A national report has laid bare the impact on society if volunteers were to stop tomorrow. Voluntary Norfolk has warned the consequences would leave Norfolk “almost unrecognisable” and would the county would “grind to a halt.”
The report, What if Everyone Stopped Volunteering?, brought together expert voices from across the UK to explore that hypothetical question. It concluded that without volunteering “UK society would quickly descend into a dystopian state.”
The report covers areas of society such as health, law, education, environment, communities, and more. Nationally, the report estimates the loss of volunteering could strip up to £400 billion of economic and social value from the UK every year.
Nicky Stainton, Head of VCSE [Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise] Sector Support at Voluntary Norfolk, was one of the contributors to the report. She offers a stark warning about what a volunteer-free Norfolk would look like. Nicky said “Everyday life without volunteering would be almost unrecognisable. Without ushers and ‘friends groups’, many arts and cultural organisations would close down.
“Without coaches and referees, most sporting activities would cease. Hospitals would become soulless places without volunteer drivers, greeters and visitors.
“The justice system would collapse without magistrates, and schools would lose the character and oversight provided by governors, PTAs and reading schemes.
“Thousands of charities, social enterprises and grassroots groups across Norfolk would have to pack up. The elderly, unwell and vulnerable would be left isolated and afraid.”
The report claims the value of volunteering in Norfolk at over £100 million per year.
Nicky Stainton warns that demand continues to grow: “As rising costs hit families and frontline services, the role of volunteers is more critical than ever. Norfolk’s VCSE sector faces unprecedented challenges, and without continued support to encourage and enable volunteering, vital services will be at risk.”
Voluntary Norfolk is calling for greater recognition and investment in volunteering, to ensure Norfolk’s communities remain resilient, compassionate and connected.
“Volunteering is the glue that holds our county together,” said Nicky Stainton, adding “Norfolk cannot afford to take it for granted.”
This comes in the same year that the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) called 2025 “The year of the big squeeze” as funding falls, costs increase, and demand climbs.
Take a look at voluntary and community groups in Downham Market.
