As production lines shrink and unemployment queues continue to grow, one positive side effect of the economic crisis has been more men getting involved with voluntary work.

At leading veterinary charity PDSA, the number of male volunteers has increased dramatically, having more than doubled over the last decade to over 1,200. Back in 2000, one in seven volunteers were men. This figure has now risen to one in four.

PDSA Head of Volunteering, Janet Compton, said: “Over 80% of PDSA’s volunteers help out in our nationwide chain of charity shops, which has traditionally been viewed as a female role.

“However, improvements to our in-house training program, heightened awareness of male-friendly roles and a rise in unemployment have seen a shift in the gender split.”

Taking the first step into volunteering can be daunting, especially if people have preconceived ideas about what will be involved. So to encourage more people to try volunteering, PDSA is running ‘Lend a Paw week’, taking place from 19 to 24 April at the charity’s 174 stores.

Based on the concept of speed dating, anyone curious about taking on a voluntary role can visit their local PDSA store for a taster session. Lasting less than an hour, there is no pressure or commitment to sign up.

Volunteer numbers in general have grown significantly at the charity, which provides free veterinary care to the sick and injured pets of people in need. Today’s figure of more than 5,000 volunteers is 43% higher than it was in 2000. Their 1.25 million hours of support last year boosted PDSA’s kitty by saving an impressive £10.3 million in employment costs.

Redundancy has played its part, but the charity believes there are other factors involved too.

Ms Compton continued: “The benefits of volunteering are becoming much more well known: it’s a great way to keep positive and motivated, gives people the potential to learn new skills and gain practical work experience to put on a CV, as well as having fun and helping a good cause."

Volunteering opportunities at PDSA exist across the UK, making it accessible to most people. And with flexible shift patterns, voluntary work can be fitted around other commitments.

“Lend a Paw week is the perfect way to find out whether donating your time to a charitable cause is right for you,” said Ms Compton. “Anyone 14 and over is encouraged to have a go. As well as meeting new people and gaining new skills, voluntary work experience can also help improve employment prospects, which is vital in today’s tough job market.”

On the web: www.pdsa.org.uk/lendapaw