Terrorism fears cause drop in UK volunteers for overseas service. (Voluntary Sector).

LONDON, UK -- Research commissioned by the British- based Volunteer Service Overseas indicates that the fear of terrorism is responsible for a 40 per cent drop in UK volunteers since the September 11 attacks, and the charity warns that if the trend continues up to a third of its placements will be unfilled this year.

Although the VSO enjoyed record high participation levels in 2000, the charity says that security fears since September 11 have had a dramatic effect on the number of skilled professionals seeking opportunities in developing countries. In September 2001, 473 volunteers went overseas but in the 12 months leading up to September 2002 only 284 volunteers participated.

The VSO has launched a major campaign to counter a significant drop in volunteers due to concerns about terrorism by launching a major recruitment campaign. The campaign, replete with posters and partnership development with other agencies, such as local education authorities, is an attempt to stop the biggest fall in the VSO's volunteer numbers in its 45-year old history.

However, Andy Forster, information and policy development officer for Volunteer Development England, thinks vso is suffering from a general decline affecting the "professionalized voluntary sector, vso targets people with specific technical skills rather than people who want to build their skills base."

But the charity's research shows that 63 per cent of UK professionals said that international situation is having an effect on their travel or holiday plans. However, at the same time, 90 per cent of VSO volunteers serving overseas say they feel as safe or safer than they do at home.