Why Volunteering with Scouts is Good for You and Great for South Ribble

In South Ribble, 372 adult volunteers give their time, energy and skills to power local Scouting. Whether they’re leading sessions, helping out behind the scenes, or supporting adventurous camps and activities, they’re giving young people the tools to grow in confidence and gain skills for life.

But the impact doesn’t stop there — volunteering is proven to be good for the volunteers, too.

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.

Chief Scout, Dwayne Fields, Scouts

Part of something bigger

Scouts is the UK’s largest co-educational youth movement, with over 140,000 adult volunteers supporting nearly half a million young people across the country.

In every community — from cities to villages — volunteers are helping young people develop the values, confidence, and resilience they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. And right here in South Ribble, you could be part of that story.

Volunteering is #GoodForYou

Scouts don’t just help young people thrive — they support adults too. The #GoodForYou campaign from Scouts UK highlights how volunteering can boost:

• Mental wellbeing
  • Volunteers often report reduced stress, anxiety, and isolation. Getting involved with a local group can lift one’s mood, build confidence, and give one a powerful sense of purpose.
  • NHS research shows that regular volunteering improves wellbeing and your physical health.
• Confidence and communication
  • Whether running an activity or helping a nervous young person tie their first knot, volunteering builds one’s ability to connect, speak up, and lead—all in a relaxed, supportive environment.
• Life and career skills
  • From project planning and teamwork to safeguarding, outdoor skills and even media, volunteering gives you hands-on experience that looks great on your CV or helps in everyday life.
• Friendship and community
  • You’ll meet like-minded people, form strong connections, and become part of something meaningful in your area.

“When I started helping at Scouts, I thought I was just giving back — but it’s given me so much in return. New friends, new skills, and a proper break from the 9-to-5.” — Amelia, Event Team Member

Flexible, fun and family-friendly

Time tight? No problem.

Scouts is built on flexible volunteering, so you can choose how much time you give — and how often.

You could:

• Support a section leader at a weekly session
• Help out at weekend camps or big events
• Lend a hand with admin, finances, comms or social media
• Share a specific skill — from cooking to coding
• Volunteer as a family — bring the kids along too!

No experience? No problem. We’ll provide training, support and encouragement every step of the way.

Start your journey: Find out more & Sign Up

Calling for change: paid volunteering hours

Scouts UK is campaigning for a fairer future for volunteers by urging the Government to introduce paid volunteering hours. This would give working adults more opportunity to give back without sacrificing income. Support the campaign

One hour a week. A lifetime of impact

Volunteering with Scouts means more than just giving time — it’s about shaping futures, including your own.

Whether you’re a parent, student, retiree, or someone looking for a new challenge, our team has a place for you.

Join the 372 incredible people already making South Ribble Scouts possible — and discover how it’s good for you, too. Find out more & Sign Up