 (0.1 to 1.9) | 1.3 (-0.2 to 2.8) | 1.27 (-1.2 to 3.7) | 3.68 (1.5 to 5.8) | 2.35 (0.1 to 4.6) |
|---|
Emergency Services (48) | 1.14 (0.4 to 1.9) | 1.03 (0.1 to 1.9) | 2.16 (0.3 to 4.0) | 2.53 (-0.9 to 6.0) | 3.01 (1.1 to 4.9) | 4.71 (1.5 to 7.9) |
|---|
Homeless People (44) | 3.41 (2.1 to 4.7) | 1.65 (0.5 to 2.8) | 0.87 (-0.3 to 2.1) | 0 | 2.01 (0.4 to 3.6) | 0 |
|---|
Mental Health and Wellbeing (42) | 3.13 (1.8 to 4.4) | 2.07 (0.8 to 3.3) | 0.87 (-0.3 to 2.1) | 1.27 (-1.2 to 3.7) | 1.34 (0.6 to 2.6) | 0 |
|---|
Providing Advice Services (43) | 2.41 (1.3 to 3.5) | 1.45 (0.4 to 2.5) | 3.9 (1.4 to 6.4) | 0 | 1.0 (-0.1 to 2.1) | 0.58 (-0.6 to 1.7) |
|---|
International Development or Overseas Aid (38) | 2.84 (1.6 to 4.1) | 2.27 (0.9 to 3.6) | 1.73 (0.0 to 3.4) | 1.27 (-1.2 to 3.7) | 1.0 (-0.1 to 2.1) | 0.59 (-0.6 to 1.7) |
|---|
Adult Education/Literacy (36) | 1.99 (1.0 to 3.0) | 2.89 (1.4 to 4.4) | 1.73 (0.0 to 3.4) | 0 | 2.01 (0.4 to 3.6) | 1.17 (-0.4 to 2.8) |
|---|
Other (34) | 2.13 (1.1 to 3.2) | 1.65 (0.5 to 2.8) | 0.43 (-0.4 to 1.3) | 3.8 (-0.4 to 8.0) | 1.34 (0.0 to 2.6) | 0 |
|---|
Drugs/Alcohol and Substance Abuse (33) | 1.85 (0.9 to 2.8) | 2.27 (0.9 to 3.6) | 2.6 (0.5 to 4.6) | 1.27 (-1.2 to 3.7) | 0.33 (-0.3 to 1.0) | 1.18 (-0.4 to 2.8) |
|---|
Open Response for Vol5 (31) | 2.56 (1.4 to 3.7) | 2.07 (0.8 to 3.3) | 0.43 (-0.4 to 1.3) | 1.27 (-1.2 to 3.7) | 0.67 (-.03 to 1.6) | 0 |
|---|
Carers (28) | 1.56 (0.6 to 2.5) | 1.65 (0.5 to 2.8) | 2.17 (0.3 to 4.1) | 0 | 2.0 (0.4 to 3.6) | 0.58 (-0.6 to 1.7) |
|---|
Crime/Community Safety/Anti-Social Behaviour (28) | 2.56 (1.4 to 3.7) | 0.62 (-0.1 to 1.3) | 2.17 (0.3 to 4.1) | 0 | 1.34 (0.0 to 2.6) | 1.18 (-0.4 to 2.8) |
|---|
Animal Welfare (28) | 0.99 (0.3 to 1.7) | 1.24 (0.3 to 2.2) | 0.43 (-0.4 to 1.3) | 0 | 2.67 (0.8 to 4.5) | 1.18 (-0.4 to 2.8) |
|---|
Housing (25) | 1.85 (0.9 to 2.8) | 2.07 (0.8 to 3.3) | 1.3 (-0.2 to 2.8) | 1.27 (-1.2 to 3.7) | 0.67 (-0.3 to 1.6) | 0 |
|---|
Refugees/Asylum Seekers (17) | 1.99 (1.0 to 3.0) | 0.62 (-0.1 to 1.3) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|---|
The Built Environment (17) | 0.99 (0.3 to 1.7) | 0.82 (0.0 to 1.6) | 0.43 (-0.4 to 1.3) | 1.27 (-1.2 to 3.7) | 1.34 (0.0 to 2.6) | 0 |
|---|
Civil Liberties/Human Rights (13) | 0.99 (6.3 to 1.7) | 0.62 (-0.1 to 1.3) | 0.87 (-0.3 to 2.1) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|---|
