This year’s Volunteers’ Week runs from 2nd to 8th June – we highlight the power of volunteering and explore how giving your time can make a real difference.
Volunteers’ Week is an annual UK-wide campaign held from the first Monday in June to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers. Launched in 1984, this initiative has been running for over 40 years, providing organisations and communities a platform to thank current and past volunteers for their invaluable efforts. The campaign highlights the diversity and unity of volunteer work across the UK and fosters connections between national organisations and grassroots groups, celebrating the spirit of volunteering that enriches communities each year.
Volunteers are the invisible threads that hold many aspects of our society together. Without their dedication, charities would struggle to fill important roles and many services – particularly those in the charity, health, education, and social care sectors – would struggle to function. The importance of volunteers was particularly highlighted during the pandemic, from delivering groceries to society’s most vulnerable to supporting vaccine centres, communities leaned on volunteers who rose to the challenge.
Not only do volunteers’ contributions support individuals and organisations but they also help build stronger, more resilient communities. This spirit of collaboration helps to bridge divides, encouraging empathy and understanding among people from all walks of life. In an increasingly divided world, volunteering reminds us of our shared humanity and the power of collective action to create meaningful, positive change.
Spending your spare time giving back can be a transformative experience that has many benefits personally, socially, and even professionally. Research consistently shows that volunteering raises self-esteem, reduces stress, and enhances overall wellbeing. It will also help to provide you with a sense of purpose and accomplishment and combat feelings of loneliness by giving a feeling of community and belonging.
Transferable skills, including leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and time management can also be developed. For students, career changers, or those returning to work, it can also offer valuable work experience.
Perhaps the most rewarding benefit of volunteering your time is the feeling of making a tangible impact. Whether it’s through mentorship, planting trees, or simply just being there to listen, your actions can create a lasting change and make a real difference – as Aristotle once said: “What is the essence of life? To serve others and do good.”
Founded in 2007, The Jewish Volunteering Network (JVN) aims to stimulate more Jewish people to volunteer, become the central source of inspiration and leadership for volunteering in the community, and be a beacon of governance and a model of good volunteering practice for every Jewish volunteer-involving organisation.
If you are looking for a place to start your journey, JVN features hundreds of opportunities from charities within both the Jewish community and wider society. Whether you’re looking to make a regular commitment or prefer one-off volunteering roles, JVN makes it easy to find something that fits your interests and availability. It also offers family-friendly opportunities that are suitable for all ages and internships and work experience for those looking to gain professional skills or explore career paths within the charity and non-profit sector.
You don’t need to have any special qualifications – just a willingness to help and a bit of time. Whatever your passion or availability, there’s a volunteering opportunity out there waiting for you!
