The Importance of Volunteers Week
Volunteers’ Week is an annual UK-wide campaign held from the first Monday in June to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers.
Launched in 1984, this initiative has been running for over 40 years, providing organisations and communities a platform to thank current and past volunteers for their invaluable efforts.
The campaign highlights the diversity and unity of volunteer work across the UK. It fosters connections between national organisations and grassroots groups, celebrating the spirit of volunteering that enriches communities each year.
At Circles South West volunteers are the centre of everything we do, simply put, volunteers are Circles. Without them, we would not be able to deliver Circles of Support and Accountability across the South West and build safer communities year after year.
Currently, we have 211 local active volunteers from across Cornwall, Devon, Avon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, delivering Adult and Young People’s Circles. Volunteers range from the age of 19 up to 82 years old, with one thing uniting them – the desire to make the world a better place. The role of the Circle Volunteer is a challenging one that requires a level of maturity, empathy and boundaries that very few other roles require.
Over the years we have seen many people come and go, leaving their mark upon other’s lives in the most positive way. We are so incredibly grateful to each and every one of them for spending their time and their talents to help us deliver our work.
We also are lucky enough to have people who came and stayed. Many of our volunteers are reaching the ten-year mark of volunteering, more still have completed 10 Circles with us. We hope they stay so long not only because of the rewarding work that they do but also because of how they are treated during their time with us. Our staff really get to know volunteers, value them, learn about their lives and them as people. There is a real sense of camaraderie within our team of volunteers and we try and give back to them at any chance we get.
This week is about our volunteers; a huge thank you from us for their dedication. In a time where life is more difficult for people than it has been in a long time, these wonderful people still show up every week to support their Core Member. They talk to them, help them, challenge them and encourage them to live an offense-free life and make our communities a safer place.
Volunteers make a difference. Not just in our charity but across the country, working tirelessly to improve the lives of others. It’s important that we celebrate that and shine a light on their work and dedication. So to all the volunteers out there – Happy Volunteers’ Week. We appreciate you more than you know.
If you want to find out more about becoming a Circles South West volunteer you can do so here.
