Volunteering ‘can help with mental and physical health’

Volunteering should be built into the Government's ambitions of ‘levelling up’ because of the positive impact that it has on both mental and physical health, according to a new report.

The Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) said its research suggests people in the country's most deprived neighbourhoods have borne the brunt of reduced social interaction during the pandemic, paying the price in poorer mental and physical health.

Its report, Volunteering for a healthier Britain, said those who have supported the civic response to the pandemic have fared better.

Volunteering can be a "powerful tool" to help address health inequalities, said the RVS.

Chief executive Catherine Johnstone said: "A civic-minded nation is a happier and healthier nation.

"By encouraging and supporting volunteering in communities we can improve the lives of millions of people.

“No more so than in our most deprived communities.

"Making volunteering a key part of the recovery will help us build back a fairer and healthier society.

"It is a driver for health and happiness which will in turn support economic productivity," Ms Johnstone added.

A survey of 2,500 adults suggested those who volunteered in the most deprived areas have dramatically improved mental and physical health and general wellbeing.

They are also considerably more likely to chat with their neighbours, socialise more and to gain confidence, said the RVS.

Professor Kimberley Smith, senior lecturer in clinical health psychology at the University of Surrey, who helped with the study, said: "The pandemic has revealed significant regional health disparities and exacerbated poor health, with those in the poorest communities suffering disproportionately.

"Part of the solution in reversing these trends is capitalising on the resurgence of civic participation."

The report recommends that volunteering be recognised as a public health intervention, and be built into the Government's levelling up agenda.