Nick Hurd, Minister for Civil Society and over 50 MPs from around the country will gather in London today to say ‘Thank You’ to the millions of volunteers across the UK as part of the national Volunteers’ Week celebrations.
The event is organised by Volunteering England, the volunteer development charity, to mark the end of national Volunteers’ Week, which runs annually from the 1 to 7 June.
Minister for Civil Society, Nick Hurd, said;
“Volunteering is a good way of getting involved and making a difference in local communities. The work of volunteers often goes unnoticed and that is why Volunteers Week is a great way to recognise and celebrate the work of those who are helping to improve our society.
“We have entered a new era of people power at the centre of the new Government and volunteering is a key part of this. Big Society is all about empowering local people and communities to bring about the changes they know their community needs.”
Justin Davis Smith, Chief Executive at Volunteering England, said:
“I am pleased to see that so many MPs recognise the importance of volunteering and have taken the time to come here today and thank the volunteers in their local communities.
“The country faces many challenges in the current economic climate and volunteering will have a central role to play in ensuring that we emerge stronger and more resilient.”
Volunteers’ Week also received strong support from the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg:
“When I travel across the country, I have the privilege of meeting so many dedicated volunteers doing incredible jobs for charities, organisation and their communities.
“Volunteering is a fantastic way for people to give something back but also to learn new skills, make new friends and perhaps take a first step back into employment.
“It’s absolutely right to take time out to pay tribute to our many volunteers, which is why Volunteers’ Week is such a fantastic initiative; and it’s in that spirit that this Government will be launching a national day to celebrate and encourage social action.”
MPs at the event will have the opportunity to have their picture taken with a giant ‘Thank You’ card and meet with some of the partners of Volunteers’ Week, including Cadets, the National Trust, Timebank, Youthnet and BTCV.
Volunteering England co-ordinates Volunteers Week in England; celebrating the millions of volunteers who regularly contribute to society, whilst inspiring others to get involved too.
More information about Volunteering England and the Week can be found at www.volunteersweek.org.uk.
Notes to Editor
- IMAGES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
- 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.
- Volunteering England is an independent charity and membership organisation, committed to supporting, enabling and celebrating volunteering in all its diversity.
