Dimensions of Community Social Service in British Columbia:

In addition, SPARC BC thanks the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction for its $1.5 million contribution, as part of the Social Services Sector Roundtable’s ongoing work to improve social services for the province. [...] This study was conducted between February and March, 2023 and provided valuable insights into key aspects of the BC population with respect to engagement in the community social services sector and health-related social needs that reflect the mandates of many sector service providers. [...] Some gaps in the current knowledge base relating to the community social services sector, the people who work within the sector, and the communities being served have been identified by key partners, such as the BC Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction and the Social Services Sector Roundtable Reference Group, composed of sector leaders. [...] As with educational attainment, the inclusion of those 15-to-17 years of age in the Census data have impacted this comparison with the survey sample of those 18 years and older. [...] With this in mind, understanding the current prevalence of volunteering (in and out of the sector), the potential indicators of its trajectory in BC, and the motivations for and against the decision to volunteer are described in the sections below.