Love at first shift! why Gen Z are falling for volunteers, not profiles
New research from Royal Voluntary Service finds younger generations are seeking ‘cause-nections’ through purposeful pursuits
Three in four young Brits (75%) would consider volunteering as a purposeful way to make new friends and find potential romance, signalling a shift away from nights out, endless scrolling, and online dating, as 74% feel it is a better use of their time for meeting new people than apps or social media.
In fact, one in four (25%) Gen Zs felt anxious when meeting people online or on nights out, with these typical ways of socialising leaving them feeling overwhelmed (21%), judged (13%), and disconnected (12%). Additionally, over three-quarters (77%) see volunteering as a safer, more meaningful way to meet new people compared to bars, social media or apps.
To support this trend Royal Voluntary Service has teamed up with relationship expert Sam Owen to highlight ‘cause-nection friendly’ volunteering roles available on its digital volunteering platform, GoVo.org. Developed thanks to support from the players of People’s Postcode Lottery, GoVo connects people with flexible local and remote volunteering opportunities, making it easier to fit helping out into busy lives.
New research by Royal Voluntary Service and People’s Postcode Lottery, based on a survey of 1,000 British Gen Zs and Millennials, reveals that over two-thirds (69%) of Gen Z believe volunteering helps break the ice more easily than traditional socialising, while 72% feel it offers a better chance to meet like-minded people. A further 71% feel it gives them the opportunity to expand their social circles beyond their existing friends.
What’s more, seven in ten (71%) young Brits would be more likely to volunteer if the role encouraged teamwork or group activities, making it easier to form connections while giving back, and 72% would prefer making new friendships while using their time for good deeds.
When asked why they would take this route, three in four (76%) respondents agree bonding over a shared purpose would lead to stronger relationships, and surprisingly, three-fifths (61%) said they would rather make friends volunteering than in a pub or bar.
And it’s not just friendships, as nearly half (47%) of Gen Z’s are interested in volunteering specifically to meet potential romantic partners, while almost two-thirds (64%) believe working together on meaningful activities is more likely to lead to compatibility than traditional dating methods. Interestingly, 65% believe it’s easier to gauge someone’s character and values while volunteering together than on a first date.
Above everything, 71% of Gen Z and Millennials admit they worry about loneliness in today’s modern world, with three in four admitting to craving valuable, ‘real world’ ways to spend time with others.
Royal Voluntary Service has compiled ‘Cause-nection friendly’ volunteering opportunities available on GoVo, to help volunteers build meaningful connections in their communities.
Top ‘Cause-nection Friendly’ volunteering roles
- Support a charity football match featuring special guests
- Keep up the good vibes in a marathon cheer squad
- Witness the drama as a front of house volunteer at a local theatre
- Bond with boaters and join a volunteer narrowboat crew
- Join fellow culture vultures to support a famous Yorkshire festival
- Use communication skills for good and join a charity media team
- Get chatting over the bar as a volunteer event bartender at a vibrant charity community complex
- Shoot something other than selfies with a charity social media team
- Bloom in a summertime flower show support role
- Get the guys together to chat and connect, as a men’s group volunteer
"As a relationship expert, I see time and time again that the biggest barrier to forming meaningful connections is context, as people often meet others in environments that don’t reveal who they truly are. Volunteering offers the opportunity to change that, as it gives people a shared experience and a chance to see values in action, which is far more revealing than small talk at a bar or swiping on an app. That’s why it’s such an effective way to build friendships and meet like-minded people, as you’re connecting in a way that really matters and has a lasting impact on you and the cause."
Relationship expert Sam Owen
“Volunteering has incredible power beyond giving back to communities and causes. It helps combat isolation, can introduce you to new friends, and provides meaningful opportunities to connect with like-minded people. Nearly four-fifths of Millennials (78%) say they’re more likely to volunteer when it helps them connect with others, underlining the importance of these social benefits. We hope anyone looking to make new connections or expand their social circle can find a role that lights them up through GoVo, whether locally or through flexible opportunities from home.”
Fiona Longhurst, Chief Knowledge Officer at Royal Voluntary Service
“Loneliness and disconnection are real challenges for young people today, so it’s inspiring to see volunteering emerging as a positive way to build genuine relationships and feel part of something bigger. Thanks to support from Postcode Lottery players projects like GoVo can open the door to new friendships, confidence and community connection. It’s a powerful reminder that giving a little time can make a big difference, not just to charities, but to people’s lives too.”
Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery
To discover volunteering opportunities that let you give back while building new connections and meeting like-minded people, visit GoVo.org
Notes to Editors:
*The survey of 1,000 British adults 18 - 43 years old was conducted by 3Gem Research and Insights between the 3 and 4 December 2025.