Offenders/Ex-Offenders (10) | 0.57 (0.0 to 1.1) | 1.44 (0.4 to 2.5) | 0.43 (-0.4 to 1.3) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|---|
Black and Minority Ethnic Issues (11) | 1.85 (0.9 to 2.8) | 0 | 0.43 (-0.4 to 1.3) | 0 | 0.33 (-0.3 to 1.0) | 0 |
|---|
Unemployment (11) | 0.57 (0.0 to 1.1) | 0.82 (0.0 to 1.6) | 0.87 (-0.3 to 2.1) | 0 | 0.33 (-0.3 to 1.0 | 0 |
|---|
Gender or Sexuality Issues (9) | 0.99 (0.3 to 1.7) | 0.21 (-0.2 to 0.6) | 0.87 (-0.3 to 2.1) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|---|
Consumer Advice/Welfare Rights (8) | 0.57 (0.0 to 1.1) | 0 | 0.43 (-0.4 to 1.3) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|---|
Travelling People (2) | 0.14 (-0.1 to 0.4) | 0.41 (-0.2 to 1.0) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|---|
Type of Volunteering Activity
For all urban and rural areas, the most common volunteering activities are raising money, committee work and helping to organise or run events or activities as is doing whatever is required in small accessible towns, small remote towns and remote rural towns. Volunteers from small remote towns are significantly more likely to undertake education, training or coaching activities compared to all other areas and in this area this is a common activity.
Volunteers in rural areas (small remote towns, accessible rural areas and remote rural areas) are most likely to undertake committee work compared to volunteers from other areas.
Table 9 Type of Volunteering Activity by Urban/Rural Classification
Type of Activity | Urban/Rural Classification |
|---|
Large Urban Areas | Other Urban | Small Accessible Towns | Small Remote Towns | Accessible Rural | Remote Rural |
|---|
Raising money (547) | 20.0% (17.0 to 23.0) | 32.4% (28.3 to 36.6) | 28.6% (22.7 to 34.4) | 31.7% (21.4 to 41.9) | 35.1% (29.7 to 40.5) | 28.6 (22.0 to 35.6) |
|---|
Committee work (510) | 20.2% (17.2 to 23.1) | 25.6% (21.7 to 29.4) | 23.5% (18.0 to 29.9) | 22.8% (13.5 to 32.0) | 36.1% (30.7 to 41.6) | 35.9% (28.7 to 43.1) |
|---|
Office work or administration (255) | 12.2% (9.8 to 14.6) | 14.9% (11.7 to 18.0) | 9.5% (5.7 to 13.3) | 7.6% (1.8 to 13.4) | 13.7% (9.8 to 17.6) | 15.3% (9.9 to 20.7) |
|---|
Providing advice or assistance to others (302) | 15.8% (13.1 to 18.5) | 17.2% (13.8 to 20.5) | 14.3% (9.8 to 18.8) | 6.3% (1.0 to 11.7) | 13.0% (9.2 to 16.9) | 12.9% (7.9 to 18.0) |
|---|
