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 is in its 40th year.

Group of volunteers outdoors at the park all smiling with hands in the air.

Volunteers’ Week fosters connections between national organisations and grassroots groups, celebrating the spirit of volunteering that enriches communities each year.

The value of volunteering

Volunteering is a vital component of UK society, with millions contributing their time and skills annually across Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland. These inspiring statistics highlight the incredible contributions of volunteers and the potential for even greater engagement across the UK.

  • 14.2 million people in the UK have formally volunteered at least once a month
  • Volunteering added £4.6 billion in productivity gains to the UK economy in 2024
  • 25 million people in the UK volunteered informally at least once in the year
These statistics highlight the remarkable contributions of volunteers across the UK. Together, with support from organisations like you, we can continue to grow the impact of volunteering and create stronger, more connected communities.

The above figures are provided by Royal Voluntary Service and NCVO.

Past Volunteers’ Week highlights

Every year, Volunteers’ Week is celebrated across the UK in many different ways. It’s inspiring to see more people, organisations, and groups participate each year and celebrate their amazing volunteers and the volunteering community. Check out some of the highlights from last year below.

This year’s celebration runs from Monday 2nd – Sunday 8th June.