More than 21 million people volunteer in the UK at least once a year which contributes to an estimated £23.9 billion to the UK economy, so let’s start by saying thank you!
In 1984, Volunteer’s Week was set up to create a big celebration to thank volunteers who make a huge contribution to our communities every day. Over 750 charities hold events across the UK to celebrate the power of volunteers, from award ceremonies, tea parties, and BBQs.
This year, National Volunteers Week coincides with The Patron’s Lunch (Sunday 12th June) which celebrates Her Majesty the Queen’s lifetime of service to more than 600 charities to which The Queen acts as a Patron.
Justin Davis Smith, director of volunteering at the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, which coordinates Volunteers' Week in England, said:
“Volunteers' Week is a time to celebrate the people in our communities who volunteer, giving their time and energy to help a whole multitude of causes…whether that's by recognising the people that already given so much, or encouraging people to try volunteering for the first time.”
What do volunteers mean to charities?
“At Bowel & Cancer Research we have a big aim, that no one should die of bowel cancer, live with chronic bowel disease or face life with a permanent stoma. Without volunteers we simply couldn’t make that happen. Every hour they put in means more awareness of our message and more funds raised for our life-saving research. As a small team we love having volunteers join our family and they get the benefit of learning how a small national charity works. This Volunteers Week we would like to say a huge thank you to all our volunteers, many of whom now work in the charity sector.”
Amy Noss, Bowel & Cancer Research.
“Volunteers Week is a fantastic opportunity for us to say a huge thank you to our 18,000 volunteers and give them the recognition they so deserve. There are lots of ways people can volunteer with us around the UK. The dedication and hard work of every person volunteering with us means we are able to support hundreds of thousands of disadvantaged children and young people each year in the UK. With their help we will continue to be there for the children and young people who need us most – now and always.”
Javed Khan, Barnardo’s Chief Executive.
"Oxfam relies on the immense contribution our volunteers make. With over 31,000 volunteers in our shops, at festivals, events, in communities and our offices up and down the country, they make an enormous impact to Oxfam's work to end poverty around the world. This is why we are involved in Volunteers' Week to thank them for their support."
Daniel O'Driscoll, Oxfam's Head of Volunteering.
Volunteering is even good for your health, and that’s a fact!
According to the University of Wales’ study measuring the benefits of volunteers, Dr. Rachel Casiday, lecturer at the Department of Voluntary Sector Studies found it can help improve:
- The Quality of life
- Ability to cope with ill health
- A healthier lifestyle
- Improved family relationships
- Meeting new people
- Building self-esteem and offered a sense of purpose
If you’ve been inspired to offer you time, simply registering your interests, how much time you can offer and what you’d like to do on the Charity Choice website. Charities frequently search this area for a range of volunteer opportunities.
