Volunteers from the Food Bank in Toulouse (illustration) -
Fred Scheiber / SIPA
To allow them to continue their commitment, it is necessary to vaccinate voluntary associations over 50, working with fragile populations, against the coronavirus, according to a survey * by the network of experts and academics Research and Solidarity, made public on Monday.
According to this survey, 34% of volunteers aged 50-74 work in the social field and 30% with vulnerable groups.
Three quarters of volunteers ready to be vaccinated
A first inventory shows that, due to the epidemic situation, nearly four volunteers out of ten (39%) are "at a standstill while the needs expressed by associations are increasing sharply": 17% have seen their association cease temporarily its activity, 12% preferred of themselves to stop their actions in the field and 10% suspended them at the request of the leaders of the association.
61% of the volunteers interviewed remain active in the field.
Regarding vaccination, 71% of volunteers will be vaccinated without hesitation, 5% say that they will not be vaccinated and 24% either prefer to wait (15%) or hesitate (9%).
Among those who hesitate, 12% say their volunteer activity could influence their decision.
For the Research and Solidarity experts, "the vaccine is a way to protect volunteers, to give serenity and security to their commitment" and "for some, a condition for them to resume their action in the field" .
* Online survey between January 14 and 20 with 1,650 volunteers (392 responses from volunteers in the social sector), aged 50 to 74. Results weighted according to the quota method applied to the “age” variable.
Society
Coronavirus: Increase in beneficiaries, decrease in the number of volunteers ... The concern of charities goes up a notch
Society
Restos du cœur: "The number of beneficiaries could increase by 25% by 2022"
Vaccine
Covid 19
Coronavirus
Association
Volunteering
Health
Society