Spring into ACTION AND VOLUNTEER THIS YEAR
We are the first and only organisation to provide a benevolent fund to support volunteers! Our often unsung heroes!
As we welcome in spring, it is the perfect time to reflect on our lives and think about how we can make a positive impact on our communities. One way to do this is through volunteer work. Volunteer work allows us to spring into action, spread positive energy, and make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
Volunteering is not only a way to give back, but it is also a rewarding experience for the volunteers themselves. When I engage in volunteer work, I feel a sense of fulfillment and purpose knowing that I am helping others and contributing to a cause that I believe in. It is a way to connect with others who share similar values and passions, building strong bonds and fostering a sense of belonging within a community.
Engaging in volunteer work has a profound impact on our own personal growth and development. It opens our eyes to the struggles and challenges that others face, develops our sense of empathy and compassion, and broadens our perspective on the world. By stepping outside of our comfort zones and immersing ourselves in the struggles and triumphs of others, we learn to appreciate the things we often take for granted in our own lives.
Another important aspect of volunteer work is its ability to bring people together from all walks of life. Regardless of our backgrounds, age, or skillsets, volunteering provides an opportunity for us to come together and work towards a shared goal. The diversity of experiences and perspectives among volunteers enriches the work and fosters a sense of unity and collaboration that is essential in creating lasting positive change.
So, as we begin spring, let’s make a commitment to start it with kindness and contribute to the betterment of our communities. Whether it’s dedicating a few hours of our time every week or participating in larger initiatives, every act of volunteer work counts. Let’s embrace the power of volunteerism and work together to create a world where kindness, compassion, and empathy prevail.
Volunteer Whether it’s a few hours of our time every week or participating in larger initiatives.
Volunteers are an incredible asset to a charity. They give their time, effort, and skills to the charity they choose to support and are vital to its success. And for many charities, volunteers are the lifeline that enables them to continue to support their beneficiaries. But in order to add this value, volunteers must be utilised correctly, managed well and supported throughout.
There is no doubt that volunteers do an incredible job but managing volunteers is often complex and can be extremely difficult sometimes. And finding the right volunteers for the right role can be hard to find.
Recent research has found that volunteering is worth around £324 billion a year, equating to almost 15 per cent of UK gross domestic product, so it is clear it is a huge part of our sector and something that needs to be managed well.
Volunteer Recognition Day aims at acknowledging and appreciating the value and importance of volunteers in various fields who selflessly dedicate their time and energy for the welfare of others. The observance serves as a reminder of the vital role that these individuals play in communities around the world, and to encourage more people to participate in volunteering activities. The key purpose of this day is to celebrate the efforts of volunteers and showcase their contribution to various social, cultural, educational, and economic aspects of society.
While the origins of Volunteer Recognition Day are not clearly documented, the concept of volunteering has a long history in the United Kingdom. The UK has consistently maintained a strong volunteering culture, with millions of people participating in various initiatives every year. According to a report by the UK's Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, 21.6% of adults in England took part in formal volunteering at least once a month in 2021. This highlights the importance of recognising the hard work of those selflessly dedicating their time and effort to helping others.
To observe Volunteer Recognition Day, organisations across the country host events and activities to celebrate those who offer their time and energy to make a difference in their communities. These events can include award ceremonies, appreciation gatherings, or simply spreading the word about the incredible impact that volunteers have within their respective sectors. Volunteer Recognition Day takes place on April 20 every year.
Volunteers Week starts on the first Monday in June every year. It's a chance to recognise the fantastic contribution volunteers make to our communities and say thank you.
Volunteers’ Week is supported and celebrated by small grassroots organisations as well as larger, household-name charities.
Together they run hundreds of activities across the UK, which showcase and celebrate volunteers and their contribution to our communities.
Volunteers are always active at the heart of every UK community. So taking the time during Volunteers’ Week to celebrate and recognise their efforts and all they contribute to our local communities, the voluntary sector and society as a whole have never been more important.
Every year hundreds of events, both online and in–person, take place to celebrate Volunteers’ Week and the huge range of ways in which volunteers give their time. This year will be no different.
A wide variety of activities will be happening across the country from volunteer recruitment events and open days to celebration and recognition events.
A massive thank you to the 6 million* of you who joined in with The Big Help Out on Monday 8th May 2023. It was fantastic to see people coming together to lend a hand in their communities to experience how rewarding volunteering can be, and the power it has to make a change.
Over 7 million of you say you are more likely to volunteer as a result of seeing The Big Help Out in action!* 73% of volunteers say that getting involved gives them more confidence, according to research by the NCVO.
The Big Help Out is not for one day only. Our handy Platform (launching soon) helps you lend a hand all year round. There is an opportunity for everyone!
This year The Big Help Out will take place over the weekend 7th – 9th June, and more people than ever will be lending a hand!
Volunteers of all ages across the UK. Have continued to give so much energy, commitment and skills to the communities and organisations that they have supported.
Making a world of difference by Volunteering in many different ways, places and spaces.
The Volunteers trust would like to take this opportunity to thank all Volunteers throughout the United Kingdom.
THANKS
You've been so very good to us.
You've been kind in every way.
you've made us treats and helped
on all our special days.
Today we'd like to thank you
for all you've done this year,
and to tell you that you're special
and so very, very dear.
Today we'd like to tell you
in our own special way:
We appreciate the things you've done
More than words can say.
Please donate today and help us reach those who need us most during these difficult times. Please donate whatever you can. "Your donations" will help us to support volunteers through the cost of living crisis throughout the UK.
helping "volunteers" people who give their all to others who are struggling to survive with living cost, running a car and food/clothing etc.
Your donation will enable us to help those who help others.
The Volunteers Trust would like to say a BIG thank you to all of our donators and sponsors! Your generosity is enabling us to help volunteers to keep doing thier amazing work! This money will be used to support Volunteers in many ways! It could be helping a Volunteer who is struggling financially, subsidising the travel costs of a volunteer, paying for driving lessons for a young volunteer and SO much more!
