Welcome to Volunteers’ Week in Wales

Volunteers’ Week takes place across the UK 1-7 June. Find out what is happening for Volunteers’ Week in Wales this week.

Volunteers’ Week, the much-anticipated occasion in which we celebrate and recognise the nation’s volunteers, has arrived. WCVA and its partners are excited to see and hear the many stories of what volunteers have been up to over the past 12 months, and how through contributions of all sizes they are making a difference to the communities and neighbourhoods that we live in.

To mark Volunteers’ Week our Chief Executive, Ruth Marks, shared this message to Wales’ amazing volunteers:

‘Volunteering always make a difference – whether it is to a person, a family, the community or the world. If you were able to volunteer during the pandemic you will have made the world of difference. If you were not able to volunteer last year – you will be welcomed back with open arms.

‘Thank you to everyone who commits their time and energy as a volunteer.’

WHAT IS HAPPENING THIS WEEK?

Each day this week will be dedicated to a different theme, all in line with the UK Volunteers’ Week slogan, ‘Time to Say Thanks’.

On Tuesday 1 June we will be kicking off with the Volunteers’ Week launch – and we expect to see social media platforms flooded with positive thank you messages for the volunteers of Wales. Use the hashtag #VolunteersWeek and #WythnosyGwirfoddolwyr to see what volunteers have been up to.

On Wednesday 2 June we will be giving special thanks to young volunteers (those 25 and under) that have shown what the #PowerofYouth has achieved in Wales. Keep an eye out for the fantastic examples that our partners will be sharing, showing a range of ways that young people have stepped up to make a difference this year.

For Thursday 3 June we will be recognising employer supported volunteering and skilled volunteers. We know that this year especially many businesses found ways to support their local communities, and that we must recognise the skilled volunteers that stepped in to support in health and social care settings and with the vaccine roll out.

Our own Wales specific theme on Friday 4 June will give us the opportunity to focus on ‘looking back, moving forwards’, valuing the tremendous contributions that have been made by volunteers this year and preparing for the future as volunteering moves in new and exciting directions.

Saturday 5 June coincides with World Environment Day and Wales Nature Week (29 May – 6 June) and so it seems apt that we celebrate volunteering that has been carried out in support of the environment, to contribute to a healthier Wales and a healthier world.

Then on Sunday 6 June it will be time for The Big Lunch. We will be watching out for the thousands of lunches that volunteers in Wales will be hosting to bring together members of their communities (virtually or in person, depending on what local restrictions and weather allow).

And finally, Monday 7 June will be a moment to pause and reflect as we look at our 2021 Volunteers’ Week in review.

FIND OUT MORE

Find out more about Volunteers’ Week in Wales by visiting our volunteering pages.

If you’re keen to continue the celebrations, you’ll be please to hear that June is being heralded as the #MonthofCommunity – in acknowledgment of the many community focused campaigns that are celebrated this month. (Follow the hashtag on social media for more information).

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