Across Merseyside Scouts, there are over 3000 adults who offer their time, in a range of ways, to support young people to get the best start in life. Their contribution is immeasurable – they help to transform communities and transform lives.
The most valuable gift anyone can give is their time, and that gift is hugely appreciated. Let’s celebrate it during Volunteers’ Week.
This Volunteers’ Week we are encouraging everyone to take the time to say thank you to all volunteers. During an exceptionally difficult year, people from all walks of life around the UK have taken the time to volunteer and made a huge difference to people and their communities – just as they do every year.
Despite the restrictions coronavirus has placed on our daily lives, volunteers and charities have been active through lockdowns and new waves of restrictions to support people, their communities and local environments. Volunteers are always active in the heart of every UK community. They are behind many of the services we all rely on. Some are now volunteering online from home, others in person with a local charity or organisation. Their crucial contribution has not stopped, despite the uncertain times we find ourselves in, and will continue as an important part of the nation’s recovery.
What’s happening through the week?
Each day of Volunteers’ Week 2021 will focus on a different theme of volunteering to ensure we recognise the impact that different types of volunteering have played in communities across the UK in the last 12 months. Each day is a chance to take the time to say thank you to volunteers across the UK.
TUESDAY 1 JUNE: VOLUNTEERS’ WEEK LAUNCH – A TIME TO SAY THANKS
Join us for the first day of Volunteers’ Week 2021. This year has highlighted the vital role volunteers play across the UK and we want to make sure everyone is aware that this is a week to recognise their impact, think about volunteering and plan to support volunteering in the future.
WEDNESDAY 2 JUNE: POWER OF YOUTH DAY
On 2 June, Volunteers’ Week is coordinating with the #iwill movement for Power of Youth Day. Power of Youth Day is an annual celebration of the contributions children and young people make to society through volunteering and social action. This year the focus will be on the incredible efforts that young people have made during the last year – a year impacted by a global pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.
THURSDAY 3 JUNE: EMPLOYER SUPPORTED AND SKILLED VOLUNTEERING DAY
On 3 June, we want to recognise the continued contributions of skilled and employer supported volunteers by showcasing their impact around the UK.
FRIDAY 4 JUNE: HOME NATIONS’ DAY
On this day, national bodies and partners are celebrating a theme relevant to their local community. This day is a chance for volunteers to talk about what they do directly – an opportunity to highlight the benefits of volunteering for both the volunteer and the people they support.
SATURDAY 5 JUNE: ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION DAY
To coincide with World Environment Day, we are focusing on all the environmental volunteering that takes place every day.
SUNDAY 6 JUNE: THE BIG LUNCH
This year’s Volunteers’ Week festivities also include The Big Lunch. What better way to celebrate the impact volunteers have in their communities than The Big Lunch! You can join in online, on your doorstep, in a park, or over the fence (guidelines permitting). This is your chance to celebrate community connections, recognise fellow volunteers and talk to others about your experience volunteering. This weekend in June is the UK’s annual get together for neighbours and communities.
MONDAY 7 JUNE: VOLUNTEERS’ WEEK CLOSE – A TIME TO SAY THANKS
Let’s say a huge thank you to all those incredible volunteers and celebrate volunteering in all its diversity.
