About Volunteers' Week
Volunteers’ Week: A UK-Wide Celebration
Volunteers’ Week is an annual UK-wide campaign held from the first Monday in June to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers.
Launched in 1984, this initiative has been running for over 40 years, providing organisations and communities a platform to thank current and past volunteers for their invaluable efforts.
The campaign highlights the diversity and unity of volunteer work across the UK. In its 40th year, the campaign underwent a rebrand, introducing a vibrant identity to inspire continued engagement.
Volunteers’ Week fosters connections between national organisations and grassroots groups, celebrating the spirit of volunteering that enriches communities each year.
The 2026 celebration will run from Monday 1st – Sunday 7th June.
The value of volunteering
Volunteering is a vital component of UK society, with millions contributing their time and skills annually across Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland. These inspiring statistics highlight the incredible contributions of volunteers and the potential for even greater engagement across the UK.
14.2 million people in the UK have formally volunteered at least once a month
Volunteering added £4.6 billion in productivity gains to the UK economy in 2024
25 million people in the UK volunteered informally at least once in the year
These statistics highlight the remarkable contributions of volunteers across the UK. Together, with support from organisations like you, we can continue to grow the impact of volunteering and create stronger, more connected communities.
The above figures are provided by Royal Voluntary Service and NCVO.
Past Volunteers' Week highlights
Every year, Volunteers’ Week is celebrated across the UK in many different ways. It’s inspiring to see more people, organisations, and groups participate each year and celebrate their amazing volunteers and the volunteering community. Check out some of the highlights from last year below.
More than
people reached across press and comms channels
Over
people reached on social media
More than
subscribers engaged
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ document provides answers to common questions about Volunteers’ Week, including, ways to get involved, how organisations can participate, and where to find more resources and support.
National Partners
Volunteers’ Week is a UK-wide campaign managed by lead organisations in each nation, tailored to meet specific needs. Each nation customises its approach, such as Welsh translations in Wales or addressing MSPs in Scotland.
Feedback from all leads is shared via the UK Volunteering Forum (UKVF), ensuring collaboration between local and national organisations while delivering the campaign effectively across the UK.
