Volunteers Week 2015 - let the thanks commence!

1 June 2015

Volunteers Week 2015 has now begun, running from 1-7 June and I have to say, my immediate thought is – it’s not really enough.

But then, I don’t think anything can be enough in return for the countless hours our 4,000 volunteers give us every day of every week of every month of every year. The benefits to our staff, residents and scheme members are pretty much incalculable. Our volunteers are befrienders, drivers, appointment escorts, shopping helpers, fundraisers, Chaplaincy assistants, gardeners, lunch club helpers and more. When you think of all the hours that adds up to, a single national awareness week to thank them does rather pale in comparison.

But we’re using it to the full. All our volunteers are receiving a letter and certificate of thanks signed by MHA’s Chief Executive, Adrian Bagg, and many homes and schemes are holding special events to thank the volunteers who enhance their work and services so much. We’ve also been collecting some volunteers’ own personal stories, which we’ll be sharing on Facebook and Twitter throughout the week. Search for the hashtag #volunteersweek.

If you’re not a volunteer, your local MHA care home, retirement living community or Live at Home Scheme would definitely value your time. Even just an hour a month adds up to make a huge difference for an older person living alone who would like some company, or a lunch club that could always use an extra pair of hands. Our search function on the home page will help you find your closest MHA home or scheme.

So once again – a huge and personal thank you to each and every one of our 4,000 volunteers. You are truly priceless.

Simon Cook

Volunteering Manager