Power of volunteering an amazing force in our city and in tackling Covid-19 pandemic
Green councillors have paid tribute to the efforts of volunteers in Brighton & Hove this Volunteers Week, 1-7 June.
From litter picks, to befriending – or being a charity trustee, volunteers play a varied and vital role in the city, supporting our diverse communities.
Celebrating volunteers’ week, Greens say it is more important than ever that volunteering receives the recognition it deserves, after hundreds of community and voluntary groups sprung up to help residents affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Volunteers are also helping with the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccination programme, increasing the capacity of the NHS at this crucial time.
Green councillor Steph Powell, co-chair of the Tourism, Equalities Communities and Culture committee commented:
“Volunteers week provides an important opportunity to say thank you to the hundreds of dedicated people in our city that offer their time as a volunteer.
“The pandemic has only proven the incredible power of volunteering to change lives and bring us all together. When our residents faced sudden lockdowns, the prospect of quarantine, loneliness or job losses, hundreds of mutual aid groups and community volunteers offered their help and support with everything from food deliveries to a friendly chat.
“But volunteering is part of what keeps our city going all year round – even before the pandemic. The many diverse charities and community groups doing so much in our city simply could not exist without the contributions of all those who volunteer. It’s also important that we promote volunteering, as a really valuable way to stay connected and even to gain new skills.
“We’re also pleased that additional funding has been made available to help volunteer groups in the city build capacity and assist small, community based organisations in the city to become sustainable in the longer term.
“We want to thank everyone who chooses to volunteer, as well as the many charity and voluntary organisations in the city, and also acknowledge how testing this year has been. We wouldn’t be here without you.”
If you want to find out more about volunteering and opportunities in the city, visit:
https://bhcommunityworks.org.uk/voluntary-sector/volunteering/volunteers-week-2021/