Half of UK adults claim they intend to take part in local volunteering for good causes this year, with one in seven looking to give up their time to charities for the first time, a survey has found.

Supporting people with the rising cost of living is the top priority for those looking to improve wellbeing among their local community, according to respondents to the National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) survey of more than 8,000 people.

This also found that three quarters believe demand for local food bank services will increase in 2024 and seven in ten believe the need for debt advice and mental health support will soar.

More than three in five predict rising demand for housing charities.

Other priorities to emerge from respondents to improve local wellbeing are to reduce loneliness and isolation, prevent youth violence and help the local economy.

Volunteering crisis

However, it remains to be seen whether respondents’ stated intention to volunteer translates into more people giving up their time for charity.

An array of evidence emerged in 2023 that charities were struggling to recruit volunteers.

According to the Charities Aid Foundation last year the UK is ranked only 58th in the world for volunteers, with just under a quarter of Brits saying they have volunteered over 2023.

In contrast just under two thirds of people in Liberia gave up their time for charitable causes and in Indonesia the proportion is three in five.

Meanwhile, in June last year the VCSE Sector Barometer found that two in five charities are “unable to meet their objectives” due to a lack of volunteers. Almost three in five charities say volunteer recruitment “has been difficult” over 2023.

Environmental improvements

NLCF survey respondents were also asked about priorities to improve their area’s physical environment.

Street safety was cited by three in five, while more than two in five want to see young people have places to go and things to do.

Having access to natural green spaces is also cited by two in five people to improve their local environment, the grant giver’s survey found.

In addition, seven in ten people believe it is important to feel part of a community and three in five say community spirit is strong in their area.

“It’s clear that 2024 will be another year where communities pull together to tackle shared challenges and to support each other,” said NLCF chief executive David Knott.

“A continued sense of community spirit and belonging, and a desire to be involved (including volunteering) are welcome bright spots that set the tone for the year ahead.

“Local people know what their community needs and have the passion, energy and know-how to make it happen.”

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