Volunteers week celebrates 30th anniversary

Thirty volunteers from across England have been selected as ambassadors for the 30th anniversary of Volunteers’ Week.

The annual event first launched in 1984, marks the contribution that millions of volunteers make to charities and other organisations.

Hundreds of events will be taking place all over the country as charities, schools, hospitals and others use Volunteers’ Week as a time to thank their volunteers. Volunteer Week takes place from June 1- 7, 2014.

Simon Kirby, the MP for Kemptown & Peacehaven, welcomed the news.

He said: “There are 167 voluntary organisations in Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, and many of them rely on their volunteers and the dedication, commitment and energy that they put in.

“The work that volunteers do is vital, and a week such as this is a great opportunity to honour them. I will also be doing my part later in the week by undertaking some voluntary work in the Royal Sussex County Hospital.”

Justin Davis Smith, is director of volunteering at the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, which coordinates Volunteers’ Week in England.

He said: “Volunteers’ Week is a great opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate volunteers and the incredible contribution they make to our communities. Volunteers are an integral part of our society, and without their dedication, energy and commitment, many of the services we take for granted would simply grind to a halt.

“But the magic of volunteering is that it is a two-way relationship. So alongside the contribution to our local communities, volunteers also benefit tremendously from the experience – learning new skills, boosting their wellbeing, or simply meeting new people and having fun.

“This year we are celebrating thirty years of Volunteers’ Week and, while our focus is always looking forward, it is nice to be able to reflect on the enormous contribution volunteers have made to our communities over more than a quarter of a century and to celebrate their impact.”

For information about events coming up this week, CLICK HERE:

For more information, CLICK HERE: