One of the UK’s leading volunteering websites has reported a huge increase in the amount of people wanting to contribute last year since the previous year.

YouthNet, home of the website doit.org.uk, reported a massive rise of 115 per cent in the number of people applying to volunteer in 2008 compared to 2007.

According to the website, some volunteers are choosing to devote their time to good causes in order to help their quest for employment during the recession. Others are simply looking to give something back to the community and learn new skills.

For a long time, volunteering has been a key part of large companies’ commitment to social responsibility. It’s more creative, innovative, engaging and, most importantly, more fulfilling for employees than simply donating financially – the benefits are huge for all concerned.

One such company is Honda. Its philosophy revolves around doing things, often small, which make a big difference. Whether it’s creating a zero emission car, a motorcycle with an airbag or a generator to power an Antarctic expedition, the company is a team of ‘doers’.

Recently, 60 Honda UK staff took a day out to help with three projects close to its headquarters near Slough in Berkshire.

During the day, the team rejuvenated a nursery for people with learning disabilities and an allotment for people without gardens.

This was in addition to cleaning the depths and surroundings of the Slough canal basin, filling 40 refuse sacks.

Felicity McClintock, volunteer co-ordinator for British Waterways London, which looks after the canal, appreciated the effort.

She says: “British Waterways is thrilled by the hard work and enthusiasm of Honda’s staff involved in the recent clean up event. We really appreciate the support of volunteers who give up their time to help us keep the waterways clean and tidy for all to enjoy.

“Every year we spend £100 million maintaining the UK’s canals and rivers, removing everything from aluminium cans to shopping trolleys from the water and towpaths.”

Emma Knight, who works for Honda UK and volunteered at Cherry Orchard allotments says: “The team spirit was amazing. Everyone got stuck

in, had a great laugh and thoroughly enjoyed giving something back to the local community. We all left with a great buzz and are still talking about it in the corridors.”

A week later, a six-strong team from the company’s PR department braved the Three Peaks Challenge, climbing more than 11,000 feet in (26.5 hours) to raise more than £3100 for child bereavement charity, BEN.

For anyone who wants to begin giving something back, a good place to start is the local volunteer centre.

Another route is to visit www.do-it.org.uk to search a nationwide database of volunteering opportunities.

The website receives more than 35,000 applications each month from volunteers looking to be matched with one of its one million plus opportunities to volunteer.

Honda UK recently teamed up with do-it.org.uk to as part of its launch campaign for the Honda Insight hybrid car. A special volunteering search tool on its website, www.honda.co.uk matches volunteers to environmental projects looking for support.

The company is also asking each of its dealers to nominate a local or national environmental charity – to which it will donate £5 for every Insight test drive taken.