LL-00241
Connecting Generations in Diversity
From June to August 2026, research on volunteer engagement and cooperation approaches in the field of social services in Kurzeme was carried out within the framework of the Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme 2021–2027 project No. LL-00241 “Connecting Generations in Diversity” (ConnectingGen). The findings show that the potential of volunteering in the region has not yet been fully realised. Nearly half of the surveyed social service providers had not involved volunteers during the previous three years, while only 17% of organisations reported an increase in volunteer involvement. At the same time, organisations with experience of working with volunteers generally assessed this cooperation positively, highlighting benefits both for service users and for the organisations themselves.
The research involved 29 organisations in Kurzeme registered in the Register of Social Service Providers and 10 organisations with practical experience in engaging volunteers. In addition, three in-depth interviews were conducted with representatives of good practice: the association “Ziemupīte”, Saldus Municipality Agency “Social Service”, and the public benefit organisation “Hospiss LV”.
The research shows that volunteers most commonly help organise leisure activities, accompany service users on walks, take part in celebrations and charity events, and assist with practical day-to-day tasks. Organisations noted that this helps provide more individual attention to service users, improve emotional well-being, encourage social interaction, and strengthen links with the local community.
At the same time, 52% of respondents identified low public interest in volunteering as the main barrier, while 25% pointed to a lack of motivation and high volunteer turnover. Limited staff capacity and time resources within organisations also pose a challenge, as working with volunteers requires coordination, training, and ongoing support.
Many organisations also still lack a systematic approach to working with volunteers. Only 28% assess volunteer candidates, 24% provide induction training, and more than half do not have a designated person responsible for coordinating volunteers.
The organisations themselves identified experience-sharing, wider public awareness, and funding for volunteer coordination as the most important solutions. They also highlighted the need for clear guidelines and closer cooperation between social service providers, municipalities, NGOs, educational institutions, businesses, and local communities. The majority of surveyed organisations expressed their readiness to participate in a joint volunteer cooperation network for the Kurzeme Region.
The full research material, “Research on Volunteer Engagement and Cooperation Approaches in the Field of Social Services in the Kurzeme Planning Region”, is available here:
The next step is to strengthen cooperation, knowledge, and coordination so that more people can become involved and contribute to the life of their local communities.
About the project
The research on volunteer engagement and cooperation approaches in the field of social services was carried out within the framework of project No. LL-00241 “Connecting Generations in Diversity” (ConnectingGen), co-funded by the European Union under the Interreg VI-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme 2021–2027.
The project seeks to promote social inclusion and community cohesion by developing an innovative intergenerational approach to working with seniors and young people in Latvia and Lithuania.
Kurzeme Planning Region is solely responsible for the content of this publication, which may not reflect the official position of the European Union.
More information about the project is available on the Programme website:
https://latlit.eu/theprojects/connectinggen/
Project Manager:
Sandra Miķelsone–Slava
Phone: +371 26085158
E-mail: sandra.mikelsone@kurzemesregions.lv
