WHAT IS VOLUNTEERS' WEEK?
Volunteers' Week celebrates the amazing contributions volunteers make to communities across the UK. The celebration starts on the first Monday in June every year. It's a chance to recognise, celebrate and thank the UK's incredible volunteers for all they contribute to our local communities, the voluntary sector, and society as a whole.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING VOLUNTEERS' WEEK?
From open days to celebration events, every year hundreds of online and in-person activities take place across the UK to mark Volunteers' Week and celebrate volunteers. This year Volunteers' Week will culminate in The Big Help Out, from Friday 7th to Sunday 9th June, where people across the UK will get the chance to experience a range of volunteer taster sessions.
VOLUNTEERS' WEEK CELEBRATES 40 YEARS
Volunteers' Week was first established in 1984, by what was then known as Volunteering England. This year we're excited to be celebrating the 40th anniversary, from Monday 3rd to Sunday 9th June.
WHY IS VOLUNTEERING IMPORTANT?
As well as helping others, volunteering has been shown to improve volunteers' wellbeing too. It’s human nature to feel good after helping someone out. Volunteering can also help you gain valuable new skills and experiences, and boost your confidence. If you're interested in volunteering please visit the website below.
- An estimated 14.2m people in the UK volunteered through a group, club or organisation in 2021/22.
- Almost one in five (16%) people report volunteering at least once a month (about 8.3m people in the UK).
- More than half of the UK population gets involved in informal volunteering – but this is less visible. Informal volunteering can involve things like going shopping, providing childcare or doing housework for free for someone who is not a relative or a friend.