Volunteers Week 2017

Events, News

CATH joins national Volunteers Week Scotland celebration to highlight huge contribution made by volunteers in Perth

CATH is teaming up with thousands of charities and voluntary organisations across Scotland in a celebration of the vital contribution made by volunteers.

From 1-7 June 2017, Volunteers’ Week Scotland will see a huge range of events take place in communities all over the country, from small awards ceremonies to large celebratory gatherings.

Volunteers are vital to the strength and vitality of Scottish society, with their work valued at £2.6 billion every year. Recent research found that Scotland’s young people are particularly engaged, with participation now at 52% – nearly double the adult figure of 27%.

With so many people volunteering, there are a huge range of achievements to celebrate. Whether working to improve the local environment, spending time with people who need help, or providing other kinds of essential services and support, the efforts made by volunteers make an invaluable difference to the lives of people and communities everywhere.

As well as celebrating the work of existing volunteers, Volunteers’ Week Scotland offers a new opportunity for voluntary organisations to promote the benefits that volunteering can bring. The week can also help highlight how people can access opportunities and overcome any barriers they might be facing.

The Scottish Volunteering Forum is encouraging as many people as possible to take part.

Forum Chairman Paul Okroj said, “Volunteers’ Week Scotland offers a rare opportunity to mark the huge difference made by volunteers all over the country, and to catch the attention of potential new recruits. Don’t miss out on what’s set to be an inspirational week.”

Chief Executive of Volunteer Scotland, George Thomson said,’

In a post truth world there is one thing we can trust. That people volunteering in Scotland are uplifting. They are creating community solidarity and friendship. Volunteers Week is a good time to celebrate their honesty and humanity.

In a world which is becoming very uncertain there is one certainty that will not change, that people in Scotland giving time within their communities is uplifting by building friendship and solidarity. Volunteers Week is a good time to celebrate this.

Organisations can visit the #VolunteersWeekScot section of the Volunteer Scotland website to access a range of promotional resources and suggestions for activities.