Volunteering is often heralded as the backbone of strong, connected communities. It binds society, supports those in need, and fosters a sense of purpose beyond personal pursuits. Whether it’s aiding local charities, mentoring young minds or contributing to urban regeneration efforts, volunteers are the ones who transform good intentions into tangible impact and drive meaningful change.

Yet, despite the clear need for volunteer work, there exists a persistent frustration: it is always the same old people stepping forward.

This challenge is felt acutely in local projects, where community-driven initiatives rely on a dedicated pool of volunteers to function. The need is there - the flyers go up, the calls go out, and organisations make heartfelt pleas (like Truro Volunteer Day held on Lemon Quay at the beginning of June) - but the response remains disappointingly familiar. It’s the same faces, the same (selfless) committed individuals shouldering the load year after year, while new volunteers remain scarce.

Perhaps it's the fast-paced world we live in, where personal and professional demands leave little room for unpaid commitments or civic involvement. Perhaps someone else will take responsibility, a belief that surely there must be enough volunteers. Maybe it’s the lack of immediate gratification - a feeling that efforts go unnoticed in the grand scheme of things.

Whatever the cause, the result is the same: stretched-thin volunteers who carry an unsustainable burden.

Perhaps a shift in societal priorities is needed, such as a four-day working week, allowing people the time and mental space to engage with their communities beyond work and family obligations. If work-life balance were better structured, volunteering wouldn’t feel like an overwhelming extra responsibility but a natural part of civic life.

The question remains: What will it take for more people to answer the call? And how long can those continue who bear the weight alone?

Cllr James Tucker (Conservative), Tregolls Ward