Each year the first week in June celebrates the contributions made to the community by those who give their time, skills and knowledge without charge for the benefit of others.  

Volunteers’ Week starts on the first Monday in June every year. It’s an opportunity to recognise, celebrate and thank the UK’s incredible volunteers for all they contribute to our local communities, our health and care services and the voluntary sector.

This year marks 40 years since Volunteers Week was launched nationally in the UK.  The milestone allows volunteers and staff time to reflect on volunteer achievements and gives us all an opportunity to thank our volunteering community.

South Yorkshire has over 63,000 regular volunteers, the majority of whom support local voluntary and community groups and who collectively produce 4.5 million hours of work valued between £45 million and £63 million (Third Sector Trends report)

Organisations who support volunteering are holding celebration events this week and sharing their volunteers achievements and stories on social media, which are available by searching #volunteerweek and #SYVolunteering on ‘X’

During the week of celebration a volunteering mascot, Volly, organised by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to travel around South Yorkshire taking part in the many different events taking place.

Christine Joy, Chief People Officer at NHS South Yorkshire said “Volunteers’ Week is an important opportunity to shine a light on our incredible volunteers who carry out valuable roles in health and care across South Yorkshire.  They give their time freely as a gift and bring a range of experience and commitment to their roles. Their kindness, care, and compassion is recognised and valued. 

“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 people to gain valuable new skills and experiences, and boost confidence.”

If you’re interested in volunteering, here’s how to get started and some volunteering stories to inspire you.