Bolton’s volunteers have received a well-deserved “thank you” from across the community for their vital support at the most challenging of times.
Today marks the start of Volunteers’ Week, a national campaign to recognise and celebrate the individuals, charities and organisations which go that extra mile to help others.
The COVID-19 pandemic has provided countless examples of the essential role volunteers play in Bolton, particularly in recent weeks as the borough has fought back against rising infection rates.
So many people have given up their time to support the NHS, council workers and the army with the ongoing response to the local outbreak.
Volunteers have been directly involved with engaging communities, delivering information leaflets, helping residents access COVID tests and working at vaccination sites.
We can see the direct impact their efforts are having in the number of Bolton residents taking tests and getting vaccinated.
In the past year, many volunteers have also come forward with initiatives and creative ideas to support neighbours struggling during lockdown or self-isolation.
Like Denise who set up ‘Lend a Hand Horwich’ helping neighbours with shopping, dog walking and transport to hospital appointments, Year Three pupil Hugo who collected hundreds of 2p coins to support the Packed Lunches for Schools scheme or David who sought essential plumbing parts for a shielding couple to fix a leaking toilet.
All this week, Bolton Council’s social media will be highlighting and celebrating the work of some of these incredible volunteers.
On Thursday (June 3) Bolton CVS will host “A Time to Say Thanks”, an online event where volunteers will share their experiences.
Running from 6pm to 7.30pm, the event will also feature entertainment and a quiz. Attendees can register online.
Bolton’s volunteer sector is second to none and the last few weeks have proved that beyond any doubt.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Cllr Nadim Muslim, said:
“Bolton’s volunteer sector is second to none and the last few weeks have proved that beyond any doubt.
“In a short time, we have seen thousands of people in Bolton getting tested and vaccinated against COVID-19, that simply would not have happened without our volunteers.
“I am incredibly proud of Bolton’s community spirit and I want to thank each of you who has given up your time to support the COVID response or help a neighbour in need.”
Dr Helen Wall, Senior Responsible Officer for the Vaccination Programme in Bolton, said:
“Volunteers have been absolutely vital to the success of the vaccination programme in Bolton.
“They have contributed much more than hard work, dedication and time – they have done all this with a smile and a reassuring manner that has been appreciated by the thousands of people coming to get their vaccination.
“I thank them all!”
Dawn Yates-Obe, CEO of Bolton CVS said:
“Volunteers Week is a time to say thank you for the fantastic contribution volunteers make and to acknowledge the good practice of groups and organisations in enabling quality and meaningful volunteering to happen.
“Bolton CVS would like to thank all the volunteers who make a huge difference in supporting everyone in Bolton.”