What is Volunteers Week?
Volunteers’ Week is an annual campaign which takes place in the first week of June to celebrate and thank volunteers which is co-ordinated by Volunteers’ Week. During an exceptionally difficult year, people from all walks of life around the UK have taken the time to volunteer and made a huge difference to people and their communities – just as they do every year.
Despite the restrictions coronavirus has placed on our daily lives, volunteers and charities have been active through lockdowns and new waves of restrictions to support people, their communities and local environments. Volunteers’ Week want the country to come together to recognise all of those who have continued delivering vital work as volunteers over the past 12 months but also all those who usually volunteer but have not been able to because of the pandemic.
Volunteers are always active in the heart of every UK community. They are behind many of the services we all rely on. Some are now volunteering online from home, others in person with a local charity or organisation. Their crucial contribution has not stopped, despite the uncertain times we find ourselves in, and will continue as an important part of the nation’s recovery.
The contribution of volunteers is often unseen and unrecognised by many, visible only through the incredible impact of their volunteering. However, the coronavirus pandemic has rightly raised the profile of volunteering and more people than ever are aware of the immense contribution being made every single day by Britain’s volunteers. That is why, on this 37th annual #VolunteersWeek and during the #MonthofCommunity, it’s time to say: thank you volunteers!
Why Volunteer?
Depending on your interests, the skills you have or the skills you wish to develop there are various opportunities available. As well as giving you the tools to enhance your volunteering experience, completed training courses as part of your volunteering role can all be used to enhance your C.V.
Research led by Jump shows that ‘volunteering is associated with higher levels of wellbeing, better general health and fewer mental health problems’. The socialisation that comes from volunteering in groups and with other people is beneficial, similar to taking part in sport. The sense of purpose that you gain from volunteering may also be a contributing factor. Jump’s report ‘Happy Days’ which gives a much deeper look into volunteering and wellbeing is due to be published soon.
The Royal Voluntary Service also did some research among their own volunteers and discovered that 91 per cent felt a sense of purpose thanks to their volunteer activities. They also found that many experienced an improved sense of wellbeing having started volunteering for the first time.
So not only does volunteering give you the opportunity to develop personal and professional skills, meet new people, try new things, give you a chance to get out of the house and into your community, it also has a positive impact on our wellbeing.
Who Offers Volunteering Opportunities in My Area and What’s Available Now?
Our Volunteering Providers page has lots of information on local organisation who offer Volunteering, if you want to know more, click here to visit the page! We also have a Volunteering Opportunities page where organisations advertise the current volunteering opportunities which they have available, if you want to know whats available now in your area, please click here to visit the page.
