The Power of Volunteering: PSR Pay it Forward

Volunteering is more than just giving time or support – it’s about creating meaningful connections and making a real difference in the lives of others. 

Whether it's helping to address a pressing need or providing essential support where it’s needed most, the true magic of volunteering lies in its ability to spark a ripple effect. That simple act of helping someone else often leads to broader benefits for the community, the environment, the economy, and even the volunteers themselves.

Here’s how volunteering creates a wider impact:

• Addressing gaps in essential services. Volunteering fills the gaps in essential services for communities. Whether it’s mentoring students, assisting in local food banks or working with charities and environmental organisations, volunteers step in to ensure that vital services reach those who might otherwise go without
• Boosting mental and physical health. Volunteering isn’t just about helping others; it’s also great for the volunteers. It provides a sense of purpose, helps combat loneliness, reduces stress, and ultimately improves overall wellbeing. The mental and physical benefits of giving back are clear, making it a win-win for everyone involved.
• Building a sense of belonging. One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering is the sense of connection it fosters. Volunteers build strong bonds, not only with the people they are helping, but also with each other. 

PSR Pay It Forward 2024 Volunteering Programme

At PSR, we believe in the power of giving back which is why our ‘Pay it Forward’ Volunteering Programme continues to inspire our team to contribute their time and skills in ways that truly matter.  The programme leverages our wider organisational resources including an annual gifted volunteer day plus the AMS Global Day of Giving, an additional volunteer day gifted to all AMS employees. 

Key highlights from our 2024 programme include: 

• 1237 hours dedicated by PSR to local voluntary causes, nearly doubling our 2023 efforts. 
• 50% team engagement in the programme, a 7% increase from last year. 
• 72 beneficiary organisations including charities, schools, community foodbanks, and NHS services. 
• Over £25,000 of social value generated and recorded using Thrive social value reporting software 

Over the year, our team contributed to their local communities in a variety of ways including:

• Removing Barriers to Employment. Many volunteers mentored young people and helped underrepresented talent develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive. By working with local schools, colleges, and charities, we’re breaking down barriers to employment and improving social mobility.
• Environmental Conservation. We’re passionate about protecting the environment and our volunteers engaged in activities like community clean-ups, tree planting, and environmental advocacy. These efforts help foster sustainability, instil a sense of environmental responsibility, and protect the places that matter most to our communities.
• Community Engagement and Wellbeing. Our volunteers gave their time to support causes that are close to their hearts. From sorting donations for food banks to clearing community gardens and organising local religious events. 

We also took our programme a step further by engaging our Supplier Connect network, enabling us to amplify the programme’s reach and create even greater impact.  

Conclusion

Volunteering is one of the most effective ways to address the challenges facing our communities today. As more people and organisations embrace the spirit of giving, we can look forward to a future where social connectedness, environmental sustainability, and community wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. 

The PSR Pay it Forward programme is just one example of how volunteering plays a critical role in building stronger, more resilient communities and we’re excited to continue this journey of giving back in 2025.

You can learn more about our 2024 programme by reading the PSR Pay it Forward 2024 Impact Report on our website here.