This week Eastleigh MP and Volunteers Minister, Mims Davies, joined with charities, businesses and communities to celebrate the incredible contribution of volunteers to the UK as people across the country mark Volunteers’ Week.
As part of the week of celebrations, events have been taking place across the nation with a corporate and skills volunteering day on Tuesday, a Youth themed day on Wednesday and a wellbeing and impact day on Thursday. The campaign was founded in 1984 by Volunteering England which then merged with NCVO in 2013 who currently leads the campaigning.
Commenting Eastleigh MP Mims Davies and Minister for Charities and Volunteers said:
“This nation’s Civil Society has a proud heritage and is admired around the world. These incredible people and organisations are the bold, brave, beating heart of our communities, and I absolutely pay tribute to them and celebrate their huge contribution!
“Locally the area that I am so proud to represent is incredibly lucky to have so many volunteers and charities, from uniform groups like the Hedge End Air Training Corps and Royal British Legion - who do so much all year round but especially around the Remembrance weekend – to sports groups and on to collective volunteer groups like One Community.
“I thank each and every person who takes the time to volunteer in our community, something that is good for our wellbeing, our skills set and our confidence, and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone!”
The Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Keith Mans said:
“Volunteers play an important role in Hampshire and we are very grateful to them for their time and dedication. There are a variety of volunteering roles across the County Council and there really is something suitable for everyone – whether it’s out on the road as volunteer drivers, helping mentor our young people, supporting the elderly, or supporting our country parks, county archives and libraries.
“Not only does volunteering boost the wellbeing of our communities, but it also brings a raft of positive benefits – skills, friendships and sense of achievement – to the individual.
“My thanks go to all of our dedicated, hard-working volunteers who are making a real and positive difference every day.”