Celebrating the inspirational work of local volunteers

The inspirational contribution local volunteers make to the life of the borough will be celebrated during Volunteers Week 2023 (1-7 June).

Organisations across Bury have nominated their volunteers for inclusion on the ‘Bury Roll of Appreciation’.

Throughout the week successful volunteers will be receiving their recognition certificates as well as being featured on the Bury Voluntary and Community Faith Alliance (Bury VCFA).website and social media channels.

There are also a series of volunteering pop-ups taking place during Volunteers Week for you to speak to Bury VCFA staff to find out more about volunteering and how to get involved. They take place at:

The Celebrate and Inspire theme of this year’s national Volunteers Week echoes the key messages of the borough’s new volunteer strategy.

The strategy aims to make sure Bury is “a place where people are inspired, supported, and empowered to volunteer”.

The latest State of the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector report shows there are more than 26,000 people who volunteer their time in Bury, providing over 130,000 hours a week to help others.

This provides an estimated local economic contribution by volunteers of £65m per year.

Councillor Richard Gold, Cabinet Member for Communities and Finance said: “Volunteers make an amazing contribution to local life, which showcases the best of our local communities and is a very practical example of ‘Let’s Do It!’ in action.

“Volunteering helps you to meet new people, learn new skills, share your knowledge and passion with others, and supports your local communities. You can take on a new challenge and have fun!

“The Covid pandemic showcased the extraordinary impact volunteers can have and we thank every one of you who give you time to help others.

“Volunteering covers a whole spectrum of efforts, and no contribution is too small – so whether it is informal support to a neighbour, supporting a grassroots sports club, helping a cadets group, running community advice sessions, to becoming a trustee – there will be something everyone can do.”

If you’re looking to try something new and to share your knowledge skills and experience with local groups to support our communities come along to one of the events or contact Bury Voluntary and Community Faith Alliance (Bury VCFA).

It can help you find a suitable opportunity through its volunteering matching service and the Bury Volunteer Bank and regular Volunteering Bulletin – visit www.buryvcfa.org.uk or call 0161 518 550

The VCFA also offer volunteer role description templates, policies, and procedures to support volunteers and promotes upcoming opportunities and training.

You can find out more about the wealth of local voluntary and community groups in the borough, whatever your interest or passion through The Bury Directory at www.theburydirectory.co.uk

If you’re already involved in volunteering activity this is the chance to let people know what you’re doing.

If you’re a community group with an activity taking place or schemes which have opportunities for people to get involved on an ongoing basis, email volunteering@buryvcfa.org.uk or call 0161 518 5550.