Volunteering appeals to a wide range of people

People across the age spectrum have grasped the benefits of volunteering, it has been claimed.

According to insurance giant Zurich, 55 per cent of 2,025 adults surveyed said they participated in at least on voluntary activity during 2011 - many during a gap year abroad.

The firm said the benefits include career opportunities and the chance to learn new skills before entering the world of work.

Paul Emery, head of community and social organisation at Zurich, said that volunteering is now a widely accepted phenomenon, and "has become much more a part of what we expect in society and also what we drive for in our careers".

"People are recognising that volunteering does have a dual benefit, because it does have a positive impact on the people or cause you're trying to support, but it helps you as well," he stated.

"[Volunteering] develop your skills in a way that can only help in terms of your future career and job aspiration," he explained, adding that volunteering could constitute a "pathway to work" for some.

And while there's no guarantee it will impress them, both existing and potential employers tend to look favourably on the activities of volunteers.

"Their commitment "shows individuals are prepared to put a bit more into their lives and to support other people as well", Mr Emery stated.

So could more young people decide to undertake voluntary work abroad during 2012?

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