Guest column: Get involved with this year's volunteer week

Volunteer services is based at the Guildhall at Marshalls Yard

We are planning on using community notice boards throughout the area to show our appreciation for what they do for our community.

Organisations are invited to thank their volunteers using their community notice boards, and if you have a notice board that you would be happy for us to use please get in contact with Voluntary Centre Services.

We would like to celebrate our local volunteers because they are central to the work of countless charities and other organisations.

They are a valuable presence in many communities, making a difference in places as diverse as sports clubs, libraries, schools and hospitals.

In 2012-13 volunteering output contributed an estimated £23.9 billion to the UK economy.

This is equivalent to more than 1.5 per cent of GDP.

There are 162,965 voluntary organisations in the UK so there will be many events taking place in your area to mark volunteers’ week.

Charities across the UK will hold events to thank their volunteers and celebrate the power of volunteering to bring communities together.

Last year more than 900 events took place, from awards ceremonies to tea parties and barbecues.

To find out what is happening in your area have a look at the volunteer’s week map at www.volunteersweek.org/events

For many charities, the week will also be a chance to showcase the range of volunteering opportunities on offer.

Volunteer fairs and other events will encourage people to try volunteering for the first time and help people find out how through volunteering they can make a difference to a cause they are passionate about.

To find out more visit www.volunteersweek.org and follow @NCVOvolunteers the official twitteraccount for the week or #volunteersweek.

If you’re interested in finding out more about our volunteering opportunities and how volunteering can be shaped to suit you, or would like some free advice and support on supporting and recruiting volunteers please get in touch with the volunteer services team on 01427 613470, visit our website at www.voluntarycentreservices.org.uk or call in to the Guildhall at Marshalls Yard in Gainsborough any time from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.

n Isabella Sutcliffe is part of the voluntary centre services team in West Lindsey.