Volunteers are often the quiet force behind the things that make our communities work.

They open village halls, run youth clubs, support local charities, organise activities, lead trustees, welcome new people, raise funds, share skills, make tea, write policies, manage rotas and help neighbours feel less alone.

This Volunteers’ Week, from Monday 1 to Sunday 7 June, Community First Yorkshire is saying thank you to the volunteers, trustees and community leaders who give their time, energy and care to make a difference across North Yorkshire.

Volunteers’ Week is the annual UK-wide celebration of volunteering. It is a chance to recognise the huge contribution volunteers make to local communities, the voluntary sector and society as a whole.

For Community First Yorkshire, it is also a chance to shine a light on the organisations behind those volunteers, and the support they need to keep going.

Jane Colthup, chief executive of Community First Yorkshire, said:

“By being a volunteer, you are showing leadership. You are giving up your time, using your ability to connect and making a difference in your local area. That is true leadership. Some of the best leaders are the quiet leaders, and for me, everybody’s a leader.
“Across North Yorkshire, volunteers play a vital role in helping community groups, charities and social enterprises respond to local need. They bring knowledge, kindness, lived experience, practical skills and a deep understanding of the places they serve.”

Stephen Biggs, manager at Just the Job in Richmond, first came to the organisation through volunteering. Reflecting on the value volunteers bring, he said:

“Volunteers bring so much variety into the organisation. There’s such a broad spectrum of people who end up volunteering, bringing different skills, experiences and knowledge. It’s just been a great boost to what we do.”

He also has a simple message for anyone thinking about volunteering:

“Just give it a go. Don’t be scared. Try something. It’s the best way to learn whether you want to do something different, whether you’re changing careers, or whether you’ve come to retirement and want to offer something back.”

Community First Yorkshire works with volunteer-led organisations across the county, offering support with funding, governance, training, mentoring, networking and practical problem solving.

That support can be especially important for trustees, committee members and people who lead or coordinate other volunteers. Many of these roles are voluntary too, and they can sometimes feel lonely or overwhelming.

Vicki Sharp, development officer at Community First Yorkshire, said:

“Sometimes volunteer coordinators are unpaid volunteers who lead and support other volunteers, and that includes trustees. We find colleagues out there who struggle to find the support they need because they are volunteers.”

To help with this, Community First Yorkshire runs a Volunteer Coordinators Network to provide practical guidance and support to volunteer coordinators and managers across North Yorkshire. It’s a chance for people to get together and to chat about all things related to managing and supporting volunteers. During Volunteers’ Week, there will be a network meeting on 4 June in Northallerton. There’s also a drop-in session at Knaresborough Library on 17 June.

Community First Yorkshire also supports groups with the practical foundations that help volunteering thrive. That could mean helping a new community organisation think through its structure, supporting trustees with governance, helping a village hall explore funding, or connecting people with training and local networks.

Vicki adds:

“You’re not on your own. Just talk it over with somebody. We’ve spoken to lots of organisations in similar situations, and we can support you with all sorts of things.”

This Volunteers’ Week, Community First Yorkshire will be sharing stories, quotes and short videos from people across the sector, celebrating the difference volunteers make and encouraging more people to get involved. Keep an eye on our campaign page.

Because volunteering is not just about giving time. It is about connection, confidence, kindness and community.

To every volunteer, trustee, committee member, organiser, fundraiser, befriender, driver, youth leader, village hall helper and community champion across North Yorkshire: thank you.

Your time matters. Your skills matter. Your care matters.

And if your organisation needs support to keep doing what you do, Community First Yorkshire is here to help. Get in touch by filling in our short enquiry form or email info@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk.