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Help us celebrate the “heartbeat” of our communities this Volunteers’ Week

People, Health and Care
09:04, Tuesday, 1st June 2021

People and communities from across North Lincolnshire are being asked to share their “thank-yous” in celebration of Volunteers’ Week.

National Volunteers’ Week starts today – 1 June – and North Lincolnshire Council will paying tribute to the thousands of people from communities across the county who have stepped up and helped others.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “I know from my own experience as a volunteer that giving up your time can be hard work but the rewards are fantastic – knowing you’ve helped someone, even with the smallest of things, is rewarding for them and you.

“We saw the strength of volunteering – officially and just in acts of kindness and neighbourliness – when the pandemic first came to North Lincolnshire. These people proved themselves as the heartbeat of our communities.

“So many people selflessly gave up their time across the last 14 months, enabling people across all of our communities to stay well and connected.

“I wish I could thank them all personally but there have been so many that would be impossible – we hope people will join us this week and say thank you, in person, and on social media.

“I would also encourage anyone to do whatever they can – whatever your skills are, there is something you can do and someone you can help.”

From those who regularly help out a local charity to people who have picked up shopping for self-isolating neighbours, as a way of saying thank-you, the council will be showcasing local volunteers on social media throughout the week and looking at ways in which people can step up and make a difference.

Lindsay, a volunteer befriender who visits a recently-bereaved lady, said: “I am enjoying it very much, I feel it benefits not only the lady whom I speak with, it benefits me too. I feel valuable again.”

Melanie, a volunteer gardener at Normanby Hall Country Park who has been involved in everything from weeding to new planting schemes, said: “It has been a very enjoyable and satisfying experience.”

The council is working with community groups and charities as part of the North Lincolnshire Alliance Hub, which has created a network of volunteers across the region.

The Hub links organisations in need of help with volunteers and promotes the work of voluntary groups.

You can sign up to be a volunteer with the Alliance Volunteer Hub by using this form or by calling 07498 373027.

Read more about the Hub and other volunteering opportunities on the volunteer and support your community page on our website.