New research on how the nation spends its time reveals how activities such as gambling, drinking and dating could benefit communities.
The Great British Time Survey, conducted by ICM and commissioned by CSV Make a Difference Day and Barclays, shows how people spend their time and how everyone has skills that can benefit others, including gamblers who can help children with numeracy, shopaholics who can help a disabled person with their retail needs, and gardeners who can rejuvenate local ‘grot spots’.
The CSV Make a Difference Day research reveals:
• 42% of 18-24 year olds spend at least two hours a week dating
• 90% of the population spend two or more hours a week watching TV
• 55% of the population spend two or more hours a week gardening
• 87% of women spend at least one hour a week shopping, compared to 76% of men
• 49% of men spend at least two hours a week doing DIY, compared to just 26% of women
• 69% of men spend at least one hour reading newspapers a day, compared to 56% of women
• 21% of the population spend two or more hours a week walking the dog
• 79% of over 65s spend more than one hour a week making cups of tea
• 11% of over 65s spend more than one hour a week gambling
The survey asked people if they volunteered, and if not, why. The most common reason given was shortage of time (68%), while many did not think they had the right skills (44%).
“People spend a lot of time every week in activities which involve skills that could be translated into volunteering,” said TV’s Gladeana McMahon, who provides life coaching to celebrities, politicians and senior business people.
“For example TV addicts could use the tips they learn from make over shows to renovate a community centre, shopaholics could help a disabled person with their retails needs, dog lovers could walk dogs for elderly or terminally ill people, tea drinkers could organise intergenerational tea parties and gamblers could be helping children with numeracy skills.”
“Getting involved in activities such as creating a community garden, or renovating a community centre, is also a way to meet new people, and perhaps even find Mr or Miss Right. And in addition to finding love, the community gets a face lift.”
“This research reveals that people are not always aware of what they have to give,” said Rachael Barber Head of Community Affairs, Barclays. “Last year 14,000 members of our staff got involved in CSV Make a Difference Day in many different ways. Not only is it a lot of fun and hugely rewarding, but it is an excellent way of developing existing skills and learning new ones.”
The group least likely to volunteer were 18-24 year olds. Nearly three quarters (73%) said they didn’t have time to volunteer and nearly half (46%) said they were not interested. However the survey shows they have a lot to give:
• Nearly a quarter (24%) of 18-24 year olds spend at least one hour a week playing computer games
• Over half (55%) spend at least one hour a day on the internet
• Over half (56%) spend at least one hour a week playing sports or going to the gym
Anna Gilmour from CSV Make a Difference Day, which is a flagship event during the Year of the Volunteer, said: “The campaign is encouraging young people to use their passions to help other people. For example computer game junkies could go into hospitals and play games with children to keep their mind off other things, internet enthusiasts could share their skills with older people or become an e-mentor and sporty types could arrange a football game for disadvantaged young people or register to become a volunteer at the 2012 Olympics.”
CSV Make a Difference Day, which takes place this year on Saturday 29th October 2005, and is an opportunity for people to try volunteering to see if they enjoy it. It is the biggest single day of volunteering and is about giving time, not money.
To find out more call FREEPHONE 0800 284533 or visit the website – www.csv.org.uk/difference
The survey was published Wednesday 17th August 2005.
Further information for journalists: www.csv.org.uk/press