Whilst restrictions on events remain in place and Voluntary Action LeicesterShire are unable to hold their usual schedule of events and workshops for the second year in a row, they’re taking the year’s celebrations online again with a series of virtual events. In addition, they will be using their social media platforms and website throughout the week to share real life case studies and stories.
In the last year the pandemic has brought in a new wave of volunteers in the region, with over 5,000 people registering to volunteer with VAL, filling over 12,000 volunteering opportunities including supporting vaccination centres, befriending, shopping and food bank support. That’s on top of the many other volunteers who have provided local charities, businesses and communities with vital resources to continue operating through the unprecedented times. To continue to support and help through the next stage of restrictions unlocking, VAL hopes that the community will continue offering and pledging their valuable time for local projects.
In the last year VAL has relaunched its volunteering website. It’s free for organisations to sign up and advertise volunteering opportunities, and potential volunteers can also sign up and apply directly to volunteer roles.
Kevin Allen-Khimani, Executive Manager – Public Sector Contracts & Projects at VAL, commented:
In what has been an unusual and tough year with the Coronavirus lockdown affecting us all in many ways, we are proud to be able to play a part in providing support and advice to our amazing volun-teers and help the sector function and survive in a time where it has been needed most.
Here at VAL, we’ve seen an increase in registrations from the Leicestershire community who want to volunteer their time and skills to help others. It’s hugely commendable and we hope that this is the real legacy to Covid-19, upon which we can build and develop further in the future.
Kevin continues
We’re looking forward to celebrating them all throughout Volunteers’ Week, as well as showcasing the incredible volunteer opportunities there are in the local area. We hope that we can build and develop on the impact the last year has had on the sector and continue to inspire people to actively get involved.
Virtual Volunteers Week activities
Tuesday 1st June – Volunteering Network and Learn Event, 10am – 12pm
A networking opportunity for Volunteer Involving Organisations (VIO’s) who operate in the public, private or voluntary sectors to come together to share good practice, get updates on changes to volunteering policies and learn about how to best recruit, manage and train volunteers.
Wednesday 2nd June – Recruiting and Managing Volunteers Webinar, 10am – 12pm
This free 2-hour online Zoom training course gives those who are managing or working with volunteers the chance to hear from experts and acquire the skills and resources to recruit and support volunteers effectively.
Thursday 3rd June – Youth Volunteers Fair, 10am – 4.30pm
A virtual volunteering fair for 16-25 year olds who are looking to find out about volunteering and how to get involved in supporting Leicester and Leicestershire communities. VAL have sourced organisations who can offer unique youth volunteering opportunities that are both engaging and highly beneficial to personal and professional development. For each of the three Zoom sessions throughout the day, five different organisations will showcase what they do, what youth volunteering roles they can offer and run a quick fire Q&A session.
Keep an eye on our social media channels throughout the week for more celebrations of our local volunteers throughout the pandemic.
More about Volunteers Week 2021
Volunteers Week is an annual national celebration of volunteers and volunteering, led by the National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).
Find out more on the Volunteers Week website.