We joined thousands of UK charities and voluntary organisations in recognising the vital contribution of our incredible 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”
Gemma Beckett, our Business Development Manager 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 keeping our premises and gardens tidy and functional, to helping with our collections and deliveries and sorting and selling our donated items, our volunteers do an incredible job keeping our charity going. We really couldn’t continue our vital work supporting people away from homelessness without their crucial support. A huge thank you to each and every one of them.”
“I would recommend volunteering to anyone”
Kate Armitage, our gardening volunteer, said: “I’m currently working with one or two companions and you can see the benefits that being outside has on them – it has a calming influence and is so good for their mental wellbeing. They absolutely love it.
“I would recommend volunteering to anyone. It’s very convenient for me as I don’t live far away – I can walk here in the summer. I love being with the companions (the people the charity supports) and vulnerable people. I worked with children with hearing impairments and special needs before I retired and that experience has helped me in this role – that and having a good sense of humour!”
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.
“Going above and beyond”
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.”
If you would like to volunteer with Emmaus Hertfordshire and help our vital work ending homelessness for vulnerable people, please click on the button at the top of the article.
*Pictured are a team of corporate volunteers from Tesco who helped give our St Albans shop a much-needed makeover.