IT support (43) | 2.8% (1.6 to 4.1) | 1.9% (0.7 to 3.1) | 0.9% (-0.3 to 2.1) | 3.8% (-0.4 to 8.0) | 2.0% (0.4 to 3.6) | 1.2% (-0.4 to 2.8) |
|---|
Education or training or coaching (255) | 12.6% (10.2 to 15.1) | 12.0% (9.1 to 14.8) | 10.4% (6.5 to 14.4) | 21.5% (12.5 to 30.6) | 13.4% (9.5 to 17.2) | 15.3% (9.9 to 20.7) |
|---|
Advocacy (34) | 2.3% (1.2 to 3.4) | 1.9% (0.7 to 3.1) | 2.2% (0.3 to 4.1) | 0.0% | 1.0% (-0.1 to 2.1) | 0.6% (-0.6 to 1.7) |
|---|
Campaigning (70) | 3.6% (2.2 to 4.9) | 4.3% (2.5 to 6.1) | 2.6% (0.5 to 4.7) | 0.0% | 3.7% (1.5 to 5.8) | 2.9% (0.4 to 5.5) |
|---|
Providing transport or driving (102) | 4.4% (2.9 to 5.9) | 6.0% (3.9 to 8.1) | 4.8% (2.0 to 7.5) | 6.3% (1.0 to 11.7) | 5.0% (2.5 to 7.5) | 5.9% (2.3 to 9.4) |
|---|
Visiting, buddying or befriending people (145) | 8.4% (6.3 to 10.4) | 8.1% (5.6 to 10.5) | 5.2% (2.3 to 8.1) | 7.6% (1.8 to 13.4) | 6.7% (3.8 to 9.5) | 4.1% (1.1 to 7.1) |
|---|
Counselling (78) | 3.5% (2.2 to 4.9) | 5.0% (3.0 to 6.9) | 3.9% (1.4 to 6.4) | 2.5% (-0.9 to 6.0) | 3.0% (1.1 to 4.9) | 4.1% (1.1 to 7.1) |
|---|
Helping to organise or run events or activities (483) | 18.9% (16.0 to 21.8) | 24.8% (20.9 to 28.6) | 29.9% (24.0 to 35.8) | 25.35% (15.7 to 34.9) | 28.1% (23.0 to 33.2) | 28.8% (22.0 to 35.6) |
|---|
Providing direct services (181) | 9.5% (7.3 to 11.7) | 8.7% (6.2 to 11.2) | 6.9% (3.7 to 10.2) | 11.4% (4.4 to 18.4) | 8.4% (5.2 to 11.5) | 12.4% (7.4 to 17.3) |
|---|
Representing others (66) | 3.3% (2.0 to 4.6) | 3.3% (1.7 to 4.9) | 2.2% (0.3 to 4.1) | 0.0% | 4.4% (2.0 to 6.7) | 5.3% (1.9 to 8.7) |
|---|
Generally helping out (512) | 24.3% (21.1 to 27.4) | 28.1% (24.1 to 32.1) | 25.5% (19.9 to 31.2) | 35.4% (24.9 to 46.0) | 23.4% (18.6 to 28.2) | 24.0% (17.6 to 30.4) |
|---|
Doing whatever is required (432) | 21.7% (18.7 to 24.7) | 21.1% (17.4 to 24.7) | 20.9% (15.6 to 26.1) | 27.9% (18.0 to 37.7) | 19.7% (15.2 to 24.2) | 23.5% (17.2 to 29.9) |
|---|
Intensity of Volunteering
Frequency of Volunteering
Across all urban/rural areas, volunteers are most likely to volunteer about once a week. All urban/rural areas with the exception of small accessible towns are equally likely to volunteer several times a week.
Those from rural areas (small remote towns, accessible rural areas and remote rural areas) are equally likely to volunteer about once a month, several times a month but not every week and several times a week.
