Wessex Community Action (WCA) is the council for voluntary services in Wiltshire and provides practical support for community organisations on funding, governance, planning, policy development, recruiting, and leadership.
This monthly volunteering column looks at all aspects of volunteering and how people can give up their time for the benefit of their communities.
Next month sees the 42nd Volunteers’ Week, and Wiltshire will be embracing it in full with at least two events aimed at inspiring people to take a fresh look at giving up their time to support their community.
Volunteers’ Week, which runs from June 1 to 7, is a UK-wide celebration that recognises the millions of people who give their time freely to support others and strengthen communities.
The campaign has two clear aims – to thank volunteers and inspire more people to get involved.
Wessex Community Action (WCA) will be hosting a Volunteers’ Fair at Salisbury Library on June 2.
More than 20 organisations, including Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance, will be there showcasing the opportunities they have for volunteering.
“People can just come in and chat to any organisations they like the look of,” said WCA’s volunteer and community development advisor Stacey Sims.
“It doesn’t matter what people are interested in doing, skills they have, or time they have available, there is very likely to be something that matches them.”
She will also be demonstrating Wiltshire Together, the charity’s free online portal that allows charities and voluntary groups to showcase their work and advertise volunteering opportunities.
“I’ll be showing people how easy it is to register and search in their area for roles they could apply for,” said Stacey.
“It’s going to be a great day with so many charities represented, we’ve got more asking us if they can take part all the time.”
Sign up and search local opportunities at wiltshiretogether.org.uk.
There will be a number of groups advertising their work and their volunteer roles at a Volunteer Fair at Devizes Town Hall on June 6 from 10am to 2pm.
Cllr Jaydon Irvine, who proposed the event, said: “The purpose of it is to recognize and celebrate the vast amount of voluntary groups that work and operate in Devizes.
"This is a space for the groups to share information with others and advertise what they do and engage with the public.”
Volunteers’ Week shines a spotlight on the enormous social and economic value of volunteering.
Across the UK, millions contribute regularly, with volunteering adding billions in productivity and helping deliver essential services, from community support to national charities.
By sharing stories, hosting events, and celebrating achievements, the campaign connects national organisations with grassroots groups, reinforcing a shared sense of purpose and community.
It is not just about recognition, it’s about participation too.
At a time when charities and groups struggle to recruit and retain volunteers, the campaign encourages people to step forward, try new roles, and discover how their skills can make a difference.
For individuals, volunteering offers more than altruism.
It builds confidence, develops skills, and creates meaningful connections.
For society, it underpins services and fosters stronger, more resilient communities.
Volunteers’ Week reminds us that giving time is not only valuable—it is vital.
WCA works with charities and groups to help them support volunteer training and development, and helps them develop links with the community.
To find out more, contact Stacey at community@wessexcommunityaction.org.uk.
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