More than 80% of Scots believe society has become more fragmented, a survey has found – but one charity has said volunteering can challenge this by offering “something different”.
A poll commissioned by Oxfam found 82% of Scots believe society today is more fragmented and people are less connected with each other, with 60% of respondents saying they would like to feel closer to a community or group.
However the majority of respondents to the survey also said they think volunteering can help tackle the problem, with 84% saying helping in charity shops can bring people together.
During Volunteers’ Week, we’re celebrating the thousands of people across Scotland who give their time to support others and in doing so, build connection, confidence and community
The results of the survey have been published to mark Volunteers’ Week, which starts on Monday.
Claire Rowlands, Oxfam’s volunteering co-ordinator in Scotland, said the survey shows the difference volunteering can make.
“People are telling us they feel cut off, caught in a cycle of scrolling rather than connecting,” she said.
“At the same time, many are looking out at a world in turmoil, from conflict to climate crises, and wondering where they fit in.
“It can feel overwhelming. But right across Scotland, something different is happening, and in our shops we see every day how volunteering brings people together.
“During Volunteers’ Week, we’re celebrating the thousands of people across Scotland who give their time to support others and in doing so, build connection, confidence and community.
“In a world that can feel increasingly fragmented and disconnected, volunteering offers something different.
“It brings people together, creates belonging, and gives people a shared sense of purpose.”
The survey also found most Scots believe volunteering can help people in other ways.
Sixty-two per cent said it would help maintain a sense of purpose, 56% said it can help provide routine and structure, and 52% said it would help them build new social connections during life transitions.
More than three-quarters (78%) also said they believe more people should seek out volunteering opportunities during retirement.
Barbara Myloff, 76, began volunteering one day a week at her local Oxfam shop after retiring from her job at Lochee Library in Dundee, and she now works weekly shifts.
She estimated that over the years she has raised thousands of pounds for the charity through shop volunteering, fundraising and taking on sponsored challenges like the Kiltwalk.
Explaining what motivates her, she said: “In this country, you turn on the tap and you get clean water. You have a flushing toilet. The wee things that we take for granted.”
She contrasts this with what she sees on the news in places like Gaza and Sudan, where she said mothers are struggling to keep their children alive.
“That’s why I keep going,” she says. “You have to think about the bigger picture.
“I don’t have a lot of money, but I can give my time.
“It’s camaraderie, it’s community. It gives you purpose to your life, and you know you’re doing good.”
Oxfam said there has been “increasing recognition” of the value of volunteering, particularly during life transitions such as retirement, and has called on more people to give it a try.
Ms Rowlands said: “Volunteering isn’t about having lots of spare time or experience, it’s about taking that first step.
“Whether it’s a few hours a week or more, there is a place for everyone, and the impact can be huge.”
The charity has invited people across Scotland to mark Volunteers’ Week by exploring opportunities to volunteer and become part of “a growing movement building stronger, more connected communities”.
The survey of 1,000 nationally representative Scottish consumers was carried out by Censuswide between March 20 and 26.