Andrew Gwynne, MP for Denton and Reddish, has thanked “local heroes” ahead of Volunteers Week 2022.
Volunteers Week, established in 1984, is all about recognising the incredible contribution millions of volunteers make to communities every day, as well as showcasing the range of opportunities available for people to get involved. The week, which runs from 1-7 June, is led in Partnership by NCVO in England, WCVA in Wales, Volunteer Scotland, and Volunteer Now.
This year’s theme is ‘A time to say thanks’ – recognising the role that volunteers have played, particularly in the pandemic response. During an exceptionally difficult couple of years, people from all walks of life around the UK have taken the time to volunteer and make a huge difference to their communities – just as they do every year.
This year’s campaign also takes place shortly after the launch of the Vision for Volunteering, a movement to create a diverse, innovative, ambitious and person-centred future for volunteering. The Vision for Volunteering was led by NCVO, Volunteering Matters, the Association of Volunteer Managers and Sport England, in consultation with the volunteering sector. The Vision sets out a view of what volunteering needs look like, and how this will make volunteers feel about their activities by 2032, and will now form the basis of a conversation about how we can collectively deliver this future.
Gwynne, who helped found the local volunteering group ‘Friends of the Tame Valley’ in 2020, has taken the week as an opportunity to recognise those who go above and beyond.
Commenting, Andrew Gwynne said:
“Ahead of Volunteers Week 2022, I’d just like to thank all the local heroes across Denton and Reddish who take time to volunteer and help out in the local community.
I know from my own experience with Friends of the Tame Valley just how rewarding volunteering is, and I’ve been so inspired by the incredible things local people achieve through volunteering. From helping people through the cost of living crisis by running food banks, to litter picking in their local park, people across Denton and Reddish really have gone above and beyond.
I would encourage anyone who is interested to visit the Volunteering Week website, there are some fantastic resources and great volunteering ideas.”
To visit the Volunteers Week website, click here.