National Volunteer Week – what’s in it for all of us?
This week (Monday 3rd to Sunday 9th June) marks National Volunteer Week and it celebrates the amazing contributions that volunteers make to communities all across the UK. Our Community Development Coordinator, Barbara Stephens, writes about why volunteers matter, and how to get involved.
Published: 5 June 2024
This week (Monday 3rd to Sunday 9th June) marks National Volunteer Week and it celebrates the amazing contributions that volunteers make to communities all across the UK. Of course, it’s not just one week in the year but every day when even small gestures or a helping hand can make a huge difference. Here in Welland we are blessed with many unsung heroes who give their time to make our parish a better place to live in whether it’s enhancing our environment or just sparing a couple of hours to run places that might not exist without their commitment.
Have you ever wondered why our streets and open spaces look (mostly) so litter free or who bakes those delicious cakes in the church café and opens it up every Friday? Or perhaps you’ve paused at the gate of Pursers Orchard and admired the blossom on the trees and the peaceful environment that’s been created. There are many more examples that may seem small on their own but put them all together and they really do make a BIG difference.
Of course, it can be tough even thinking about giving up our time when there doesn’t seem to be a spare hour in the day and we are all so busy with work and caring for our families. But maybe you have a passion for something or an interest that with a little tweak and chatting to the right people could convince you to give volunteering a try? Or perhaps you have a totally new idea to explore?
Part of my role as Welland’s Community Development Coordinator is to bring people together and help them to actively participate in our village whether it’s through joining existing groups or creating opportunities that I can help with. That’s just one aspect of the job and it may also involve helping you to connect with others, identify resources or just chat through ideas.
There’s so much already going on in Welland this year and we intend to do even more so why not get in touch with me to find out about volunteering opportunities, groups to join, where to get information or indeed help with any aspect. As we continue to develop our new website and improve our communications channels, you’ll be hearing more about new plans and how to get involved.
So, please get in touch – I’d love to hear from you.
Barbara Stephens
Community Development Coordinator
Barbarastephens.cdc@gmail.com
“Let’s spread the word about the army of volunteers who help each and every day, giving their time to make our community a better place.”