Table 10 Frequency of Volunteering by Urban/Rural Classification
Frequency of volunteering | Urban/Rural Classification |
|---|
Large Urban Areas | Other Urban | Small Accessible Towns | Small Remote Towns | Accessible Rural | Remote Rural |
|---|
A few times a year | 15.7 (13.0-18.3) | 17.6 (14.2-21.0) | 18.1 (13.1-23.1) | 13.8 (6.2-21.3) | 10.7 (7.2-14.2) | 17.6 (11.9-23.4) |
|---|
About every other month | 2.3 (1.2-3.3) | 6.1 (4.0-8.3) | 5.2 (2.3-8.0) | 3.8 (-0.4-7.9) | 7.7 (4.7-10.7) | 4.1 (1.1-7.1) |
|---|
About once a month | 16.4 (13.6-19.1) | 12.1 (9.2-15.0) | 19.0 (13.9-24.0) | 16.3 (8.2-24.3) | 17.7 (13.4-22.0) | 16.5 (10.9-22.0) |
|---|
Several times a month but not every week | 12.7 (10.2-15.1) | 11.1 (8.3-13.8) | 9.5 (5.7-13.3) | 16.3 (8.2-24.3) | 14.7 (10.7-18.7) | 18.8 (12.9-24.70 |
|---|
About once a week | 23.6 (20.4-26.7) | 22.7 (19.0-26.5) | 26.7 (21.0-32.4) | 17.5 (9.2-25.8) | 22.0 (17.3-26.7) | 18.2 (12.4-24.0) |
|---|
Several times a week | 20.2 (17.2-23.1) | 18.6 (15.2-22.1) | 13.8 (9.4-18.2) | 22.5 (13.3-31.7) | 18.7 (14.3-23.1) | 17.1 (11.4-22.7) |
|---|
Every day | 3.2 (1.9-4.5) | 2.9 (1.4-4.3) | 2.6 (0.5-4.6) | 3.8 (-0.4-7.9) | 1.7 (0.2-3.1) | 2.9 (0.4-5.5) |
|---|
Once a year | 5.4 (3.7-7.0) | 8.0 (5.6-10.4) | 4.7 (2.0-7.5) | 6.3 (0.9-11.6) | 6.7 (3.8-9.5) | 4.7 (1.5-7.9) |
|---|
Hours Spent Volunteering
The average hours spent volunteering across rural areas is 12.3 hours. This not significantly different to hours spent volunteering in urban areas.
Table 11 Average Hours Spent Volunteering Per Month by Urban/Rural Classification
Urban/Rural Classification | Average hours spent volunteering (95% CI) |
|---|
Large Urban Areas | 12.9 (11.7 to 14.1) |
|---|
Other Urban Areas | 13.8 (12.3 to 15.4) |
|---|
Small Accessible Towns | 12.1 (10.1 to 14.1) |
|---|
Small Remote Towns | 12.4 (10.3 to 14.5) |
|---|
Accessible Rural Areas | 13.2 (11.2 to 15.2) |
|---|
Remote Rural Areas | 11.2 (9.4 to 13.0) |
|---|
Attractions to Volunteering
Compared with other responses, a larger proportion of respondents in all rural areas indicated that nothing would encourage them to volunteer.
Table 12 Reasons for Re-starting Volunteering by Urban/Rural Classification
Reason for Re-starting Volunteering | Urban/Rural Classification |
|---|
Large Urban Areas % (95% CI) | Other Urban % (95% CI) | Small Accessible Towns % (95% CI) | Small Remote Towns % (95% CI) | Accessible Rural% (95% CI) | Remote Rural % (95% CI) | All % (95 % CI) |
|---|
If I was certain that it wouldn't affect my benefits | 0.2 (-0.1 to 0.5) | 0.3 (-0.1 to 0.7) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 (-0.3 to 0.9) | 0.0 | 0.3 (0.1 to 0.4) |
|---|
If I could afford it/was sure I wouldn't be out of pocket | 1.7 (0.9 to 2.5) | 1.1 (0.3 to 1.8) | 1.7 (0.2 to 3.2) | 1.2 (-1.2 to 3.6) | 0.0 | 1.2 (-0.4 to 2.8) | 1.3 (0.9 to 1.7) |
|---|
If someone I knew volunteered with me | 1.1 (0.4 to 1.7) | 0.4 (-0.1 to 0.9) | 1.4 (0.0 to 2.7) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 (0.2 to 0.8) |
|---|
If there were more people like me volunteering | 0.7 (0.2 to 1.2) | 0.7 (0.1 to 1.3) | 0.4 (-0.3 to 1.0) | 0.0 | 0.6 (-0.2 to 1.4) | 0.0 | 0.6 (0.3 to 0.9) |
|---|
If I knew more about the opportunities available | 3.5 (2.3 to 4.6) | 2.6 (1.4 to 3.7) | 1.7 (0.2 to 3.2) | 2.4 (-0.9 to 5.8) | 1.7 (0.4 to 3.1) | 1.8 (-0.2 to 3.8) | 2.6 (2.0 to 3.2) |
|---|
If I had more confidence | 1.1 (0.4 to 1.7) | 0.6 (0.0 to 1.1) | 0.7 (-0.3 to 1.7) | 0.0 | 0.3 (-0.3 to 0.9) | 0.6 (-0.6 to 1.7) | 0.8 (0.5 to 1.1) |
|---|
If I thought I could help others | 9.3 (5.7 to 8.9) | 4.1 (2.7 to 5.5) | 4.2 (1.9 to 6.5) | 9.8 (3.3 to 16.2) | 4.9 (2.7 to 7.2) | 7.1 (3.2 to 11.0) | 5.7 (4.8 to 6.5) |
|---|
If someone asked me to do something | 4.4 (3.2 to 5.7) | 2.2 (1.1 to 3.2) | 2.8 (0.9 to 8.7) | 2.4 (-0.9 to 5.8) | 4.4 (2.2 to 6.5) | 7.1 (3.2 to 11.0) | 3.7 (3.0 to 4.4) |
|---|
If it would improve my skills | 1.3 (0.6 to 2.0) | 0.7 (0.1 to 1.3) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.6 (-0.6 to 1.7) | 0.8 (0.5 to 1.1) |
|---|
If it helped me gain qualifications | 1.1 (0.4 to 1.7) | 0.3 (-0.1 to 0.7) | 1.0 (-0.1 to 2.2) | 1.2 (-1.2 to 3.6) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.6 (0.3 to 0.8) |
|---|
If it would improve my careers/job prospects | 1.9 (1.1 to 2.7) | 0.6 (0.0 to 1.1) | 0.4 (-0.3 to 1.0) | 1.2 (-1.2 to 3.6) | 1.2 (0.0 to 2.3) | 0..0 | 1.2 (0.8 to 1.6) |
|---|
If it fitted in with my other commitments | 15.1 (13.0 to 17.3) | 14.3 (11.8 to 16.9) | 14.2 (10.2 to 18.3) | 9.8 (3.3 to 16.2) | 12.5 (9.0 to 16.0) | 20.1 (14.1 to 26.2) | 13.7 (12.4 to 15.0) |
|---|
If it fitted in with my interests and skills | 5.9 (4.5 to 7.4) | 5.9 (4.2 to 7.6) | 4.5 (2.1 to 6.9) | 11.0 (4.2 to 17.7) | 7.0 (4.3 to 9.7) | 8.9 (4.6 to 13.2) | 6.1 (5.2 to 7.0) |
|---|
If it was good fun | 1.2 (0.5 to 1.8) | 2.5 (1.3 to 3.6) | 1.7 (0.2 to 3.2) | 0.0 | 0.9 (-0.1 to 1.9) | 0.0 | 1.6 (1.2 to 2.1) |
|---|
If I could volunteer when I felt like it | 4.2 (3.0 to 5.4) | 7.1 (5.2 to 9.0) | 3.8 (1.6 to 6.0) | 3.7 (-04 to 7.7) | 2.9 (1.1 to 4.7) | 4.7 (1.5 to 7.9) | 4.9 (4.1 to 5.7) |
|---|
Nothing | 36.7 (33.8 to 39.6) | 43.6 (40.0 to 47.2) | 44.4 (38.7 to 50.2) | 42.7 (32.0 to 53.4) | 47.1 (41.8 to 52.4) | 39.6 (32.3 to 47.0) | 43.9 (42.1 to 45.8) |
|---|
Other | 7.7 (6.0 to 9.3) | 5.9 (4.2 to 7.6) | 6.9 (4.0 to 9.9) | 8.5 (2.5 to 14.6) | 9.0 (6.0 to 12.0) | 4.1 (1.1 to 7.1) | 6.7 (5.8 to 7.6) |
|---|
Better transport/more local | 0.1 (-01 to 0.3) | 0.3 (-0.1 to 0.7) | 0.4 (-0.3 to 1.0) | 0.0 | 0.6 (-02 to 1.4) | 1.8 (-0.2 to 3.8) | 0.3 (0.1 to 0.5) |
|---|
Planning to | 0.2 (-0.1 to 0.5) | 0.4 (-0.1 to 0.9) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 (-0.3 to 0.9) | 0.6 (-0.6 to 1.7) | 0.2 (0.0 to 0.4) |
|---|
More time | 9.0 (7.3 to 10.7) | 8.5 (6.5 to 10.5) | 9.0 (5.7 to 12.3) | 6.1 (0.9 to 11.3) | 7.3 (4.5 to 10.0) | 5.9 (2.4 to 9.5) | 7.7 (6.7 to 8.6) |
|---|
Better health | 0.7 (0.2 to 1.2) | 1.5 (0.6 to 2.4) | 0.4 (-0.3 to 1.0) | 1.2 (-1.2 to 3.6) | 1.2 (0.0 to 2.3) | 0.0 | 1.0 (0.6 to 1.4) |
|---|
Childcare/will when children older | 0.3 (0.0 to 0.6) | 0.4 (-0.1 to 0.9) | 1.0 (-0.1 to 2.2) | 0.0 | 0.6 (-0.2 to 1.4) | 0.0 | 0.5 (0.2 to 0.8) |
|---|
If was supported/valued | 0.2 (-0.1 to 0.5) | 0.3 (-0.1 to 0.7) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 (-0.3 to 0.9) | 0.0 | 0.1 (0.0 to 0.2) |
|---|
When retired/not working | 1.0 (0.4 to 1.5) | 0.7 (0.1 to 1.3) | 2.1 (0.4 to 3.7) | 0.0 | 0.9 (-0.1 to 1.9) | 1.2 (-0.4 to 2.8) | 0.9 (0.6 to 1.3) |
|---|
If involved children/family/local interest | 1.2 (0.5 to 1.8) | 0.4 (-0.1 to 0.9) | 1.4 (0.0 to 2.7) | 1.2 (-1.2 to 3.6) | 0.9 (-0.1 to 1.9) | 0.0 | 0.7 (0.4 to 1.1) |
|---|
If I felt strongly about it/it was worthwhile | 0.0 | 0.3 (-0.1 to 0.7) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 (0.0 to 0.3) |
|---|
If it was easy to get to/nearby | 0.0 | 0.3 (-0.1 to 0.7) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 (0.0 to 0.2) |
|---|
Barriers to Volunteering
Small Remote Towns
Respondents in this urban/rural classification are more likely to have given up volunteering due to a lack of time (16.7%) than any other reason, although this was not statistically significant.
In addition, a larger proportion of respondents in small remote towns than the survey sample gave up volunteering as a result of new caring responsibilities, although, again, this was not statistically significant.
Accessible Rural
A larger proportion of respondents in this group said that they stopped volunteering because of a lack of time (21.6%) than any other reason, although this was not statistically significant.
Remote Rural
Respondents living in remote rural areas were more likely to have given up volunteering due to a lack of time (26.8%) than any other reason, although this was not statistically significant..
Qualitative Research Findings
Our qualitative research found that many barriers, most notably a lack of awareness and understanding of volunteering and a lack of time, to volunteering were common in both urban and rural areas.
However, issues related to travel and transport provide a larger obstacle to volunteering in rural areas than urban.
