Volunteers’ Week message of thanks

This is a monumental year. In a few days we’ll be celebrating 70 years of service by our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen.

Before the Jubilee weekend, I wanted to take this opportunity at the start of National Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June), to say a heartfelt thank you for your volunteering and to let you know how much it is appreciated.

We did a tally of the volunteer hours you have given collectively, and we arrived at the phenomenal figure of 1.9 million hours last year. That is just the headline figure, behind it is the dedication, compassion, energy and skill you’ve given to help people who need support to get back on their feet, run lunch clubs, serve hard working NHS staff or drive people to hospital appointments. You have played a vital role in society over the last year; generously providing your time to help make your communities better. Our President Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall often describes volunteers as the backbone of the country and I couldn’t agree with her more.

I’m delighted that volunteers are going to be so well recognised during the Jubilee weekend celebrations. Our own Platinum Champions awards will be announced and on Sunday, which is also Thank You Day, we’ll be celebrating volunteers again with a Cheers for Volunteers which will happen at Big Jubilee Lunches up and down the land.

Happy Volunteers’ Week, enjoy your Jubilee celebrations and thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Catherine Johnstone CBE
Chief Executive

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