# Research on Girlguiding volunteers suggests greater levels of happiness than non-volunteers

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2024/06/03/research-on-girlguiding-volunteers-suggests-greater-levels-of-happiness-than-non-volunteers/
- Published: 2024-06-03T09:40:00+01:00
- Author: Melanie May

**Girlguiding volunteers report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction
than the average UK adult who does no volunteering, the organisation has reported.**

According to [figures](https://girlguiding.foleon.com/girlguiding-impact-report/girlguidingimpactreport/girlguiding-volunteers)
released by the charity for Volunteers’ Week, Girlguiding volunteers also report
levels of happiness up to four times higher than those who volunteer at least once
per month at other organisations in the UK. 

With almost 80,000 volunteers, Girlguiding has one of the largest volunteer networks
in the UK. However, with more than 58,000 girls on waiting lists, the charity is
appealing for more people to [offer their help](https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-for-volunteers/volunteer-roles-in-guiding/).

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This weekend, the public can try their hand at volunteering with Girlguiding through
the [Big Help Out.](https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/what-we-do/events-and-opportunities/events/girlguiding-big-help-out-2024/)
Taking place across the UK from the 7-9 June there will be opportunities to visit
a Girlguiding event and find out what volunteering is like.  

#### Improvements to wellbeing, & transferable skills

Volunteers surveyed by Girlguiding emphasised the personal benefits of joining, 
such as improvements to their health and wellbeing (91%). 94% of volunteers said
that Girlguiding helps them make new friends and 89% agreed volunteering helps them
feel good about themselves.  

87% also feel that volunteering has helped them learn new skills that can be used
outside of Girlguiding and 64% have found that it has improved their employment 
prospects.  

Chief guide Tracy Foster said:

> “It’s no surprise to me that our volunteers report such high levels of happiness.
> Every week I have the pleasure of meeting different Girlguiding volunteers around
> the UK and they are experts at bringing fun and friendship to everything they 
> do.
>  
> “Like many of our volunteers, I’ve made lifelong friends at Girlguiding and I’m
> so grateful to be able to support and be supported by such incredible girls and
> women.”

On average, the charity has also found that Girlguiding volunteers stay for more
than double the UK charity average of six years.  

 * **[Archbishop leads group asking party leaders to volunteer as part of Big Help Out](https://fundraising.co.uk/2024/06/07/archbishop-leads-group-asking-party-leaders-to-volunteer-as-part-of-big-help-out/)**(
   7 June 2024)
 * **[6.5mn took part in Big Help Out, poll shows](https://fundraising.co.uk/2024/06/25/6-5mn-took-part-in-big-help-out-poll-shows/)**(
   25 June 2024)
 * **[First Black Briton to reach North Pole becomes Chief Scout](https://fundraising.co.uk/2024/09/06/first-black-briton-to-reach-north-pole-becomes-chief-scout/)**(
   6 September 2024)