Our charity joined thousands of UK charities and voluntary organisations recognising the vital contribution of our volunteers during Volunteers’ Week (2-8 June).
Running every year since 1984, the week provides a crucial opportunity to thank volunteers and recognise the value of their time, passion and skills. The campaign highlights the diversity and unity of volunteer work across the UK.
“Incredible job”
Donna Talbot, our Chief Executive Officer said: “Volunteers’ Week is a chance for us to celebrate and recognise the fantastic contribution our volunteers make to our community and the lives of the people we support who have experienced homelessness.
“From caring for our grounds and facilities, to helping with sorting and selling our many donated items, our volunteers do an incredible job keeping our charity going. We really couldn’t continue our vital work without their crucial support. A huge thank you to each and every one of them.”
“I’m giving back and helping people”
Sean Turner, one of our charity’s retail volunteers, said: “I’m in the best place I’ve ever been at the moment in terms of my mental health because I’m giving back and helping people. It gives you a whole new perspective when you see other people’s circumstances and what they have been through.
“I’ve seen a lot of the companions here come and go, some of them have moved on and it’s so lovely for me to see their progress since I started here. Some move on and have a home and are actually working, which is really great to see.
“For anyone considering volunteering, it helps if you have a flexible approach to the work and are happy to muck in and do different things than your usual role. You’ve got to try and be a bit open minded and flexible in what you do because it’s not always just one thing.”
Volunteers’ Week is led by the UK Volunteering Forum, a partnership between Volunteer Scotland, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) and Volunteer Now in Northern Ireland.
Bringing a “richness to organisations”
The UK Volunteering Forum said: “Volunteers bring a richness to organisations across the country. There is no better time to recognise the diversity of our volunteers and celebrate the difference that volunteering makes than during Volunteers’ Week.
“Without volunteers many charities just simply could not function, with so many people giving up their time and going above and beyond. The week is a chance for all of us to show just how vital they are to charities and communities everywhere.”