64% of Carmarthenshire’s population* is estimated to live in rural communities. This needs to be considered alongside our Urban communities when thinking about what factors can hinder people from volunteering.
*Carmarthenshire Rural Communities
Many people cite busy schedules as a barrier to volunteering, especially if they have full-time jobs, family commitments, or other responsibilities.
Limited access to transportation can make it difficult for individuals to travel to volunteer opportunities, especially in rural areas where public transport can be sporadic or non-existent.
Some potential volunteers may face financial barriers, such as the cost of travel or the need to prioritize paid work over unpaid volunteering.
Some people may not know what volunteering means and perhaps see it as just ‘helping in a charity shop’.
Residents of rural communities may not be aware of available volunteering opportunities due to limited local resources, outreach, or communication channels.
Individuals may feel that they don’t have the necessary skills or experience to volunteer effectively, leading to hesitancy or reluctance to get involved.
Volunteering whilst experiencing stress and/or anxiety can create significant barriers for citizens. This is also a particular concern following the COVID pandemic.
Volunteering often requires a time commitment, which can be daunting for those who are unsure about their availability or ability to commit long-term. They may need flexibility and options.
In multicultural communities, language and cultural differences may pose barriers to volunteering for some individuals. Insensitivity, a lack of knowledge and understanding can create fear and concerns.
Physical or mental health needs may limit an individual’s perception, or ability, to volunteer.
Not all groups and charities have the skills, or lived experience, to support all potential volunteers and their individual needs.
Some individuals may perceive volunteering as unrewarding or unfulfilling, particularly if they don’t see tangible benefits or outcomes from their efforts.
What is in it for me?
Rural areas may have aging populations or fewer residents overall, resulting in a smaller pool of potential volunteers, particularly among working-age adults who may have employment or caregiving responsibilities.
Resource limitations, such as funding shortages or a lack of infrastructure, can impact an organisations ability to recruit and retain volunteers which can lead to short term and/or poor experiences.
Perceived pressures through official channels may in fact create a negative outcome. Government or employer campaigns for the public to volunteer may be seen as ‘being told what to do’ instead of encouraging community engagement.
Bureaucracy can be a sizable barrier for some as they just want to help out. Form filling, reports, claims, DBS checks, policies, all contribute to time taken away from what they are there to do.
Familial, and community, pressures not to volunteer can pose challenges often beyond the scope of volunteer managers.
Limited volunteering opportunities locally means that potential volunteers cannot find something of interest. People will not often offer their time for free to do something they do not enjoy.
Some people simply like to be asked to volunteer. Having someone reach out and identify them as worthy to participate, capable of engaging and able to do what is needed is the only thing stopping them from doing so.
These barriers can vary in significance depending on the specific context and demographics of Carmarthenshire, but addressing them can help make volunteering more accessible and inclusive within the community.
Our passions make us stronger and barriers melt in the face of what we desire most. Action over inaction.
Anon
To overcome these challenges and encourage volunteering in Welsh towns and villages like those in Carmarthenshire, several strategies can be implemented:
Community Outreach and Engagement: Volunteer organizations can actively engage with local communities through outreach efforts, community events, and partnerships with local businesses and organizations to raise awareness of volunteering opportunities.
Flexible Volunteering Options: Offering flexible volunteering options, such as remote or virtual volunteering opportunities, can accommodate individuals with limited mobility or irregular schedules in rural areas
Transportation Solutions: Collaborating with local transportation services or providing volunteer transportation assistance can help overcome barriers related to distance and transportation access.
Skills Development and Training: Providing training and support to volunteers, can help build confidence and competence, addressing concerns about skill gaps and readiness to volunteer. This addresses feelings of inadequacy, increases knowledge around volunteering and can manage expectations.
Technology Adoption: Embracing technology platforms and digital tools for volunteer recruitment, coordination, and communication can help bridge geographical distances and connect volunteers with opportunities more effectively
Several organizations and initiatives in Carmarthenshire may be addressing these challenges already, including local community groups, charities, and government agencies focused on community development and volunteering. FIND OUT.
Read information around the new volunteering approach in Wales.
Groups and charities can provide recognition and appreciation for volunteers through awards, events, and public acknowledgment to highlight the value and impact of their contributions.
They can foster a sense of belonging and community among volunteers by facilitating social connections, networking opportunities, and peer support.
Advocated for policies and investments that support volunteering, such as funding for volunteer programs, infrastructure improvements, and initiatives to address rural-specific challenges evidences the thirst for change.
Barriers to volunteering, particularly in rural areas, can exacerbate the current volunteering crisis by limiting the availability of volunteers and hindering the capacity of organizations to deliver essential services and support to communities. By addressing these barriers and implementing strategies to promote volunteering, communities can enhance social cohesion, resilience, and well-being while addressing critical needs and challenges.
