Celebrating Volunteers’ Week 2024
It’s Volunteers’ Week and all through the week we’ll be sharing more about the fantastic volunteers who work as part of our team. Here, our director, Patrick, talks more about the impact these amazing people have on our charity, and why we hope even more individuals, companies and groups will join them in 2024…
Not too long ago, we were thrilled that our huge team of more than 260 volunteers was honoured by King Charles with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. It’s the highest award given to local volunteer groups in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.
As well as being proud to be one of the first organisations in the King’s very first voluntary service awards since his coronation, I was also incredibly proud that it was also an opportunity to shine a light on the people who give their time so selflessly to support our work. We simply couldn’t do what we do without them and we’re hugely grateful.
Our charity has a big footprint – we support people across 620 square miles across Greater Manchester and Lancashire, and we work alongside people from a wide range of communities. Whatever their background or whatever their needs, we aim to help people experiencing poverty, disadvantage and discrimination as they strive to change their lives with dignity.
It’s a big undertaking to do so, especially at the moment as the cost-of-living crisis has significantly increased the demand for our services. Lots of people have been left in a position of poverty, unable to keep a roof over their head, give their children food each day or a safe and warm space to stay.
Our volunteers support our staff across our departments and services to make sure that we can help as many people as possible at a time they need us most. When people are at crisis point, we know from heart-breaking experience that they often simply don’t have the luxury of being able to wait and the support our volunteers give means that we’re able to continue being there – both at that crisis point and for the long-term too.
Whether that’s driving our vans, preparing and serving meals, helping our teams to deliver activities, gardening or helping our fundraising activities, there are so many ways that volunteers help us and this Volunteers’ Week I want to say a big thank you to each and every one of them. We’ll be holding a special event to gather everyone together too and say thank you in person.
We’d love to hear from you if you’d be interested in joining them too. Even and hour or two of support can make a massive difference so please do get in touch. We not only have opportunities for individuals, but for businesses and community groups too. You can share your skills and knowledge with others, and also learn new ones from our teams and the people who access our services too.
You can find out more about the opportunities on offer here: https://www.caritassalford.org.uk/volunteer/
And if you want to know more about our corporate volunteering, you can read more here: https://www.caritassalford.org.uk/team-volunteering-days-and-sponsorship/
Or, if you’d like to chat about ways you can support Caritas through volunteering, why not contact Matt from our team who would be happy to help: Email volunteering@caritassalford.org.uk or call 0161 817 2250.
Thanks again to every one of our volunteers. I hope you enjoy Volunteers’ Week.