Telford & Wrekin Council marks National Volunteers’ Week
To mark National Volunteers’ Week, now in its 39th year, Telford & Wrekin Council will be celebrating the thousands of volunteers who give up their time to help others around the borough, and hopefully inspire more people to do the same.
Councillor Raj Mehta, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for inclusion, engagement, equalities and civic pride, said: “The time contribution of volunteers is often unseen and unrecognised, yet what they do is clearly visible through the impact they have.
“We want to take this week to celebrate the volunteers around Telford and Wrekin who give up their time to help others, whether that be as one of our 1,300 street champions, mystery shoppers, helping in our libraries or in a host of other roles around the borough too.”
Matt, aged 21, volunteers as a street champion, helping with litter picking in his area and has also helped to clean fences and clear driveways. Matt, who has autism and learning difficulties, also helps out elsewhere too, volunteering at the community grocery and the community café, as well as at his local garden centre too.
Matt said: “I enjoy volunteering because I like being busy, meeting people and helping out in the community I get more confidence, feel valued and am part of a team. It’s really helped with my communications skills too.”
Councillor Mehta added: “On behalf of the council, and the borough, thank you for everything you do. I hope that by sharing some more of these stories on social media this week, we can encourage other people to get involved too.
“Volunteering doesn’t have to be a big commitment, you can give as much or as little time as you wish. Whether that’s an hour a week, it’s up to you. Even giving a little bit of time can help others in need and improve your own health and happiness too. It can also make you feel more connected to your community and the people around you.
“As part of the celebrations, we’ll also be lighting up Southwater One in purple, to shine a light on our volunteers and say a big thank you.”
Lisa, who volunteers as a mentor with Shropshire Youth Support Trust, said: “Volunteering has been a hugely enriching experience for me. It has given me the opportunity to work with a vast array of amazing young people, and help them find a little clarity, courage and confidence to take a step out of their comfort zone and grow into their true potential.”
Richard Nuttall, Chief Executive at Shropshire Youth Support Trust, and also chair of COG - the Chief Officers Group Telford and Wrekin, representing voluntary organisations in the borough, added: “Volunteering is a win-win situation, benefiting the organisation and the individual. Organisations gain additional support, expertise, and resources, while individuals experience personal growth, skill development, and a sense of fulfilment by positively contributing to society.”
For more information about volunteering in Telford and Wrekin, visit www.volunteertelford.co.ukor email get.involved@telford.gov.uk
