Medway’s hardworking and dedicated volunteers are being celebrated as part of a national campaign.
Volunteers’ Week (Thursday, 1 June to Wednesday, 7 June) is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering.
Earlier this year, Medway Help for Ukrainians was named the overall winners of the Pride in Medway Awards. The awards celebrate Medway’s unsung heroes and the inspiring work of voluntary and community groups, as well as individuals.
The Mayor of Medway has selected Medway Help for Ukrainians as one of her chosen charities for the year. The charity was set up by Joanne Watson in 2022 and has helped hundreds of Ukrainian refugees.
Gone above and beyond
Joanne Watson, Trustee of Medway Help for Ukrainians, said: “Medway Help For Ukrainians would not have been able to achieve all the support we have over the last 14 months for our Ukrainian arrivals, without our team of caring volunteers. They have gone above and beyond, many of whom have families and jobs, to give their time, friendship and expertise, days, nights and weekends. We have also partnered with other voluntary organisations in Medway, such as Gillingham Street Angels, and their volunteers. It was humbling and such an honour to win Pride in Medway, as we were in a room filled with other volunteers who selflessly give their time to our community, all of whom were equally worthy of winning.”
Services across Medway Council work with a wide range of voluntary organisations and charities and throughout Volunteers’ Week the council’s Portfolio Holders will be visiting as many of them as possible to personally thank volunteers.
Volunteers make a difference in Medway’s award-winning parks and open spaces by taking part in practical tasks, promoting parks and helping to organise events and activities. Residents can join one of the many friends and volunteer groups who help look after parks and the local environment.
Residents can also volunteer with our A Better Medway service and lead cycle groups or health walks, become a breastfeeding peer supporter or sign up to be a health and wellbeing champion.
At Medway’s libraries, volunteers show residents how to access e-Books, gain confidence on the computer as well as deliver and collect books to those who aren’t able to get to their local library.
If you would like to volunteer at Medway’s fantastic heritage sites, we are looking for volunteers to dress in costume to greet visitors and bring history to life. For more information, and to request an application form, email guildhall.museum@medway.gov.uk.
We commission Medway Voluntary Action (MVA) to provide vital support to the voluntary community sector organisations in Medway.
Recognise and celebrate
Lisa Michalowicz, Volunteering Officer at MVA, said: “Volunteers' Week is a chance to recognise and celebrate the contributions made by local people through volunteering in our communities, of which we are all very grateful for. Volunteers’ Week is also a time to say thanks and every year MVA organise activities that all of Medway's volunteers can get involved in. I always feel both honoured and humbled to be part of these activities as I get to hear about the incredible passion, generosity, dedication, selflessness and commitment they give in supporting Medway’s communities.”
MVA’s newest volunteers, Viv and Vic Bear are touring Medway’s local voluntary organisations and groups to pass on messages of thanks to volunteers. The charity’s #MedwayHeroes campaign has also returned and local volunteer’s stories will be shared on its social media channels.
Proud of all of Medway's volunteers
Cllr Teresa Murray, Deputy Leader of Medway Council and Portfolio Holder for Health and Adults’ Services, said: “I am delighted that we are supporting Volunteers’ Week. Medway is home to a number of great charities and voluntary organisations and we understand, and value, the unique contribution that they make to our services, including supporting the health and social care system. I am proud of all of Medway’s volunteers and I would personally like to thank them for everything they do. They truly do make a difference to residents’ lives. However, our local charities and voluntary organisations always need more volunteers and getting involved can be a great way to gain new skills and experiences as well as offering your own expertise and ideas to enhance what’s on offer so I encourage anyone who has time to offer to step forward and I know there will be a warm welcome waiting for you.”