Millions of pre-retirees aspire to revive Britain’s communities

Britain’s pre-retirees are on a mission to revive their communities, revealing they want to use their valuable skills and life experience to kick-start their own, diverse range of clubs and activities.

New research from Royal Voluntary Service and Prudential to launch our ‘Bring People Together’ campaign found nearly half (45%) of 50-65 year olds are interested in volunteering to spearhead their own groups and activities as a way to boost support for people in their community.

These pre-retirees are also thinking in an eclectic way when it comes to the activities they want to start. Claiming the clubs currently on offer don’t match their interests, they instead are motivated to introduce a raft of new ones such as walking groups (33%), games clubs (16%), live music and film screening groups and tablet and tech training classes (both 13%). Even adventure sports and dating groups are on the radar for some.

Many 50-65 year olds think it’s in their hands to revive their communities – and their particular focus is on supporting older people. More than one fifth (24%) believe the onus is on the general public to step in to help older people, whilst more than half (55%) believe older people are not supported enough in Great Britain and there is a huge gap in the provision of care. Additionally, almost one in four (24%) believe by helping older people in the community now, it will create a legacy to support them as they too grow older.

The study found around 30% of 50-65 year olds currently volunteer in some capacity, however, of those that don’t, over half (53%) would consider doing so in the next five years. Key motivators were wanting to give back to the local community (47%), keeping busy and active (40%), helping make life better for those in the community (31%) and having a purpose in retirement (24%).

The ‘Bring People Together’ campaign seeks to encourage and empower more people to volunteer, particularly those aged 50-65. Specifically its aim is to inspire them to start their own activities or clubs for older people with the backing of Royal Voluntary Service. From social activities and hobby classes to running a lunch club or providing companionship to older people in their homes, Royal Voluntary Service and Prudential want to harness the get-up-and-go of pre-retirees’ by encouraging them to put their talents and life experience to valuable use by becoming volunteer coordinators.

To get involved in Bringing People Together, follow the link below or call us on 0300 012 0261.

"Volunteering opportunities have in recent years become increasingly structured with volunteers being asked to support the activity after it has been created or in set roles. But as the research shows, we are seeing the emergence of volunteers who want to be more creative and lead the development of local activities. They want to give back to their community, but also want greater autonomy over how that support is exercised. Many of our volunteers are already leading the way by taking on the running of activities or groups, or by setting one up from scratch, and they are making a huge difference to the lives of thousands of older people each month.

"Of course, starting a group may seem like a daunting prospect but with the backing and support of Royal Voluntary Service, we hope to make it as easy as possible and help people turn their ideas into reality. From trampoline classes to book groups, we are open to suggestions of all kinds."

Catherine Johnstone, Chief Executive, Royal Voluntary Service

"Through our Bring People Together partnership with Royal Voluntary Service we want to inspire people to get involved locally and empower them to make a difference. This not only helps them get the most out of life, but also helps the older people they will be providing activities for. Our aim is to create a network of community groups which will improve lives for many years to come."

Eleanor Turner, Head of Corporate Responsibility at Prudential

Research was conducted online by Censuswide amongst 2005 GB adults aged 50-65 between 18 December 2017 to 21 December 2017. Figures have been weighted to be representative of the GB population.

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