findings from OUR volunteer survey show the power of giving time to your community
At Educafe, volunteers are not just part of what we do, they are the very heart of it. Every conversation held, every welcome extended, every smile shared is made possible through the dedication and generosity of our volunteers. Their time, energy and compassion enable us to reach individuals from all walks of life, build a sense of belonging, and create a more connected community.
"Volunteering at Educafe feels a useful and helpful thing to do. Gradually relationships are built up, so it becomes more than just assisting with conversational skills. I always feel that I gain as much as I give in these sessions. "
The Mutual Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering is not just about giving, it’s also about gaining. While our volunteers provide essential support that enables Educafe to thrive, the benefits flow both ways. National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) research shows that volunteering can have a profound impact on mental health and wellbeing, offering a stronger sense of purpose, deeper social connection and overall life satisfaction. We see this every day at Educafe. According to the Educafe Volunteer Survey (June – August 2025), over half of our volunteers joined us “to give back to the community and help others”.
“There are several highlights (of volunteering at Educafe), probably the biggest is the sense of reward when I see faces light up when I go to Chatty Corner.”
Our recent survey shows that our volunteers are generally happy in themselves, satisfied with their lives and they feel that the things they do in life are worthwhile.
Educafe Volunteers in numbers:
40+ regular volunteers
2 years average length of support
9 in 10 feel satisfied in thier lives
96% rate their volunteering journey with us as good
In addition, the Educafe Volunteer Survey (June – August 2025) reveals, most now feel more confident than when they started volunteering at Educafe.
Building Community Through Shared Purpose
Many of our regular visitors have transitioned into volunteer roles themselves—closing the loop in a beautiful cycle of support and empowerment. From receiving help to offering it, their journey is a testament to the healing power of community and shared purpose.
Volunteers often describe their time at Educafe as rewarding and eye-opening.
These interactions foster empathy, understanding and lasting friendships, creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued.
Volunteering: A Wider Impact on the UK
Volunteering doesn’t just strengthen individuals and communities, it also plays a vital role in keeping the UK economy moving. A recent study by Third Sector found that in 2023, the value of volunteering across England and Wales was equivalent to almost 15% of the UK’s GDP, amounting to an extraordinary £324 billion. This reflects not only time given but also the invaluable skills, human capital and community infrastructure volunteers provide, quietly powering everything from health and education to integration and community wellbeing.
At Educafe, we see this impact in every session. According to our latest survey, Educafe volunteers stay for over two years on average, with eight in ten attending weekly, demonstrating remarkable dedication. Nine in ten volunteers feel valued as part of the team, and 96% rate their experience as good or excellent.
Join Educafe and Make a Difference
We are immensely grateful to our volunteers for their generosity and commitment. Their contributions create spaces where people feel welcome, supported and empowered.
If you want to experience the rewards of volunteering in the UK, develop new skills and make meaningful connections, consider joining Educafe. Every conversation, every smile and every hour you give strengthens our community and enriches your life.
Thank you to all our volunteers, you truly make Educafe what it is. We couldn’t do it without you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the benefits of volunteering in the UK?
Volunteering provides social, emotional and physical benefits. It improves mental wellbeing, builds confidence, creates meaningful connections and allows you to give back to the community. At Educafe, volunteers report increased confidence, satisfaction and a sense of purpose. They also feel empowered through our reflection and referral approach.
Q: How can I volunteer at Educafe?
To join our volunteer team, we recommend that you visit Educafe a few times to find out what we’re all about. Come along and get to know our team, our visitors and other volunteers. More details about volunteer opportunities and how to get in touch can be found on our Volunteers page
Q: Who can volunteer at Educafe?
We welcome applications from adults who are kind, reliable and genuinely committed to making a positive difference in our community.
Educafe relies on a small but dedicated team, so we recruit volunteers carefully to ensure the best fit for our key activities and the people we support. While we value enthusiasm, we also look for individuals whose skills, experience or interests align with what we do, whether that’s community engagement, language support, family support, communications or event coordination.
Because we have a limited number of volunteer vacancies, we prioritise applicants who can offer regular time and share our values of inclusion, respect and belonging.
If this sounds like you, we’d love to meet you!
Q: How much time do volunteers give?
Most of our volunteers attend weekly on a Wednesday and stay for 2-3 hours. Some work behind the scenes, offering our management team strategic advice, data services and other specialist knowledge. Many of our volunteers have been with Educafe for an average of over two years, showing a high level of commitment and engagement.
