News & Stories
News & Blogs
Volunteers’ Week 2027: Date confirmation
Volunteers’ Week 2027 will take place from Monday 7 June 2027.
We wanted to share an update on the timing of Volunteers’ Week 2027 and explain the thinking behind this decision.
Volunteers’ Week 2026: Celebrating Millions Who Give Back Across the UK
Communities across the UK will come together from 1–7 June 2026 to celebrate Volunteers’ Week, a national campaign recognising the incredible contribution volunteers make to society.
Ready, Set… Shop! Your New Volunteers’ Week Merch Awaits
As the voluntary sector prepares for the 42nd annual Volunteers’ Week (1–7 June 2026), the UK Volunteering Forum is proud to announce a significant evolution in the campaign’s infrastructure: the launch of the first-ever Volunteers’ Week online shop.
Why it’s time to recognise magistrates as volunteers
Guest blog by Mark Beattie JP, national chair of the Magistrates’ Association: When most people think of volunteers, their minds turn to food banks, charities, or sports coaching. Rarely do they picture the bench of a courtroom. But the truth is this: magistrates are among the country’s longest-serving and most committed volunteers – and right now, like many volunteers, they can be undervalued and overlooked.
Third Sector Podcast
Join Gethyn Williams – non-profit and volunteering specialist, and Saskia Konynenburg, Executive Director of Voice and Impact at NCVO, as they chat about volunteer recruitment and digital solutions in the world of volunteering with Third Sector podcast hosts Lucinda Rouse and Emily Harle.
Time for Impact Podcast
Margaret Starkie from Volunteer Scotland, lead organisation for Volunteers’ Week, and Dominic Pinkney, CEO from Works4U and this year’s sponsor, join Chris Wade and Matthew Cobble on the Time for Impact podcast to discuss why Volunteers’ Week is so important and has been for 41 years now.
The Charity Show Podcast
Join Flik from WCVA and Alice from Volunteer Now as they chat to Tim and Piers from The Charity Show about Volunteers’ Week, the importance of getting young people and families involved in volunteering and how micro volunteering doesn’t just have to be one off experiences.
Celebrating the Benefits of Volunteering this Volunteers’ Week!
Volunteers’ Week is a fantastic time to inspire others to get involved in volunteering by highlighting the incredible benefits that volunteering brings not only to the people and communities supported, but also to the volunteers themselves.
Works4U Sponsor Volunteers’ Week 2025
Launched in 1984, Volunteers’ Week has become the UK’s biggest volunteering campaign and a veritable rock-solid institution within our voluntary and community sector. Its objective to celebrate and recognise volunteers directly aligns with Works4U’s mission to show the importance and value of volunteering in our society.
Volunteers’ Week – Why participate
Befriending Networks, are proud strategic campaign partner of Volunteers’ Week. As the membership network for befriending organisations, they have supported Volunteers’ Week for numerous years. We invited CEO, Susan Hunter and Communications Officer, Cat Major to contribute to our recent Volunteers Week 2025 webinar. Here is what they had to say…
Volunteer Stories
Molly’s Story
‘Volunteering reminds me I am not my illness… and helps me re-engage my brain in fun, fulfilling ways’
‘Mae gwirfoddoli yn fy atgoffa nad fy salwch ydw i… ac mae’n fy helpu i ailymgysylltu fy ymennydd mewn ffyrdd hwyliog, gwerth chweil’
Lottie’s Story
Being a grants panel member was a unique volunteering experience that involved real decision making, teamwork, and supporting local projects. It gave me confidence, helped me understand community needs, and showed me how young people can make a meaningful difference while feeling supported and heard throughout the process.
Deborah’s Story
I joined the Youth Led Grant Panel after meeting the PAVO Volunteer Officer at a Freshers event. Volunteering boosted my confidence, helped fund youth projects in Powys, and led me to become a student rep. I’m proud to have supported opportunities for young people while gaining new skills.
Lily’s Story
What helps me is to stay focus on volunteering and trying to make a difference is to listen and communicate. Volunteering for me is a rewarding role.
Skye’s Story
I first got into volunteering and youth action when I joined the Scottish Youth Parliament. I was elected Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament for LGBT Youth Scotland, from then I was given so many other opportunities to work on campaigns and with so many different organisations that have developed my skills and allowed me to continue on with my social actions.
