Page 32 - Demo

32 Phonebox Magazine | June 2025Volunteers%u2019 WeekVolunteers%u2019 Week is here again. It celebrates the contribution thousands of people make as they help others each year across the UK.Without volunteers %u2013 people giving up their own time and often their own money %u2013 to assist others, many organisations would simply cease to exist. It%u2019s the work put in by volunteers that keeps so many organisations running.From charities to groups, societies to clubs, churches to hospitals, the work of the volunteer is crucial. Volunteers Week, which runs this year from Monday 2nd to Sunday 8th June, raises awareness of what these people do and describes how anyone can get involved.It off ers help and guidance to people thinking of putting themselves forward, and displays the many benefi ts of being a volunteer: gaining new friends, improving confi dence, broadening social skills and generally having a positive impact on your mind and body. Emmaus VillageEmmaus Village Carlton supports up to 40 men and women who have experienced homelessness by giving them a home and work opportunities in their social enterprise of three shops and a bistro, and with the site management team.The charity gives formerly homeless people, known by the charity as companions, an opportunity to regain lost self-esteem and help rebuild their lives. It also has additional move-on rooms for people preparing to live independently. The charity relies heavily upon its wonderfully dedicated team of volunteers who assist with everything from stocking its shops to gardening, mending donated clocks and bicycles, or supporting companions with literacy and language skills.Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills and meet new people at the same time, while helping your local community and supporting the Emmaus ethos.The charity%u2019s volunteers work alongside companions and staff , sharing activities and responsibilities and helping to build our social enterprise together. All our volunteers receive a special 20% discount in our three on-site shops.Our current volunteer roles include supporting our Bistro, Boutique, Bric a Brac shop, Home Store, Reception and administration. We also need help with book processing, Gift Aid sign up, gardening and maintenance. All volunteer roles can be fl exible %u2013 we just ask that volunteers are ideally available for at least one shift per week, usually a morning or afternoon. If you%u2019d like to off er us some of your skills, knowledge and companionship, please complete the volunteer application form. If you have any further questions, please email us at: recruitment@emmausvc.orgThe Mead CentreWhere would we be without volunteers? The Mead Centre, in the middle of Newport Pagnell, is managed and run by amazing, enthusiastic, funloving and caring volunteers. They give their time freely to support their local community, bringing a variety of skills and experiences that truly make a diff erence.Whatever time they are able to give to their roles, the outstanding feature is their smile and warm nature to make visitors feel welcomed and valued.Although our volunteers do not look for reward, Volunteers Week is a great opportunity to celebrate and say a huge thank you for their commitment and dedication. Naturally, volunteering isn%u2019t a one-way street, and our volunteers have told us they really enjoy being part of a team with a real purpose. It provides a framework to continue developing, build confi dence, learn new skills and make new friends; it%u2019s being part of a volunteering family.The roles at the Mead Centre are varied and continue to grow.From the team that ensures the weekly Community Larder runs smoothly; the catering and front-of-house teams of Time 4 Everyone and Chatty Cafe; the Welcome(ers); policy writers; the tea makers; the gardeners; the management; the maintenance and drain clearers, all contribute to the success of the Centre. It%u2019s not all glamour and laughter, but it is generally great fun and supportive.An Afternoon Tea and activities are planned during the week, to show our appreciation for each and every one of our Volunteer Stars. There remains one question%u2026 who will be doing the washing up?Please contact the Mead Centre if you would like to join our team:www.themeadcentre.co.uk/volunteersFor more information see the Volunteers Week website: www.volunteersweek.orgHere is how just a small number of volunteers make a big diff erence. These organisations in our area could not operate without the kind and generous help of volunteers. They are by no means alone %u2013 hundreds of kind people across our region off er their services for nothing.