Why Family Volunteering?

We want children to grow up feeling like their community is a place where they belong - a place they can help improve and feel invested. Kids notice when things aren’t fair or right. But many wonder: “What can I do to help?” FVC gives children the tools to tackle real-world challenges, from food poverty and climate change to homelessness and social isolation.

By volunteering together, families can address local issues while teaching children the value of empathy, teamwork, and civic responsibility. Early engagement matters: research shows that children involved in social action before age 10 are more than twice as likely to develop lifelong volunteering habits, and volunteering before age 13 can reduce the risk of poor mental health in teenage years by around 28%.

National research by NCVO shows volunteering rates drop after having a child. For two years running, the DCMS Community Life Survey told us that having children to care for is the third most common barrier to volunteering (behind work and having 'other things to do'), and we know that there are very few volunteering programmes out there which allow children to participate.

Family Volunteering Club removes all of these barriers, giving families opportunities to volunteer together - so contributing to your community becomes part of your everyday life, not a separate task.

“By providing opportunities for the whole family to volunteer together, Family Volunteering Club removes a significant barrier… Family Volunteering Club is so important because of the positive impact it brings for individuals and communities.” - Sarah Elliott, CEO, NCVO

Volunteering together strengthens families and communities:

For children: Builds empathy, compassion, social skills, teamwork, and a sense of moral courage. Early experiences of helping others can shape lifelong civic habits, confidence, and future career outcomes.
For parents and carers: A chance to meet new people, learn skills, reduce loneliness, and model positive social engagement for children.
For communities: Increases social inclusion, supports local causes, and strengthens resilience.

We hope you’ll come along to one of our sessions and see how you can turn your family time into meaningful action!