Big Way Of Life

Many, many charities, businesses and organisations would simply not exist if it wasn't for the fantastic work done by volunteers. They give up their own time for the benefit of others, and that takes a pretty special person to do that.

Well from the 1st – 7th June their hard work is being celebrated with Volunteers' Week, a whole week in which organisations from the public, private and charity sectors will hold parties and award ceremonies to thank their volunteers and highlight their contribution to local groups and the wider community.

It will also be a chance to encourage new volunteers and give information to those wanting to know where and when they can get involved.

There are events running throughout the country, from Fife to Devon, Lincolnshire to London, and are taking place between now and December, although most of which are happening in the first week of June.

To see what's going on in your area and to get involved, click here.

On the website you can also thank a volunteer you know who deserves some recognition for the work they've done.

Volunteers' Week began in 1984. Initially it was run on a local level but in order to raise greater awareness of the importance of volunteers the National Centre for Volunteering took the lead in promoting the Week.

Volunteers' Week is an initiative of the volunteer development agencies working across the UK: Volunteering England, Wales Council for Voluntary Action, Volunteer Now and Volunteer Development Scotland.

It is supported by a variety of charities and organisations such as the British Heart Foundation, Samaritans and Victim Support.