Recognising and celebrating Leicestershire’s volunteers and voluntary organisations, we are shining the spotlight on the local community and the UK for National Volunteers’ Week.
Throughout the week, we will be sharing real life case studies and volunteer stories using our social media platforms and our website, from ourselves and our partners to highlight and show our gratitude for some of the volunteers who are doing amazing things to help others.
We also relaunched our volunteering website. It’s free for organisations to sign up and advertise volunteering opportunities, and also for potential volunteers who can sign up and apply directly to volunteering roles. Start your volunteering journey here.
Keep an eye on our social media channels throughout the week for more celebrations of our local volunteers.
More about Volunteers Week 2025
Volunteers Week is an annual national celebration of volunteers and volunteering, led by the National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).
Join us as we celebrate 40 years of Volunteers’ Week and look to inspire more people to make a difference.
Find out more on the Volunteers Week website.
#MonthofCommunity
FestiVAL
FestiVAL is our #MonthofCommunity Its a time for us all to come together and celebrate everything that makes our communities great.
‘FestiVAL’ is an opportunity to shine a light on those individuals who are giving back to the amazing communities we live in so, it is a great time for you think about getting involved as a volunteer!
Volunteering is a crucial part of local communities, helping to connect people together, make sure that the most vulnerable members of society are supported and creating opportunities for organisations to have a greater impact on people’s lives.
Find out more about FestIVALVolunteer Stories

Event Volunteer – LLR Mind
Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Mind were looking for volunteers to help them deliver the Mental Elf fun run.

Volunteer Stories – Celine
Read how Celine used our volunteering website to help her pursue a career in childcare.

Volunteer Stories – Lynda
Read Lynda's story of her experience in volunteering at her local charity shop in Leicester.

Case Study – Peter Le Merchant Trust
Peter Le Marchant Trust are the oldest and busiest canal boat charity in the UK.

Volunteer Stories - Zaheera
Zaheera's story about volunteering as a Meet and Greet volunteer at the Leicester Royal Infirmiary.

Case Study - Shopmobility
Shopmobility Melton Mowbray supports those who are most vulnerable within the community helping them to live more independently.

Volunteer Stories - Paula
Here is Paula’s story of her experience in volunteering as a Reading coach volunteer with Read Easy.

Volunteering – Joey’s Story
Read how Joey found employment as a receptionist with her experience gained from volunteering with us.

Charity Shop Volunteer – Zarla
Read Zarla's story of her journey into volunteering as a Charity Shop Volunteer.
Get involved in volunteering
If you’re inspired to get involved in volunteering, you can find out more on our VAL Volunteering website.
If you’re a voluntary, community or social enterprise organisation who wants more support with recruiting or managing volunteers, you can get in touch with us via:
helpline@valonline.org.uk
0116 257 5050