Nearly 70% of people believe charity shop volunteering can help rebuild community bonds, new research reveals

Almost two-thirds of Britons believe society has become more fragmented, a new study has found.

New polling suggests many see volunteering as a remedy for growing social disconnection.

The nationally representative survey, carried out by Censuswide on behalf of Oxfam, found 68% of respondents felt society had become less connected.

Meanwhile 69% of respondents believed volunteering in charity shops could help bring communities back together.

The research found 74% of those polled said volunteering experience makes young people more attractive to employers, and 62% believed young people should consider volunteering in the first three years after leaving school before entering paid work or further education, despite 76% of respondents having gone straight into work or study themselves.

Bridging the generational divide

Oxfam operates a network of 500 shops across the UK, offering volunteers of all ages the chance to develop skills, connect with their communities and contribute to the charity’s global work tackling poverty and inequality.

At the Leamington Spa Oxfam bookstore, volunteers range in age from 14 to 85, with some beginning during their Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and returning years later. 

Amelie Paget Wall, 21, is currently volunteering at the store while taking a year out before returning to university to complete a master’s degree. 

She said: “It’s inspiring to be part of a team that brings together different generations and perspectives and to know that what we’re doing locally also supports something much bigger globally. 

“Volunteering at Oxfam has given me a better understanding of sustainability in retail, and I have gained skills in e-commerce. It feels good to be part of this team helping an important cause.”

Oxfam is encouraging more people, particularly young people, to sign up as volunteers at oxfam.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-with-us.