Volunteering is an important contributor to the local economy, and also provides essential unpaid support, often to those most under-represented and socially excluded. A large proportion of VCSE organisations use volunteers to deliver support, but volunteering can be an important type of support itself.

National research has shown that people who volunteer may have better health and wellbeing as a result. Volunteering can help people to remain active, and to build social networks. It's also good for mental health, enabling people to remain busy and learn new skills. 

A 2012 study by the Royal Voluntary Service (formerly the WRVS) found that volunteering in later life decreased depression and social isolation, and boosted quality of life and life satisfaction. 

Volunteering in Shropshire

• Shropshire is home to approximately 135,611 formal volunteers, and of those 89,380 volunteer regularly (at least once a month)
• Approximately 191,088 people living in Shropshire informally volunteer and of those 110,954 volunteer regularly (at least once a month)
• Shropshire VCS Assembly members report an average of 30 volunteers per organisation, with some larger organisations working with several hundred volunteers (there are significant variations in numbers depending on the size and scope of the organisation)