Every year, Volunteers’ Week gives us a chance to celebrate the people who give their time and energy to improve the lives of others, our communities and environments.
If you don’t already have the date in your diary, Volunteers’ Week 2025 runs from Monday 2 June to Sunday 8 June 2025. It’s our moment to say a great big ‘diolch yn fawr’ to the many thousands of people across Wales who make a difference through volunteering.
Since Volunteers’ Week 2025 was launched earlier this year, organisations across Wales have been preparing their plans – and we’re inviting you to get involved.
‘Volunteers’ Week is such an important moment to take stock and recognise just how essential volunteers are and the vital impact they make on people and communities every day.’ – Dr Lindsay Cordery-Bruce, Chief Executive, WCVA.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WALES?
In Wales, we will be focusing on the diversity within volunteering, from the wide variety of activities that people do as volunteers, to the differences that people bring to their experiences and how that enhances communities and environments across the nation.
On Tuesday 3 June 2025, we will mark #PowerofYouth day, celebrating the contributions made by young people in Wales and Friday of Volunteers’ Week coincides with World Environment Day, so there will be a focus on celebrating volunteers in opportunities with an environmental impact.
SAYING ‘THANK YOU’
From personalised messages of thanks, to volunteering events, here’s just a flavour of what organisations across Wales have lined up:
- A ‘Thank-a-thon’ where staff members call volunteers personally to say thank you and connect staff with the volunteer experience
- Volunteer award ceremonies to spotlight and celebrate individuals with certificates and recognition
- Thoughtful thank-you hampers sent to charity shop teams, ready for a Volunteers’ Week tea break
- Volunteering fairs popping up in Merthyr Tydfil, Bridgend, and the Vale of Glamorgan to shine a light on local opportunities
- In Flintshire, ‘speed-volunteering’ sessions at Job Centres – helping people discover how quick and easy it is to get involved
- A ‘volunteer tour’ in various locations delivering cake to volunteers whilst doing their volunteering
- In Swansea, peer-to-peer volunteer connections will be supported to strengthen networks and relationships
- Employer-supported volunteering sessions where staff are giving back alongside community volunteers
These are just some of the ways that organisations are recognising the dedication of volunteers across Wales. For information about what’s happening in your area, find your local volunteering team.
SO, HOW CAN YOU JOIN IN?
- Plan how you’ll say thank you – Visit the How to Ensure Volunteer Satisfaction page on the Knowledge Hub for ideas and tools to reward and recognise your volunteers well
- Get inspiration – Head to the National Volunteers’ Week web page for downloadable resources to help you plan, promote, and celebrate
- Get ready for new volunteers – Register your ‘taster’ or new volunteering opportunities on the Volunteering Wales website and help others find their way into volunteering. We always expect to see extra visitors to this site during the month of June!
FIND OUT MORE
Read more about why we’re especially excited to celebrate volunteering in Wales this year.
HAVE YOU HEARD?
There’s a ‘new approach to volunteering’ being developed for Wales currently out for consultation – have your say and take part in the survey.