Every year between 1 – 7 June we celebrate the positive difference volunteering makes to everyone involved. Volunteers’ Week highlights and recognises the contribution of people who share their time, passion, skills and enthusiasm to do something positive for local people and our places all year round, sometimes behind the scenes.
The theme this year is ‘A time to say thanks.’
In March last year no-one could have foreseen the impact Covid-19 would have on our lives. Throughout the pandemic volunteers have played a vital role in keeping people safe and well. They immediately stepped forward to help with shopping trips, prescription pick-ups and to run errands, taking the time to have a friendly doorstep chat.
Incredibly, our HELP volunteers alone have helped on over 8,000 occasions, giving 1,000s of hours of time to be ‘Here to HELP’ on both a practical and emotional level. Thanks to volunteer drivers, people have been provided transport to get to their Covid vaccination appointments.
Teams of volunteer marshals from a network of local charities have ensured the smooth running of the vaccination centres at Yorkshire Event Centre and Ripon Racecourse. Working with our dedicated local health professionals, they have been part of an amazing, life-changing team effort, protecting people and giving hope.
Volunteers also play a vital role in keeping people connected, through regular phone contact, offering a listening ear and conversation. As one person HELP supported said: “I have found compassion, understanding and an efficient response in your volunteers. Thank you.”
As restrictions ease, life sadly won’t return to anything like normal for some people, who will be anxious, with loss of confidence and mobility. The kindness and generosity of volunteers will continue to play a big part in many lives.
This year people made new friends through volunteering, building new bridges in the community between people who might never have known each other before. People who had never volunteered discovered how rewarding it can be. A HELP volunteer shares her experience: “It’s not really about the shopping, it’s about human contact and taking the time for a conversation and seeing how people are coping. That has been the unexpected but heart-warming element, simply having a chat.”
Volunteers' Week is also a time to inspire others to get involved and to promote the many different local volunteer opportunities there are. The HADCA Volunteering Directory can help you find your ideal role.
As volunteer Lynne said: “I went to the HADCA website to look for opportunities to get involved. There were so many interesting and varied roles, my only difficulty was picking one! Now, thanks to HADCA, I’m volunteering with Girlguiding Nidderdale District, such a rewarding and enjoyable way to spend my spare time.”
Visit www.hadca.org.uk/volunteer to be inspired!
