Volunteers’ Week, which takes place during the first week of June every year, is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering and the perfect time to say thank you to them.
Figures from the UK Volunteering Forum (the partnership that leads on Volunteers’ Week), say 14.2 million of us formally volunteer at least once a month and volunteering added £4.6 billion in productivity gains to the UK economy in 2024. Some 25 million people in the UK volunteer informally at least once in the year.
Behind these big numbers is a big contribution, and that’s worthy of a big celebration and a big thank you.
Fabulous team of volunteers
And here at Meningitis Now we count ourselves fortunate to have a fabulous team of volunteers out there supporting our work and making a huge contribution to what we do. Around the country we have 195 active volunteers, tirelessly helping us to raise awareness of this devastating disease and fight back against its impact.
Our volunteers help us raise awareness by giving talks, running stands and distributing literature; they also raise funds in street or supermarket collections; and help out at our big events like the London Marathon, the Five Valleys Walk or our Christmas Concerts – sometimes all of the above!
And very grateful we are to each and every one of them, as well as everyone else who gets involved with the 101 other things that make such a difference to our work.
Invaluable to us
Tom Nutt, our chief executive, said: “Volunteers’ Week is a chance to celebrate and recognise the fantastic contribution our volunteers make to our work. Quite simply, they are invaluable to us.
“They work as part of a fantastic team across the UK and bring a richness and diversity to our work. We simply couldn’t do what we do without their ongoing support, generosity and inspiration – we’re so grateful to you all, thank you.
“Because of our volunteers we are louder with our awareness messages, reaching more people who need us, making change happen, funding more research and, above all, getting closer to making our goal, where no one dies from meningitis and everyone affected gets the support they need, a reality.”
Tom added: “By giving a little of your time, you can help us to help those affected by meningitis and make a difference today and every day. Just a few hours a month can make an amazing difference.”
Achieve so much more
Our Volunteer Officer, Isobel Black, added: “With the continued support, enthusiasm and hard work of our wonderful volunteers we’re able to achieve so much more in our fight against meningitis.
“Our volunteers help to put right so many misconceptions about meningitis; time and time again we hear that someone didn’t think it was meningitis as there was no rash, or they didn’t know their partner or teenager was at risk as they thought it was a disease that only affects young children.
“As a trusted voice in their local communities and by talking about meningitis and highlighting the signs and symptoms they have the potential to save a life.”
Positive impact on the volunteer too
And, it’s worth pointing out, volunteering has a positive impact on the volunteer as well as the organisation. The feedback we receive from our volunteers is backed up by research carried out by the UK Volunteering Forum.
Here are just a few of the many comments we’ve received from our volunteers …
“Meningitis Now has helped to transform a dark, frightening period of my life into an opportunity to make a difference and connect with incredible people.”
“I always enjoy volunteering and always come home feeling I've made a difference!”
“Volunteering for Meningitis Now is very rewarding and fun.”
“The volunteering I have done with Meningitis Now has been purposeful and worthwhile.”
“It’s helped me to understand myself and what I’m going through and overall has proved hugely beneficial to my recovery and also towards raising awareness.”
“I personally get so much out of volunteering, from opportunities to learn new skills to making so many new connections both in the charity and in my community, to getting to attend fun events.”
“I would say to people that 'if you are thinking about volunteering, then don't just think about it, DO IT!’"
“It’s human nature to feel good after helping someone out,” Isobel added. “Volunteering can also help you gain valuable new skills and experiences, and boost your confidence.”
If you want to make a difference in the fight against meningitis we’d be thrilled to have you on the team – please get in touch. Find out more about volunteering opportunities with Meningitis Now in your area by contacting Isobel on isobelb@meningitisnow.org or checking here.
