Community resilience refers to the ability of communities to support one another by engaging and participating with community organisations. In Devon it is estimated there are 31,255 formal volunteers, based on records held by Devon Voluntary Action (DeVA). These estimates do not include informal volunteering, including babysitting and checking and helping neighbours. This contribution not only helps the organisation but also helps the individual. Volunteering can support successful transition into employment through developing skills, confidence, self-esteem, motivation to work, office skills and IT capability (Devon Voluntary Action (DeVA) Third Sector Overview of Devon, May 2014). These volunteers also have an economic impact on society. If each volunteer provides just 2 hours a week, this leads to a £39 million annual contribution in Devon.
In 2015 Devon County Council undertook a Community Insight Survey (https://new.devon.gov.uk/equality/communities/2015communityinsight). This identified that high proportions were already supporting their community particularly in relation to looking out for family or neighbours, managing their own needs, supporting local businesses and volunteering. It also highlighted further community capacity and interest in relation to self-management, community support and local participation (figure 6.4).
Figure 6.4, Interest in community involvement in Devon, 2015
Source: Devon County Council Community Insight Survey, 2015