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ACVO News February 2025

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Feb 3, 2025

Preparations Begin to Honour the Volunteers Who Save the UK Economy an Estimated £4.6 Billion Annually

Every year, 14.2 million volunteers across the UK dedicate their time to making a difference in their communities.

This June, the nation will come together to celebrate these incredible individuals through events like, parties, award ceremonies and coffee mornings, expressing gratitude to those who give selflessly to help others.

This year’s campaign, led by the UK Volunteering Forum (with Volunteer Scotland coordinating for Scotland), calls on all volunteer-involving organisations to join a UK-wide programme of celebrations from 2nd to 8th June 2025 to recognise the remarkable contributions of their volunteers.

Alan Stevenson, CEO, Volunteer Scotland, said: “People across the UK give their own free time to help charities, voluntary groups, organisations, events and neighbours and we want to show them all just how incredible we think they are.

“Last year 14.2 million people gifted their time gifted their time in the name of helping others and we want to shout about how proud and grateful we are to every single volunteer.”

“People across the UK give their own free time to help charities, voluntary groups, organisations, events and neighbours and we want to show them all just how incredible we think they are.”

Volunteering takes many forms, from a ten-minute check-in call with a neighbour to hours of dedicated service to local causes. The impact is felt far and wide.

David Lester, Community Engagement & Training Officer at South Central Ambulance Charity, said: “Without volunteers, SCAS and the NHS would be unable to function. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the system, normal people going above and beyond to help others in their hour of need. We want to celebrate them more and thank them as much as possible.”

As well as being a crucial opportunity to thank volunteers and recognise the value of their time, passion, and skills, Volunteers’ Week also inspires others to volunteer.

Many will participate in awards ceremonies, coffee mornings, and days out during the week, and experiences will be available for people to try themselves.

To find out more about Volunteers’ Week and how you or your organisation can get involved, visit www.volunteersweek.org

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