Every year, more than 30% of adults across Scotland volunteer, donating more than 142 million hours to their communities each year. It has been estimated that the economic value of this activity is worth in excess of £2.2 billion to our economy. Services and initiatives that are vital to the running of our country simply wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for volunteers. Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser was among the first to support Volunteer Scotland’s ‘Be Inspired by Time Campaign’. Even as little as an hour’s worth of volunteering can have a positive effect on the local community. In an hour, a volunteer walk leader can support someone to take part in a Health Walk on a risk assessed route. Health Walks are undertaken on a regular basis to improve health and are for inactive people who would benefit most from doing more physical activity. Health professionals suggest everyone should try to take 30 minutes of physical activity a day Pledging their support for the campaign, fellow MSPs stressed the value to local communities of greater local involvement in voluntary action and pledged to help raise awareness throughout Scotland. Murdo Fraser MSP said: “Hopefully, my contribution alongside fellow MSP’s can help raise awareness of the ‘Be Inspired by Time’ campaign which hopes to promote volunteering across Scotland. “Volunteers across Perth and Kinross, Fife, Stirling and Clackmannanshire make a tremendous contribution to our communities and should be recognized for their efforts. “Not all volunteers have the same skill set but everyone has something to offer. Volunteering expands horizons and for most is a truly enriching experience, get involved and you could make a huge difference to your area.” EndsNotes to Editor30% of adults in Scotland volunteer through an organisation or group (Scottish Household Survey, 2009/10).These volunteers give over 142m hours each year, equating to an economic value of £2.2bn.60% of people feel they have never been asked to volunteer (VDS, 2004).An estimated 78% of young people do not associate volunteering with good citizenship (Being Young in Scotland, 2009).Volunteering can deliver health benefits to volunteers (Volunteering England, 2008).Volunteers report that their volunteering provides them with valuable skills and experience, and helps them find a job.Volunteering can have major positive benefits, including skills development, health improvement, mental wellbeing, building confidence and self-esteem. If you want to join in the campaign and volunteer or just want to know more about how you can help within your local community visit the Volunteer Scotland website www.volunteerscotland.org.uk