Half of younger people don’t volunteer because they see it as ‘uncool’

MORE than half of younger people refuse to volunteer because they see it as “uncool” amongst their pals, an eyeopening study has found.

A poll of 18–25-year-olds found a selfish 50 percent believe there is a stigma around them offering up their services to do good.

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Feeling embarrassed if they were seen doing it and believing it’s a waste of time are other excuses some have given as to why they haven’t put themselves forward to help others.

While some even claimed they did not have any spare time to be volunteers, the poll found.

Nearly a fifth said nothing sparks their interest while a quarter admitted they had no idea where to start or how to get involved.

Despite this, 43 percent of Gen Zs do carry out some form of volunteering up to three times a month.

The most common voluntering roles see them helping the elderly, working with kids and supporting the less fortunate.

While nearly half of those who do volunteer revealed they don’t do it as often as they would like to.

45 per cent of those who don’t volunteer said they could be tempted if there was easier access to a wider variety of volunteering roles.

Of those who do currently volunteer, 46 per cent started because of lockdown, while 38 per cent do it because they were influenced by friends and family.

More than half said it makes them feel happy and 47 per cent are fulfilled.

A further 44 per cent feel a sense of accomplishment while more than a fifth admit to being out of their comfort zone.

The study, conducted via OnePoll, also found 38 per cent would have been more inclined to take up volunteering if it was part of the curriculum while they were still in education.

Samsung Electronics UK comissioned poll of 1,500 18-25 year olds.

Sophie Edgerley-Harris, Head of CSR at the company, said: “The ever-growing digital world has revealed a huge range of opportunities which young adults can lend their hand to.

“It’s great to see a shift in attitudes to volunteering but there’s still progress to be made in changing the perceptions of it being outdated.”