Volunteers’ Week takes place from the 1 – 7 June every year. It's an opportunity to recognise, thank and celebrate the contribution volunteers make across the UK.
Volunteers’ Week 2022 is a time to say thanks. During an exceptionally difficult couple of years, people from all walks of life around the UK have taken the time to volunteer and make a huge difference to their communities – just as they do every year. This is a time for us to come together and thank all volunteers for their invaluable contribution.
This year, Volunteers’ Week is taking place during the #MonthOfCommunity, which is about creating a focal point in the year to encourage us all to think about and join in with a wide variety of activity happening in our communities. It’s a time to connect with others, give back, say thank you and shine a light on the amazing communities we live in, our community spirit will become stronger and we will all feel the benefits.
As it’s Volunteers’ Week I very much wanted to take this opportunity to say a BIG thank you to everyone within British Naturism whose volunteered during the last year; giving their time, skills, knowledge and energy to helping others, their communities or the environment.
Given the important contribution volunteers make to the success of British Naturism, I’d like to give a special thank you to everyone who has volunteered within BN, whether its
- enabling the organisation to function and deliver its services;
- developing, enabling and supporting opportunities for people to practise a naturist lifestyle;
- promoting understanding and acceptance of the practice and benefits of naturism;
- or simply “helping out” at a BN event, a local naturist club or British Naturism: Sunfolk.
We want to recognise all of those who have continued delivering vital work as volunteers over the past 12 months but also all those who usually volunteer but have not been able to because of the pandemic. Volunteers are always active in the heart of every community. They are behind many of the services we all rely on. Their crucial contribution has not stopped, despite the uncertain times we find ourselves in, and will continue as an important part of the nation’s recovery.
The contribution of volunteers is often unseen and unrecognised by many, visible only through the incredible impact of their volunteering. However, the coronavirus pandemic, events in Ukraine and the valuable role foodbanks play during times of hardship and poverty have rightly raised the profile of volunteering. More people than ever are aware of the immense contribution being made every single day by Britain’s volunteers. That is why it’s time to say: thank you volunteers!
So please join me with a glass of wine (or something else) and a large slice of cake to say a BIG “Thank you” to all our volunteers for the amazing things they do within British Naturism!
John Gelder
BN Volunteering Officer