Rebecca Harris MP for Castle Point is joining local charities to thank the hard work of local volunteers as part of Volunteers’ Week. Volunteers’ Week is an annual celebration of the contribution and dedication of millions of volunteers who give up their time in the service of others. Events are taking place across the UK from 1-12 June to mark Volunteers’ Week, which this year is running for an extra five days to coincide with the Queen’s Patron’s Lunch on 12 June. 

Mrs Harris praised the work of Castle Point Association of Voluntary Services (CAVS) saying:

“CAVS do fantastic work in my constituency. They provide vital support and guidance to many many people in Castle Point and I think Volunteers Week is the perfect opportunity to thank them for all the hard work they do for others!”

Karl Wilding, Director of Public Policy and Volunteering at the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, which coordinates Volunteers’ Week in England, said:

 ‘Volunteers’ Week is always a fantastic opportunity for a big celebration of the great work of volunteers across the UK. This year’s longer event, culminating with the Patron’s Lunch on the Mall, will allow even more people to take part in this special thank you to those who give up their time in the service of others.

 ‘Millions of volunteers make a huge difference to our society, and our lives would be worse without them. It is great to see that doing good to help other people is alive and well in this country. Whether they are running sports clubs, providing services for those in need or spending time with people at risk of loneliness, the UK’s volunteers are an inspiration for us all and it’s important we recognise them.’

Over 14 million people volunteer at least once a month in the UK. Volunteers can be found in diverse roles in sports clubs, communities, schools and hospitals across the country, and they are vital to the work of countless charities and organisations.

Last year there were over 750 events organised for Volunteers’ Week, ranging from volunteer recruitment drives, to street parties, barbecues and award ceremonies. In addition to these celebrations, individual volunteers are being encouraged to take to social media to share their volunteering experiences and motivations using the hashtag #ivolunteer.

This year the end of Volunteers’ Week will coincide with the Patron’s Lunch on 12 June, a celebration of the Queen’s lifetime of service to more than 600 charities and organisations to which she acts as a Patron, on the occasion of her 90th birthday. Communities across the UK will be encouraged to participate by holding their own street party or event.