New survey finds nearly half of Gen Z are lonely, as Oxfam encourages people to volunteer

Over a third (38%) of Gen Z respondents say they would be more likely to volunteer than go to a pub or club, as Oxfam marks Volunteers’ Week 2025

Nearly half (47 per cent) of Gen Z respondents say they often feel lonely, according to a poll published by Oxfam today, as the charity encourages people to consider volunteering in an Oxfam shop to help combat loneliness and isolation.

The Censuswide survey, carried out on behalf of Oxfam to mark Volunteers’ Week, found that while over a third of Brits (34 per cent) often feel lonely, Generation Z - those aged between 16-28 - are the loneliest generation of them all. Over a quarter (28 per cent) of Gen Z also say they do not feel connected to a community with a lack of social opportunities being the main reason for their loneliness (49 per cent).

The poll revealed that despite being the most lonely, Gen Z are the most generous generation, with two thirds (66 per cent) of those not already volunteering saying they would consider volunteering, compared to just over half (54 per cent) of all adults. In fact, over a third of Gen Z (38 per cent) said they are more likely to consider volunteering than go to a pub or club, to connect with people.

Millennials – aged 29-44 – follow close behind Gen Z in gifting their time, with 63 per cent saying they would consider volunteering, who haven’t done so before.

Karen Gurney, Oxfam’s Volunteer Development and Experience Manager, said: “While it is sadly clear that so many of our younger generation are feeling lonely and disconnected, it is heartwarming to see that they are also keen to gift their time to help others.

“There are so many joys to volunteering in an Oxfam shop, but one of its biggest strengths is the power of connection at its heart. When you volunteer with Oxfam, you become a part of a team who are making a difference every day - meeting and connecting with people while helping to raise money to tackle poverty and inequality around the world. That is something that we can all benefit from, whether you are Gen Z, retired or somewhere in between.”

The survey found the Covid-19 pandemic also had an influence, with over half of Brits (57 per cent) saying they are more likely to consider volunteering since 2020, while nearly three quarters of Brits (74 per cent) believe a sense of community has become more important to them since the outbreak.

A separate Oxfam survey of 1,000 people who already volunteer showed the positive impact volunteering can have with nine out of 10 respondents (90 per cent) saying volunteering has improved their social life, while over two thirds (71 per cent) said they were less lonely since taking up volunteering. A further 89 per cent said they felt more connected to community since becoming a volunteer.

Gurney added: “With nearly all volunteers reporting that it has improved their social life, and over 70 per cent saying they are less lonely – it is clear the impact volunteering can have.

“There really is something for everyone – whether it is creating wonderful window displays, providing customer service or sharing vintage expertise. We’re especially keen for volunteers to support our online shop teams; listing items, researching, writing, photographing and uploading. If you think that could be you, please do get in touch.”

In 2024, over 20,000 people gifted over 2.7 million hours of their time to volunteering in Oxfam shops across the UK, playing a crucial role in raising money to help people fight poverty and inequality around the world.

For more information about volunteering with Oxfam, go here: https://www.oxfam.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-with-us/

Ends

For more information, interview requests or case studies, contact: Oxfam Media Unit media.unit@oxfam.org.uk / 07748 761999

Notes to Editor

• The research was conducted by Censuswide, among two samples: 2000 UK Consumers (Nat Rep 16+) and 1000 Volunteers in the UK. The data was collected between 12.05.2025 - 14.05.2025 and 12.05.2025 – 15.05.2025 respectively. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.
• Poll data is available upon request.
• Oxfam Volunteer Images here.