A case for volunteering

The national picture for involvement in volunteering and social action shows that only 17% of UK adults volunteered at least once a month between 2024 and 2025 (GOV.UK). As Volunteers’ Week and The Big Help Out highlight the importance of giving time to others, the challenge is not simply to get young people involved once, but to create lasting experiences and opportunities that help them see their own ability to make a difference and inspire them to keep giving back.

At First Give, this is at the heart of our work. Through our programmes, young people research local issues that matter to them, identify and work directly with local charities, building meaningful connections as they design and deliver their own social action projects to create change. In doing so, they develop confidence, communication skills, and a stronger sense of community and individual agency.

Crucially, this early experience leads to continued engagement, with 65% of First Give participants going on to take further social action after the programme. This academic year alone, we will work with nearly 40,000 young people in England & Wales, helping to build a generation who feel motivated and equipped to give back.

Zainab Naeem, a former participant, is a powerful example of what that can lead to. To explore this, and to consider how we can support more young people to take up volunteering, First Give Director Isaac Jones caught up with Zainab. Her story offers a compelling answer.

A spark that stayed

Zainab identifies the First Give Programme as the start of her volunteering journey

Zainab took part in First Give at age 12. “Out of everything I did at school, First Give was my most memorable experience.” Her class chose a homelessness charity, and what began as a school project quickly became something more meaningful:

“I had no experiences of volunteering before First Give. I enjoyed the independence of the programme, the chance to research charities and learn about their work and impact. It wasn’t just something you hear about, this was happening and it was real.”

Over a decade later, Zainab’s First Give experience continues to shape her life. She herself is a student at London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), and serves as Vice President of the Islamic Society, helping to run fortnightly soup kitchens, among other fundraising initiatives.

“First Give stuck with me, and I’m really grateful that I had the experience, because it kickstarted my interest in volunteering, something that I do regularly to this day.”

Why volunteering matters

As Vice President of the Islamic Society Zainab runs fortnightly soup kitchens among other fundraising initiatives.

Zainab’s experiences of volunteering are about far more than strengthening a CV:

“I think it’s a lot to do with happiness. Volunteering gives you an opportunity to meet new people and hear different perspectives. People are so busy, and volunteering creates community. It’s so nice to have an impact and be a part of that”.

This sense of connection is increasingly important, particularly for students who are balancing academic pressures and busy schedules.

“I think a lot of students choose to volunteer because it’s a good way to give back to your community. A lot of the people I volunteer with say it’s really nice to get away from studying and do something that’s meaningful outside of academia.”

Zainab’s advice is simple: start small and see where it takes you.

“Volunteering doesn’t have to mean a standing weekly commitment. It can be a single event, a behind-the-scenes logistics role, or an afternoon judging at a First Give final.

In fact, volunteering as I did as a First Give judge is a great way for people to realise what they’re passionate about. It might be a good segue into working with other organisations and create new connections and opportunities.”

Building a more generous society

For First Give Director Isaac Jones, stories like Zainab’s capture the long-term ambition of First Give:

“Our vision is of a more generous society where everyone feels like they can give back, give their time, their money or their skills to the issues that matter to them.”

First Give stuck with me, and I’m really grateful that I had the experience, because it kickstarted my interest in volunteering, something that I do regularly to this day.

Zainab, First Give participant

First Give aims to reach one million young people by 2034, helping them to understand that they can make a difference now, not some day in the future.

“We talk a lot about sparking agency, generosity and confidence toward making a difference.

We create opportunities through two programmes for young people to not just hear that their voice matters, but to see it, too.

It’s important that young people see themselves as capable of making a difference, and that they understand their voices matter.”

Practical ways to get involved

Volunteering as a Judge at a First Give Final is a powerful way to support young people is open to anyone interested in supporting their local community. Judges spend a couple of hours listening to students present on issues they care deeply about, ask thoughtful questions, and help decide which group will win a £1,000 grant for their chosen charity. In doing so, they see first-hand how young people are working to improve their local communities, and the tangible impact of projects happening on their doorstep.

For Zainab, being a Judge was meaningful:

“Schools value having former students return as Judges precisely because you’re not that far removed from being in their position. You’re aspirational for them in a way that doesn’t feel distant. It’s also a genuinely good way to figure out what you care about.”

If you are looking for a way to volunteer, becoming a First Give Judge is a rewarding place to start. Finals are uplifting experiences where you see young people at their very best, showing passion, confidence and commitment to the causes they care about, and making a real difference in their local communities.

If you’re interested in volunteering as a First Give judge get in touch here- Become a Judge – First Give