ellenor thanks its loyal band of volunteers

ellenor is marking Volunteers’ Week – the first week of June - by acknowledging the contribution made by the 600 volunteers who support the charity. Volunteers give their time to every part of the charity – from fundraising to Day Therapy and from shops to the cafe at ellenor Gravesend.

“We could not possiblyprovide the support we do across North and West Kent and the London Borough of Bexley without the help of our volunteers,” says Claire Cardy, Chief Executive at ellenor. “They both save us money and help us to raise much needed funds.”

According to the national organisation for volunteers, NCVO, over 21 million people volunteer in the UK at least once a year and this contributes an estimated £23.9 billion to the UK economy.

To mark the contribution volunteers make at ellenor, the charity is holding a ‘thank you’ tea at ellenor Gravesend on Friday 3 June.

ellenor volunteers have also been recognised recently in a number of awards programmes recently. Pat Allen, who has volunteered for ellenor for 14 years, has been recognised with a coveted Order of Mercy. She will travel to the Mansion House in London for a ceremony in July to receive her award.

In the meantime, Dinah Williams has been short-listed in the Perrys Exceptional Awards (Exceptional Individual) for her hard work for ellenor and has been invited to attend an awards dinner at Leeds Castle in November.

ellenor is currently looking for volunteers of all ages and with a variety of skills to help across the whole organisation. Roles are available within fundraising/events, administrative/clerical, retail, driving (minibus or own car), bereavement support and befriending, helping at youth group activities and outings.

“Volunteering with ellenor is both enjoyable and rewarding and a great way to meet new people and learn new skills in a supportive and friendly environment,” says Claire Cardy. “It can also be a good way to build your confidence if you are looking for work and add evidence of regular volunteering to improve your CV.”

If you want to find out more about volunteering at ellenor, please call: 01474 320007 or visit: www.ellenor.org/volunteering-opportunities