Volunteers’ Week, taking place from 1st to 7th June, is a national celebration of volunteering and provides an important opportunity to recognise, thank and highlight the remarkable people who give their time, skills, experience and enthusiasm to support others. Here in Aberdeen, volunteers contribute an incredible 6.4 million hours of support every year, helping to strengthen communities, improve lives and make our city a better place for everyone.
As Volunteers’ Week gives us the chance to reflect on this contribution, it is also an opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to the thousands of volunteers who support organisations, charities, community groups, sports clubs, cultural activities and local initiatives across Aberdeen.The scale of volunteering in our city is truly magnificent. As Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Councillor Dr David Cameron, recognises:
“As Lord Provost of Aberdeen I would like to record my enormous thanks to all volunteers in the city. Currently in Aberdeen there are in excess of 1,000 voluntary organisations logging more than 6.4 million hours of voluntary help annually. Everyone involved is a hero making life so much better for thousands of our fellow citizens. Thank you, it is truly a privilege to be the civic leader of a city where such altruism exists.”
That commitment to recognising the contribution volunteers make across Aberdeen is also reflected in a significant new initiative being launched during this year’s Volunteers’ Week.
Volunteer Aberdeen, managed by ACVO TSI, is delighted to be working in partnership with the Lord Provost of Aberdeen to launch the new Lord Provost Volunteering Certificate.
The awards have been created to recognise both individual volunteers and volunteer teams making a positive difference across the city. Through the Bon Accord Award and the Team Aberdeen Award, organisations now have a meaningful way to celebrate the dedication, kindness and community spirit shown by volunteers throughout the year.
For me, the launch of the Lord Provost Volunteering Certificate reflects something we see every day through Volunteer Aberdeen. Volunteers rarely seek recognition for what they do, yet their contribution deserves to be celebrated. The awards provide an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the tremendous individuals and teams whose commitment makes our communities inclusive and welcoming places to live.
As Paul O’Connor MBE, Chair of ACVO, puts it: “Volunteers are the heart of Aberdeen’s communities – their kindness, dedication and spirit create ripples of positive change felt across the city every day. On behalf of the ACVO board, thank you for the inspiring impact you make. Your time, energy and compassion truly strengthens the fabric of our community and makes Aberdeen an even brighter place to live.”
One of the greatest strengths of volunteering is that every volunteer has their own unique story and motivation for getting involved. Some volunteer to support a cause close to their heart, some to develop new skills or meet new people, while others simply want to give something back to their community.
That diversity of experience is captured in our Why I Volunteer in Aberdeen feature later in this edition of ACVO News. Throughout the past year, the ACVO communications team has worked with volunteers from a wide range of organisations across the city to create a series of short films exploring their volunteering journeys. In this edition, we hear from volunteers at Gathimba Edwards Foundation, Langstane Housing Association and Inchgarth Community Centre.
These fantastic films showcase the personal stories, experiences and motivations that inspire people to volunteer while demonstrating the wide variety of opportunities available across Aberdeen. Together they provide a powerful reminder that volunteering comes in many forms and that there is a place for everyone to get involved.
As we celebrate Volunteers’ Week, I encourage you to take some time to watch these stories, recognise the volunteers around you and, if you are involved with a volunteer-involving organisation, consider nominating someone for the new Lord Provost Volunteering Certificate.
Finally, I would like to echo the words of ACVO Chief Executive Maggie Hepburn, who said:
“On behalf of all of the team at ACVO, I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in volunteering in the city throughout the year. Without your support, our city and communities would not be the vibrant, great places they are.”
“You have brought fantastic skills and enthusiasm which have made a difference to the lives of many in Aberdeen. Have a fantastic Volunteers Week.”
I extend a huge Volunteers’ Week thank you to all the amazing volunteers across Aberdeen who provide so much help, support and make a real positive difference for people and communities. Along with all the tremendous volunteer-involving organisations in Aberdeen, ACVO is delighted to join in Volunteers’ Week and celebrate the incredible people who make our city such a fantastic place to live.
Here’s to a wonderful Volunteers’ Week 2026.
Interested in taking part in Volunteers’ Week 2026? You can access free resources and ways to get involved at volunteersweek.org/resources and share your thanks at volunteersweek.org/our-padlet.
Find the latest opportunities at volunteeraberdeen.org.uk
Questions around volunteering? Email me at mike.melvin@acvo.org.uk
This article originally appeared in the June 2026 edition of ACVO News, our free monthly digital magazine for and from Aberdeen’s third sector. Read and subscribe for free at acvo.org.uk/acvo-news
