The research is supported by GMTV's Dr Hilary Jones who says: "Nearly half of regular volunteers say that volunteering makes them feel less depressed. It's clear that keeping physically and mentally active can often improve your state of mind. The research indicates volunteering might help achieve this, especially if it's done on a regular basis."

Volunteering is shown to have a big impact on work-related stress, a problem that affects around 5 million UK adults and costs society an estimated £3.7bn a year according to research by the Health and Safety Executive.

Key findings of the research include:

• Half of people (48%) who have volunteered for more than two years say volunteering makes them less depressed.
• 71% of volunteers who offer their professional skills and experience say volunteering helps combat depression.
• 63% of 25-34 year olds say volunteering helps them feel less stressed.
• 62% of over 65's say volunteering reduces stress.
• Almost 1 in 3 (31%) 18-24 year olds say they have taken less time off work since volunteering.

With an estimated half a million people suffering from Seasonal Affected Disorder (S.A.D.), volunteering could also help beat the winter blues.

Dr Miriam Stoppard says: "It has been known for years that many people suffer from the winter blues. It is clear from the research that volunteering could help alleviate depression for some people."

The survey coincides with the build up to CSV Make a Difference Day 2004 campaign, now the UK's biggest day of 'hands-on' volunteering, which takes place on Saturday 30 October.

The research follows the publication of initial findings, released on 21 July, which show volunteering improves health and fitness, particularly amongst young people. The research also highlights the impact of volunteering on smoking, drinking and sex.

Find out more about CSV Make a Difference Day and how you might be able to beat the winter blues by taking part: www.csv.org.uk/difference or call freephone 0800 284 533

Case Studies:

"I was bullied really badly at school and came home every day with bruises. I lost all my confidence and didn't want to go out or even speak to people. Then I started volunteering and I stopped being scared of talking to people and made friends. For the first time in years I was really happy and felt I was really living life. Volunteering really did change my life." Jamie Perez, 18, from Cheshunt has just completed college and volunteers for CSV Make a Difference Day.

"I lost my job in 1996 and wasn't able to find any work for nearly three years. I got so depressed about it all that I felt I couldn't cope and ended up trying to end it all. If I hadn't found Cathja, I really believe I would have gone under again and becoming a volunteer really helped me re-build my confidence. I'm not completely over my depression but I am much better and I'm glad that I can give something back." Barry Chambers from Isleworth is a volunteer with Friends of Cathja, a National Association of Hospital and Community Friends project.

"Volunteering is good for mental wellbeing because its reward is on a totally human level rather than financial. I know that retired volunteers I have spoken to feel better because it gives structure and purpose to their lives." Deborah Jaffe is a volunteer with Rosetta Life in London, a National Association of Hospital and Community Friends project.

"I took up volunteering with the Samaritans at a low point in my life. It gave me something positive to focus on and was a realization of a lifelong goal. When you've had a really stressful week, if you've had a good call and really made a difference, it leaves you on a high." Iain Wheeler, 23, lives on the Wirral and volunteers with The Samaritans.

"Our staff go to a school in Bow every week and help the children with their 'enrichment afternoons'. The school evaluated the project and all of our volunteers said that their stress levels were reduced when they visited the school." Debbie Phillips, Community Manager with Barclays.

ENDS

Notes for editors

1. According to research by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive), about half a million people in the UK experience work-related stress at a level they believe is making them ill; up to 5 million people in the UK feel "very" or "extremely" stressed by their work; and work-related stress costs society about £3.7 billion every year (at 1995/6 prices).

2. According to SAD Association, half a million people are affected every winter by seasonal affective depression, between September and April, in particular during December, January and February.

3. CSV Make a Difference Day takes place on Saturday 30 October 2004, when nearly 100,000 people are expected to give time rather than money to improve their local community. The campaign is organised by CSV (Community Service Volunteers) and supported by Barclays community investment programme, the Big Lottery Fund and the Home Office Active Communities Directorate.

4. CSV (Community Service Volunteers) is the UK's leading volunteering and training organisation and creates opportunities for people to play an active part in the life of their community through volunteering, training and community action. Each year 129,000 people give 3.8 million hours of their time as volunteers through CSV.

5. Barclays PLC actively encourages employee involvement through its Employee Volunteering grant giving, Volunteer 2day time giving and £ for £ match-funding schemes, as well as encouraging the wider public to do the same through supporting flagship projects such as CSV Make a Difference Day and Barclays SiteSavers.

6. "We actively encourage our employees to give their time and effort to local charities, urban regeneration, fundraising and all forms of volunteering. We are proud of their efforts and not a little humbled by them." Matt Barrett, Group Chief Executive.

7. Around 20,000 Barclays employees from around the world took part in community activities in 2003. Nearly 7,500 Barclays employees took part in Make a Difference Day activities alone, including staff in Africa and Spain. Volunteering projects ranged from mentoring, clearing beaches, serving meals in hostels for homeless people to gardening, painting and decorating.

8. Barclays takes its social and environmental responsibilities seriously, supporting social and financial inclusion both nationally and at grass roots level to make a real and lasting difference to the community. In 2003 the bank continued to be one of the UK's top corporate contributors, making a global commitment of £32.8m and one in four Barclays employees volunteered for their local communities.

For further information see social responsibility at http://www.barclays.com
Media enquiries contact: Sarah Davis, Sponsorship PR Manager, Barclays PLC on 020 7699 4114.