Comments from rural research participants regarding barriers they face to volunteering include:
"public transport is not cheap and does not link up well" (current volunteer, Skye, male)
"public transport is infrequent and expensive… lack of transport does put people off" (non-volunteer, Skye, female)
"it's a hike to come into work" (non-volunteer, Skye, female)
"some organisations are slow in reimbursing travel expenses" (current volunteer, Skye, male)
Table 13 Reasons for Stopping Volunteering by Urban/Rural Classification
Reason for Stopping Volunteering | Urban/Rural Classification |
|---|
Large Urban Areas % (95% CI) | Other Urban % (95% CI) | Small Accessible Towns % (95% CI) | Small Remote Towns % (95% CI) | Accessible Rural% (95% CI) | Remote Rural % (95% CI) | All % (95% CI) |
|---|
I got bored or lost interest | 1.6 (0.6 to 2.5) | 2.5 (1.1 to 3.8) | * | * | * | * | 2.1 (1.4 to 2.7) |
|---|
Things could have been better organised | * | * | * | * | * | * | 1.3 (0.7 to 2.5) |
|---|
I didn't have the time any longer | 25.5 (22.1 to 28.8) | 20.2 (16.6 to 23.8) | 24.3 (18.5 to 30.1) | 16.7 (9.0 to 24.4) | 21.6 (16.2 to 26.9) | 26.8 (20.4 to 33.2) | 28.2 (21.2 to 25.1) |
|---|
I wanted a change | * | * | * | * | * | * | 1.3 (0.8 to 1.8) |
|---|
I had achieved what I wanted to achieve | 4.1 (2.5 to 5.6) | 2.9 (1.4 to 4.3) | * | * | * | 6.6 (3.0 to 10.1) | 3.6 (2.7 to 4.4) |
|---|
I had new caring responsibilities | 5.6 (3.8 to 7.4) | 2.9 (1.4 to 4.3) | * | * | 4.9 (2.7 to 7.6) | * | 4.2 (3.3 to 5.2) |
|---|
I had children | 4.8 (3.2 to 6.5) | 535 (3.5 to 7.5) | * | * | 5.3 (2.4 to 8.2) | * | 0.6 (0.2 to 1.0) |
|---|
I didn't feel appreciated | * | * | * | * | * | * | 0.9 (1.0 to 1.9) |
|---|
It was costing me money | * | * | * | * | * | * | 1.2 (0.5 to 1.4) |
|---|
Through illness | 13.9 (11.2 to 16.6) | 16.5 (13.2 to 19.8) | 15.2 (10.4 to 20.1) | 13.3 (6.3 to 20.4) | 10.6 (6.6 to 14.6) | 13.7 (8.7 to 18.6) | 14.3 (12.7 to 15.9) |
|---|
Changed job/started work/job got busier/I started paid employment | 12.0 (9.5 to 14.6) | 15.9 (12.7 to 19.2) | 14.8 (10.6 to 19.6) | 11.1 (4.6 to 17.6) | 12.3 (8.1 to 16.6) | 9.8 (5.5 to 14.2) | 13.2 (11.6 to 14.7) |
|---|
I moved house | 10.6 (8.2 to 13.0) | 8.8 (6.3 to 11.3) | 11.0 (6.7 to 15.2) | 12.2 (5.5 to 19.0) | 16.3 (11.5 to 21.1) | 18.6 (12.9 to 24.2) | 11.7 (10.3 to 12.2) |
|---|
My circumstances changed | * | 2.2 (0.9 to 3.6) | * | * | * | * | 1.4 (0.8 to 1.9) |
|---|
Other reasons | 2.2 (1.1to 3.3) | * | * | * | * | * | 1.5 (1.0 to 2.1) |
|---|
Too old | 4.4 (2.8 to 6.0) | 3.5 (1.8 to 5.1) | 6.2 (2.9 to 9.4) | * | 7.5 (4.1 to 10.9) | 6.0 (2.6 to 9.5) | 5.1 (4.1 to 6.1) |
|---|
Children grew up/left | 2.8 (1.5 to 4.1) | 4.5 (2.7 to 6.3) | * | * | * | * | 3.3 (2.4 to 4.1) |
|---|
Became a student | 2.3 (1.2 to 3.5) | * | * | * | * | * | 1.3 (0.8 to 1.8) |
|---|
Organisation collapsed/organisational issues | 2.2 (1.1 to 3.3) | 4.5 (2.7 to 6.3) | 5.2 (2.9 to 6.4) | * | * | * | 3.4 (2.6 to 4.3) |
|---|
Too much pressure | * | 2.0 (0.8 to 3.3) | * | * | * | * | 0.8 (0.4 to 1.2) |
|---|
Time-limited/no longer needed | 2.7 (1.4 to 3.9) | * | * | * | * | * | 2.1 (1.5 to 2.8) |
|---|
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