Niamh’s Story
My name is Niamh, I am 18 years old and I am an #iwill Ambassador. I have been volunteering for UK Youth through the #iwillmovement since 2023! I decided to start volunteering as I loved helping other people and wanted to be able to share this passion with other young people!
Natalya’s Story
I set up Buz Tots in my Church as I know how important Toddler Groups and how invaluable they were when my own children were small. I have experienced many benefits from starting this group, I’d say in a way it brings me closer to God knowing he guided me through this and also I’ve been able to have a purpose within the community as I no longer work so I am so happy that I volunteer as it gives me purpose and a passion to do good for my community through our safe space Buz Tots.
Soraya Kelly’s Story
In October 2017, I was diagnosed with breast cancer—a life-changing moment that brought both fear and clarity. Early detection saved my life, and that experience sparked something within me. / Ym mis Hydref 2017, cefais fy niagnosio â chanser y fron – ennyd a newidiodd fy mywyd, ac a ddaeth ag ofn ac eglurder i mi. Gwnaeth canfod y canser yn gynnar achub fy mywyd, a thaniodd y profiad hwnnw rywbeth o’m mewn i.
Norman’s Story – Carers UK
Carers UK provided me with a great deal of support at a very difficult time during my caring journey, so I wanted to pay back Carers UK and to ensure other people knew that help was available and did not struggle like I did.
Ash’s Story – Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland
Ash Kasibante is a 23-year-old Software Engineering student at Glasgow University. Not content to just focus his time on his studies, Ash is also a volunteering hero for Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland’s retail store in Partick, as well as being a member of the charity’s Health & Wellbeing Working Group.
Charlotte’s Story – Miscarriage Services
After finishing university, I realised I needed more experience before applying for jobs. While looking for volunteering roles, I was drawn to MISS because I appreciated the opportunity to make and see a difference in a smaller charity.
Amanda’s Story – Girlguiding Scotland
Amanda, county commissioner for Kincardine and Deeside county spoke to us about how her experience has furthered her career journey. In Girlguiding, commissioners lead, support and inspire the volunteers in their area.
Gemma’s Story – #YouthVIP Panel Member
Getting involved in volunteering was the best decisions I have ever made and is something that I would recommend to everyone. I have learned so much about myself, grown and developed as an individual and been able to make a difference to the issues that matter to me!
Douglas’ Story – CHSS
Douglas Tierney is 65 and lives in Edinburgh with his wife, Mary, for whom he is a full-time carer. Douglas had a stroke in March 2024 and has been so determined to make a good recovery that the NHS has asked him to be a motivational speaker for occupational therapists and physiotherapists.
Freyja’s Story – CHSS
With retirement looming, Freyja wanted to do something productive with her free time, and she has more than achieved her goal with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.
Tyler’s Story – Wrexham Africa Community CIC
At just 23, I became a voluntary director, leading community projects that celebrate diversity and inclusion. From organising Afro Fiesta to supporting local initiatives, my journey is driven by passion, resilience, and a commitment to making a lasting impact in Wrexham and beyond.
David’s Story – Sustrans
David is a wildlife volunteer on many of his local paths of the National Cycle Network in Warwickshire. He helps out by planting trees, wildflowers and clearing vegetation to make the paths a nicer place for humans and animals alike.
Leni’s Story – Cambridge Cyrenians
19-year old Leni relocated from Germany to Cambridge to complete a gap year volunteering for Cambridge Cyrenians (a homelessness charity) in September 2024. She has found the whole experience very rewarding.
Anne’s Story – Greater Shankill Senior Citizens Forum and G6
I have volunteered for over 40 years and I love it. I started volunteering at youth clubs and within my community and now volunteer with the senior citizens group getting involved with others right across the City.
The Keely Family Story – Inniskillings Museum
The success of the Inniskillings Museum is largely underpinned by our incredible volunteers. The strength of our volunteer force is a reflection of community interest in the preservation of Enniskillen’s unique military heritage: the only town in Britain and Ireland to confer its name on two regiments. Our volunteers are local people, who hail from Upper to Lower Lough Erne, taking on a multitude of essential roles to keep the Museum vibrant and accessible to all.
Sean’s Story – Cambridge Cyrenians
Hailing from Germany, Sean decided to take a gap-year opportunity, and currently volunteers for Cambridge Cyrenians, a homelessness charity in Cambridge, UK. They have found the experience incredibly fulfilling and the individuals we support benefit from our volunteer’s support.