Volunteers Week 2025

Today, Monday 2 June, marks the beginning of Volunteers Week here in the UK.

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, the campaign highlights the diversity and unity of volunteer work across the UK. In its 40th year, the campaign underwent a rebrand, introducing a vibrant identity to inspire continued engagement.

Here at The Brightwell, we simply could not operate without the dedication and support of our wonderful Volunteers across all aspects of the Charity. On behalf of every member of staff, service user, carer, family member and supporter we would like to say a massive “Thank You!”

Message from Doro Pasantes, CEO.

“I would like to emphasise how important it is that  we celebrate the support we get from all our Volunteers every single week not just on this specific week.  I know that I speak for the whole staff team when I say that we  would not be able to continue to operate without the support of our amazing Volunteers.

On a personal level I am truly grateful to our Volunteer Board of Trustees, for their work,  guidance and expertise.

Our Volunteer Oxygen Operators are fully trained,  knowledgeable experts. Many with decades of experience. They run five / six sessions a day, five days a week and help support our Oxygen Coordinator to keep this department running like clockwork. 

Our Fundraising and Events department has a dedicated group of Volunteers who support the team with administrative work,  the Brightwell Shop, collections and collecting tins at multiple locations and organise and support  fundraising and social events at the Centre and beyond, as well as give support in all other areas of fundraising. 

There is also a host of tasks that go on behind the scenes including the running of our IT systems, database, website and communications as well as making sure that we are H&S compliant. Support is given by a number of dedicated and expert volunteers in their fields which would cost the Centre a substantial amount if we had to buy this expertise in!

Our Café team relies on the goodwill of brilliantly hard-working volunteers and our Reception team counts on the support of a select group of equally brilliant volunteers that professionally carry out any manner of reception duties from answering the phone to booking in appointments and using the database.

Our beautiful Therapy Garden and grounds are managed by our green fingered gardening Volunteers with help from time to time by groups from our corporate supporters. Who are also giving up their time to volunteer for us.

I would personally like to take this opportunity to thank each and every Volunteer who gives up their time at the Brightwell!

I hope that  every single one of our volunteers will be attending our 40 Year Celebration on 19 June.

We will also be holding our annual “Volunteers Thank You Party” later on  in the year.

THANK YOU!”

If you would like to find out about  becoming a Volunteer at the Centre or supporting external events, please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/volunteer