Monday marks the start of Volunteers Week an annual celebration of volunteers across the UK with this year also marking the 40th anniversary of the campaign, which runs from Monday 3 to Sunday 9 June.
The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) estimates volunteers’ efforts add an estimated £18.2 billion to the UK economy every year so it is important to pause in a week like this and thank them.
Penrith and the local area is fortunate to have a varied mix of volunteer organisations helping deliver in many cases support and services for the community that would not be available without the volunteers, from the local community radio station to volunteer run community bus services, School PTA’s and the many other varied organisations.
Often the volunteers don’t get the thanks and recognition for the role they play in the community, Not all volunteers need thanks of course but at a time when voluntary groups and charities have fewer resources and are being pushed harder to meet increasing demand on their services. Many organisations are feeling the pressure as the number of new volunteers getting involved is shrinking leading to some local volunteer organisations having to make the difficult decision to end projects and some organisations coming to an end after decades of supporting the local community.
Volunteers Week is an ideal time to highlight the local volunteers and organisations and thank them as well as an opportunity for others to find out about becoming a volunteer supporting the local community.
As part of Volunteers Week Cumbria CVS are holding an Eden Volunteering and Community Fair that is taking place on Friday 7th June, 12 noon - 1.30pm, at Penrith Parish Centre, St Andrews Place in Penrith,
Organisations attending the Volunteering and Community Fair include 4 Eden , Carers Support Carlisle and Eden, Upper Eden Linking Lives, Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland, Pets As Therapy Cumbria Cerebral Palsy, Community Catalysts, Ability Net, Greystoke Pool, CADAS, Cumbria Police, Angel Advocates, Westmorland and Furness Council-Community Transport, , Cruse Bereavement, Growing Well, GLL, SSAFA, Meals on Wheels Cumbria, Oxfam, Kirkby Stephen Youth Centre and Cumbria Family Support.
If you are interested in volunteering and would like to find out how you can get involved with supporting your local community as a volunteer why not pop along and meet some of the local organisations and find out about the wide range of volunteering opportunities available.
We want highlighting and recognise as many amazing volunteers and organisations as possible, while also helping local organisations to celebrate and thank their own volunteers.
As part of Volunteers Week Penrith.Town will be highlighting some of our local volunteer organisations and volunteers and the important roles they play in Penrith and the local community.
If you would like to highlight a local volunteer organisation or volunteer drop us a message or email us at email@penrith.town
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