Why People Volunteer with Scouts – And Why You Might Want To, Too

At South Ribble Scouts, we’re powered by over 370 amazing volunteers — passionate people who turn ideas into adventures, camps, community events, and lifelong memories for young people across our district.

Every volunteer brings something special, but most choose to help for just three simple reasons:

The Top 3 Reasons People Volunteer

• “I wanted to improve things and help people.”
  Whether you’re supporting young people, organising events, or helping groups run smoothly, every role makes a positive difference in South Ribble.

• “It gave me a chance to use my existing skills.”
  From first aid and photography to admin and leadership, Scouts is a place to share and grow your talents.

• “Someone asked me to help.”
  Sometimes all it takes is a friendly invitation — like many of our volunteers, you might just say yes and discover a rewarding journey ahead.

Our Values — Guiding Everything We Do

Every adult volunteer in South Ribble Scouts lives by our core values:
Integrity – Respect – Care – Belief – Cooperation

These aren’t just words; they guide how we treat each other, support young people, and make our District welcoming, safe, and inspiring.

Volunteering Makes a Difference — For You and Your Community

Helping with Scouts isn’t just rewarding — it’s good for you too. Here’s some insight from research that reflects what many of our volunteers tell us:

• 70% say volunteering improves their life satisfaction

• 66% report greater self-esteem

• 42% feel less lonely

• 33% experience reduced stress

A little time goes a long way. According to 2022 data from Scouts UK, adult volunteers contribute an average of 15 hours per month — or around 3.75 hours per week. Here in South Ribble, that adds up to:

• 72,636 volunteer hours per year (3.75 hrs/week × 52 weeks × 372 volunteers)

• Equivalent to £831,893 in time, based on the 2024 National Minimum Wage (£11.44/hr)

That’s an incredible contribution — all from people giving just a few hours a week in a way that fits into their lives. And while volunteers give their time for free, the benefits they gain are priceless.

These benefits align with findings from our recent South Ribble Scouts news story on why volunteering is good for you, where we explored the positive impact volunteering has on mental health, confidence, and social connection.

But it’s not just personal benefits that count. Volunteering also supports our local economy and wellbeing. In South Ribble alone, volunteer time contributed to saving thousands of pounds in community services and events — helping families access affordable, high-quality youth activities. Read more about how volunteering is more than just giving back in our detailed feature here.

Scouts Grow Skills for Life

Our young people tell us they feel better about themselves, become stronger leaders, and connect more deeply with others.

• 87% say Scouts equip them with life skills such as empathy, resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving.

• And these skills last a lifetime — with 74% of former Scouts reporting positive career ambitions compared to 47% of non-Scouts.

Scouts Get Places — Literally!

Our community is part of a global movement of achievement:

• 11 of the 12 astronauts who walked on the moon were Scouts

• Scouts have summited Everest and reached the South Pole

• Nearly half of our volunteers serve beyond Scouts in their workplaces, schools, and other charities — spreading positive change far and wide.

Local Voices & #GoodForYou Stories

Volunteering shines a light on the power of community in South Ribble. Here are some inspiring local stories to watch out for:

• Flexible Volunteering: Making It Work for Busy Lives
  We know life can be busy, so our new Flexible Volunteering initiative helps adults find ways to give back that fit around their schedule. From short-term projects to leadership roles, there’s something for everyone to get involved and make a difference.

• Championing Inclusivity: Meet Shona
  Shona, one of our amazing volunteers, was recently nominated for a National Diversity Award for her work creating a welcoming space for all young people in South Ribble. Her story shows how Scouts embraces everyone and builds inclusive communities.

• Young Volunteer Leaders in Action
  Our 18–25-year-old Scout Network members are shining bright, achieving top awards like the King’s Scout and Duke of Edinburgh Gold. Their dedication shows how volunteering shapes confident leaders and opens doors to new opportunities.

You Can Be Part of It

Whether you’re a seasoned leader or new to volunteering, there’s a place for you here. We’re looking for people to help with:

• Programme support (running games, leading sessions)

• Event or admin help (supporting quiz nights, camps, or communications)

• Leadership roles (shaping the future of Groups and sections)

Every hour you give helps us grow. Join us as part of the #GoodForYou campaign, where volunteers share the feel-good benefits of giving their time.

What’s Next?

• Sign up to volunteer with us!

• Explore Flexible Volunteering roles that fit your life

• Talk to your local Group Leader about current opportunities

When South Ribble steps up together, we create something extraordinary. Because alone we can do so little — together we can do so much.

A Strong Volunteer Culture at South Ribble Scouts

We’re committed to creating a rewarding volunteer culture where everyone feels valued and supported. Volunteering should fit your life, be meaningful, and most of all, enjoyable.

Find out more about volunteering with South Ribble Scouts and how it can benefit you!