Thanks go out to the selfless volunteers, this Volunteer Week

Volunteer charities and care organisations have been praising the work of the millions of people who have given up their time over the last year to make a difference, as part of Volunteering Week running from 1–7 June.

Leonard Cheshire Disability are one social care provider who regularly see first-hand the impact volunteers make, with some of their service users helping them mark the occasion by sending out thank-you messages.

Eddie McDermott, who is a resident at Orchard Cheshire Home, in Liverpool, speaks of his time with volunteer worker David, saying: “David accompanies me to the Everton FC home game and spends time watching the sport on TV with me. He has enabled me to attend football matches and to go on outings to the shops and leisure activities. David also accompanies me on social outings and will take the time to just stop and chat. I really appreciate his efforts in escorting me on outings – he is good company and has a good sense of humour. David always makes the effort to spend time with people.”

While Pam of Alne Hall Cheshire Home, Yorkshire, comments on the help and companionship she receives from volunteer worker Annita, saying: “Annita helps me to use my computer. She also takes me out to lunch and to meet my family. She has supported me to meet my goals in achieving my computer studies qualifications. Annita gave me confidence with the computer. She has made me feel happier and brighter.

“My new computer skills enable me to help my friend, Joy, in turn. I can also use my computer to do jobs in the residential home, such as creating posters, making lists and labels for the kitchen, etc.

“Annita's commitment and long-term input has made a great difference in my life. I have enjoyed her company and friendship and look forward to her visits!”

Hft (Hft) are another care provider whose vision could not be fulfilled without the efforts of volunteers such as Chris and Hazel White, chairman and treasurer of the Dartmoor Friends group, who began volunteering when their son moved into one of Hft’s services.

Chris and Hazel comment, “We wanted to support Hft as we felt the support that families receive from the charity really is immense. Over the years we’ve really enjoyed volunteering for Hft.”

Head of regional and community fundraising, Chris Clarke, says: “It’s thanks to the support of volunteers like Chris and Hazel and our friends groups that Hft is able to provide the support we do for people with learning disabilities. Their generosity and dedication is something that all our volunteers share and we want to say a big thank you to all of them this Volunteers’ Week.”

Many local authorities are also marking the week, such as Lancashire County Council which has been conducting a series of community events that include mentoring and befriending, supporting unpaid carers, home visiting, gardening, and arts and crafts.

“Volunteering can be both challenging and rewarding,” says Julie Sumner, the council’s county volunteer service manager.

“My team and I speak to volunteers on a daily basis and they regularly tell me how much they get out of knowing they’ve made a positive difference to the lives of other people or their communities.

“Whether it’s providing someone with companionship or helping a disabled person to go shopping, volunteers make an invaluable contribution to their communities.

“But they don’t just get a huge sense of personal satisfaction, volunteering can open doors into employment, education, friendship and life.”

She continues, “Students can also benefit from volunteering. Some courses require students to volunteer, giving them real experience of different client groups or learning about communities and how to combat social isolation.

“I’d like to put on record my admiration for those thousands of people in Lancashire who give up their time for the benefit of their community. I very much hope that these events for Volunteers’ Week will inspire the next generation of volunteers.”

In Kirklees the council is also looking to highlight volunteering efforts, reporting on an excellent local contribution towards health, disability and social care issues.

Councillor Molly Watson comments: “Volunteers work alongside vulnerable adults and take on roles as diverse as befriending, running arts and music groups, assist at support groups for those with dementia and their carers, meet and greet within care homes, train as assistant tutors for the Looking After Me Course for carers, and become involved in gardening projects. We would like to say a big thank you for the valuable contribution they make.”

In Somerset, councillor John Osman also points out that volunteers themselves can get a lot out of the experience, saying: “I am extremely grateful for the work volunteers do from day to day serving our communities. In these difficult times, it is even more vital that the people of Somerset spend the time they can helping their local area. Voluntary work can also be a great way to enhance your CV and career prospects.”

Volunteering England have released a survey of volunteers which shows that only 1 per cent of respondents felt their contribution was not valued, while 89 per cent felt their role had at least had a ‘moderate’ impact upon society.