Social action

Too often we overlook the immense power of individuals to create lasting change in their communities. It’s time for that to change.

Social action refers to activities undertaken to make a positive difference to others or the environment. Whether through volunteering, campaigning, or community-led initiatives, social action empowers individuals of all ages to tackle pressing social issues and contribute to the well-being of society.

At Volunteering Matters, we witness the transformative power of social action every day. From people advocating for climate justice to making improvements to their local communities, social action strengthens connections, builds resilience, and drives change from the ground up.

Social action in the UK has a long and proud history of addressing critical social challenges, from supporting vulnerable groups to tackling inequality and promoting environmental sustainability. Research shows that participating in social action has wide-reaching benefits:

  • Improved well-being: Volunteers and participants report enhanced mental and physical health, reduced loneliness, and a stronger sense of purpose.
  • Stronger communities: Social action fosters local collaboration, trust, and shared goals.
  • Skill Development: Participants gain valuable skills in leadership, communication, and problem-solving.
  • Tackling inequality: Social action amplifies the voices of underrepresented groups, driving systemic change for equity and inclusion.

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Social action at Volunteering Matters

We work to facilitate, celebrate, and amplify social action across all generations. Whether it’s older adults mentoring young people, intergenerational projects connecting communities, or grassroots campaigns tackling local issues, we believe everyone has the power to make a difference.

Our approach is rooted in inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that individuals from all walks of life can participate in meaningful social action that aligns with their passions and strengths.

Enables young people to increase awareness of mental health issues and give them the tools and space to help themselves and others.

Through #iwill, young people make a positive difference on the issues that affect their lives, their communities, and broader society.

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Our Youth Social Action continued In Suffolk, working
with over 25 schools and colleges across the county.

The 12-week Young Ambassador programme, funded by Suffolk County Council, has witnessed the social mobility of over 300 young people aged 10 to 19, leading their own youth social action programmes and “giving students a lot of confidence on how to be a good leader and how to really make a difference in their school or community” – Inclusion Manager, at local primary school.

There were also additional sessions for older young people aged 17-21 from colleges and other social settings. 5 of their Youth Social Action Programmes were based around
health inequalities.

Raising awareness of domestic abuse, gang grooming and sexual violence within communities and lobbying for changes to social policy and practice on these issues.

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The Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP) is a programme within Volunteering Matters that provides opportunities for people aged 50 and over to use their energy, enthusiasm and experience to improve the health and wellbeing of others, reduce social isolation and alleviate disadvantage in their communities.

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A group shot of young people with one of them cutting a cake to celebrate 10 years of the #iwill Movement

Spotlight stories

Milan On A Mission

The boy who wants every young person to have a safe place they can call home.

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A new approach to youth social action

Part of our Team London Young Ambassadors project, the student volunteers from Garratt Park School produced ‘care bags’ full of essential hygiene products to give to people in their local community.

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Want to get involved with one our social action projects or start your own?

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