Individuals who get involved increase their own skills, experience and contribute to community life. A high level of community involvement is in turn associated with low levels of crime and disorder, higher educational achievement, better health and a greater involvement in the democratic process. An active Third Sector is important in stimulating community involvement, as is easy access to those who want to get involved.
Volunteering contributes an estimated £36bn of economic value every year, and voluntary organisations contribute nearly £7bn to Gross Domestic Product.
