Council reveals huge impact volunteers made

DUMFRIES and Galloway Council has 64,232 reasons for celebrating the efforts of volunteers in this region. This is the total amount of hours that more than 1000 volunteers contributed to the local authority in 2024/25 in helping to serve our communities. This equates to £1.35 million in economic value delivered, according to council chiefs. The true value of volunteers’ work will be showcased in a volunteer strategy report that’s due to be presented to councillors at next week’s education, skills and community wellbeing committee. The report states: “Volunteer activity in 2024/25 has spanned across all service areas. “There is significant economic value contribution by volunteers to the council. “Currently, our council has 1110 active volunteers supporting our services. This is a 37 percent increase on the previous year’s figures. “Volunteers have collectively contributed over 64,232.65 hours to our communities, adding an additional £1,350,647.46 in economic value to our services annually.” The report continues: “It should be noted, however, that while this calculation allows us to assign an economic value to the contribution of volunteering, this figure does not capture the broader benefits it brings including, increased wellbeing for volunteers, the opportunity to gain work experience, build skills in different discipline and a creating a sense of belonging.”