Volunteers’ Week 2024
2024 marks the 40th year of Volunteers’ Week (3-9 June)! We are joining thousands of charities and voluntary organisations recognising volunteers’ contributions across the UK. With this year’s theme of ‘Celebrate and Inspire’ we hope to encourage people to be the change that we want to see and get involved in volunteering in whatever way works for them.
The contribution of volunteers is often unseen and unrecognised by many, visible only through the incredible impact of their volunteering, so taking the time during Volunteers’ Week to celebrate their efforts and all they contribute to our local communities, the voluntary sector and society as a whole have never been more important.
This Volunteers’ Week, we will be celebrating our staff’s volunteering efforts and all they contribute to our local communities.
Our Senior Programme Executive, Nicholas Carroll, has been working with MCR Pathways for many years now as a volunteer mentor. Discover Nicholas’ volunteering journey with MCR Pathways.
What made you interested in becoming a volunteer with MCR Pathways?
I wanted to contribute to making a tangible difference to a young person from a similar background to me as I would have navigated similar challenges in my time at school which hopefully helps to build a connection and lets messaging hit home.
What impact has volunteering at MCR Pathways had on you?
In my job, I don’t really see the effect that some of pure work has on young people but by doing face to face mentoring, you actually notice the growth and learning as this takes place over three years. It has also taught me so much more about the issues, trends and vernacular that young people are exposed to at this moment in time.
What does volunteering mean to you?
In an ideal world, we shouldn’t have to volunteer but until such times as the system is functional and funded enough to offer as wide a range of support to as many young people that need it. I think it is vital that society stands up to offer what it can in terms of assistance.
What’s the best thing about volunteering at MCR Pathways?
Just engaging with young people on their level, I am not there to judge or make decisions for them, just to listen and share my own experiences when appropriate.
Why would you encourage your network to begin volunteering?
It is on us all to give back as much as we can to help young people’s lives just that little bit easier, this also benefits us all in the long run and no child should ever be left behind at any stage.
Click here to discover how you can make also make an impact and help shape the lives of young people.
Rebecca Milne, Senior Project Coordinator, DYW Glasgow
What made you interested in becoming a volunteer with Radio Lollipop?
One of my New Year’s resolutions for 2023 was to start volunteering. I spent some time looking through local volunteering opportunities and came across Radio Lollipop, it seemed like the perfect thing for me. I love working with young people and love the idea that I can be a positive part of what might sometimes be quite a negative experience.
What impact has volunteering at Radio Lollipop had on you?
Volunteering has had a really positive impact on me. It is great to become part of this community of volunteers who are all working towards the same goal. It has also helped to give me a new perspective.
What does volunteering mean to you?
It is very fulfilling and one of the highlights of my week.
What’s the best thing about volunteering at Radio Lollipop?
The people are the best bit! I volunteer with a wonderful team and then have also had the chance to meet some amazing young people, parents, hospital staff etc in my time there – it is a pretty great community to be part of. There is also something incredible about the smile you can put on a child’s face just by playing a game or doing some arts & crafts with them!
Why would you encourage your network to begin volunteering?
I would encourage my network to volunteer because it is a great way to give back to your community and become part of a network of like-minded people.
