Over 60% of the 500 BME people interviewed for the study said they would volunteer their time to help change and improve facilities in their local area, yet more than half of them didn't know how to get involved or who to ask. The survey also found that 72% of respondents felt that mainstream charities would benefit from a more diverse volunteer base, which would enable them to develop a better understanding of the needs and cultures within London's ethnic communities.

The survey coincides with the launch of a new London-wide campaign, Mind the Gap, which aims to raise awareness within BME communities about the benefits of volunteering, as well as showing them how to do it.

Tarela Diffa-Umeri, Mind the Gap Project Manager, said of the results: "We know that people from BME backgrounds want to volunteer and feel strongly about putting something back into their community but often don't know the best way to go about this. They are a hugely untapped resource and the Mind the Gap campaign hopes to raise awareness amongst London's ethnic communities about volunteering, how to go about it, and all the benefits giving time can bring."