That the Parliament recognises what it sees as the vital role of volunteers in communities across Scotland, and commends them for their contribution; considers that volunteers and the organisations that involve them are facing considerable challenges as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis; understands that the recent publication of the Scottish Household Survey results for 2023 show an eight percentage point decline in respondents' formal volunteer participation since 2019; believes that this is the first time that formal volunteer participation has fallen below 20% in recent history, and recognises what it considers to be the need for urgent action to reverse this trend and ensure that volunteers can continue to support Scottish communities.
Supported by:
Clare Adamson, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Jackson Carlaw, Foysol Choudhury, Sharon Dowey, Tim Eagle, Russell Findlay, Murdo Fraser, Meghan Gallacher, Pam Gosal, Dr. Sandesh Gulhane, Craig Hoy, Liam Kerr, Stephen Kerr, Monica Lennon, Fulton MacGregor, Liam McArthur, Stuart McMillan, Edward Mountain, Douglas Ross, Alex Rowley, Paul Sweeney, Sue Webber, Annie Wells, Tess White, Brian Whittle