Wednesday 4 June 2014

Stephen Metcalfe MP thanks local volunteers

Local MP Stephen Metcalfe is taking advantage of Volunteers Week to thank volunteers in South Basildon and East Thurrock for their dedication to the community.

Volunteers Week, which runs from 1-7 June 2014, is a chance to recognise the invaluable contribution that millions of volunteers make to charities and other organisations up and down country. Hundreds of events will be taking place as charities, schools, hospitals and others use Volunteers’ Week as a time to thank their volunteers.

In South Basildon and East Thurrock alone there are around 129 voluntary organisations many of which rely on the dedication, energy, and commitment of volunteers of all ages and from all walks of life.
Mr Metcalfe commented: “Nationally, The Office for National Statistics calculate the value of volunteering in the UK at £23.9bn. This is an incredible figure but the real value lies in the lives and communities that have been changed for the better because of the efforts of volunteers.”

“I have had the privilege of visiting many tremendous projects and charities that would simply not exist were it not for volunteers. would like to thank each and every volunteer in South Basildon and East Thurrock for their work and would encourage anyone interested in volunteering to take the plunge and find out more!”

Justin Davis Smith, director of volunteering at the National Council for Voluntary Organisations added: “Volunteers’ Week is a great opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate volunteers and the incredible contribution they make to our communities. Volunteers are an integral part of our society, and without their dedication, energy and commitment, many of the services we take for granted would simply grind to a halt.”

“But the magic of volunteering is that it is a two-way relationship. So alongside the contribution to our local communities, volunteers also benefit tremendously from the experience – learning new skills, boosting their wellbeing, or simply meeting new people and having fun.”

To find out about events taking place locally please visit: http://volunteersweek.org/events or contact your local volunteering centre here: http://www.volunteering.org.uk/where-do-i-start