Volunteers’ Week 2021 is here!

Volunteers’ Week is an opportunity to recognise and thank volunteers across the UK. This year, the 37th annual #VolunteersWeek is taking place during the #MonthOfCommunity. The #MonthofCommunity, launched by The Eden Project Communities, is about creating a focal point in the year to encourage us all to think about and join in with a wide variety of activity happening in our local communities. A time to connect in our neighbourhoods, give back, say thank you and shine a light on the amazing communities we live in, our community spirit will become stronger and we will all feel the benefits.

Volunteers’ Week, Small Charities Week and The Big Lunch are just a few of the events taking place during June.

This year’s Volunteers’ Week theme is ‘A time to say thanks’ – recognising that during this exceptional year, people from all walks of life around the UK have taken the time to volunteer and have made a huge difference to their communities every day, just as they do every year.

We should recognise all those who have continued delivering vital work as volunteers over the past 12 months, but also all those who usually volunteer but have not been able to because of the pandemic.

Volunteers are always active in the heart of every community. They are behind many of the services we all rely on. Some are now volunteering online from home, others in person with a local charity or organisation. Their crucial contribution has helped us through the uncertain times we find ourselves in and will continue as an important part of the nation’s recovery.

East Durham has a strong tradition of volunteering, solidarity and mutual support, based in our community centres, charities, cadet services and our numerous sports teams across our towns and villages.

The pandemic has shown our community at its best, working together to help those in need, people shielding and supporting those who would have been socially isolated without a food delivery and a friendly chat from our army of volunteers.

Volunteers’ Week is our opportunity to say thank you, support our volunteers, and get involved in our community through volunteering.