Stephen Metcalfe MP has today, in
advance of his attendance at the Basildon Borough Volunteer Awards 2013,
expressed his support and thanks to volunteers working throughout his
constituency of South Basildon and East Thurrock as part of Volunteers’ Week.
Now in its 29th year,
Volunteers’ Week is an annual celebration of the fantastic contribution
millions of volunteers make across the UK which this year is taking place from
1-7 June.
Mr Metcalfe commented: “South
Basildon and East Thurrock has a rich and diverse volunteering network with
dedicated people committing their time and energy to helping others and to
making a difference in the community.”
“Whether in hospices and
hospitals, schools, sports clubs or local radio stations, the contribution of
volunteers is invaluable. I would like to extend my sincere thanks and gratitude
to every volunteer in South Basildon and East Thurrock and hope that Volunteers
Week might inspire others to follow their lead.”
Organisations will be taking the
opportunity to recognise the contribution of their volunteers through holding
awards ceremonies, recruitment fairs, celebration events, training
opportunities and volunteer taster sessions.
Justin Davis Smith, director
of volunteering at National Council for Voluntary Organisations commented: “Volunteers’
Week is a fabulous 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,
getting back into paid work, improving physical or mental well-being, or simply
meeting interesting people and having fun.”
To find out what events are taking place in the local area,
see http://volunteersweek.org/events
. Further information can be found at: volunteersweek.org
