Sustainable volunteering
Regular volunteers are key in providing sustainable support to enhance the well-being and building stronger communities.
Last updated 30 April 2026
Overview
Volunteers are essential in improving the well-being of those in need and strengthening community bonds. They play a key role in the social service sector by helping to integrate service users into the community and elevate their quality of life. NCSS actively encourage both individuals and corporate partners to embrace regular and long-term volunteerism to ensure that support for social services is sustainable.
Types of volunteering
Event-based volunteerism
Volunteers provide support through activities such as fund-raising or providing an experience to service users. For example – Bringing services users out for an outing.
Service-based volunteerism
Volunteers provide support by interacting with service users. For example – Befriending, facilitating exercises.
Skill-based volunteerism
Volunteers provide support by using their talents, experiences and resources to strengthen the capabilities of the agency. For example – website design, photography, accounting.
Why be a regular volunteer
Becoming a regular volunteer provides numerous benefits for the community and for the volunteer. The experience of volunteering leaves a meaningful impact in various aspects.
Volunteers help fill gaps in social services, offering valuable support to service users. Their involvement helps create more inclusive, caring communities.
Regular volunteering enhances skills, fosters empathy, and creates opportunities to build meaningful relationships. It can also boost self-esteem and emotional well-being.
For corporate volunteers, regular participation boosts employee morale, promotes teamwork, and strengthens the company’s connection to the community, while fostering a culture of care.
Regular volunteers create a ripple effect, inspiring others to get involved and form a cycle of care that continues to support those in need.
