The survey of 181 children's centres across the UK by charities Family Lives and 4Children reveals that volunteering in children's centres is widespread, with centres typically having three or more volunteers engaged in different activities at one time.
On average, volunteers work for four hours per week, and the majority (88 per cent) participate for at least six months, with 38 per cent staying for a year or more. Volunteers are typically parents who are using or have used the centre's services or students on placements or work experience.
According to the report, 'Volunteering in Children's Centres', the majority of volunteers (83 per cent) help with stay-and-play sessions or groups (79 per cent). Around 71 per cent are on governance/parent's boards, 49 per cent provide administrative support and 27 per cent help run the nursery. (See bar chart.)
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