It’s Volunteers Week 2015, a week -long celebration of the fantastic contribution of charity volunteers.

The annual event, which takes place from 1-7 June, is an initiative run by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), in partnership with Volunteer Development Scotland, Volunteer Now (Northern Ireland) and Wales Council for Voluntary Action, to encourage recognition of the hard work and commitment of volunteers all over the UK.

The Mayhew will be marking the week in a number of ways, including hosting a volunteer taster morning for staff and service users of fellow charity, Westminster Mind, to raise awareness of the physical and mental benefits of volunteering. The Home’s activities will culminate in a barbecue and awards ceremony.

Over 300 volunteers from the local community give their time regularly across the Home, bringing a diverse range of experiences to The Mayhew, as well as learning new skills themselves.

Anna Claxton, Voluntary Resources Manager, says, “Without the level of dedication and commitment from our volunteers, The Mayhew simply wouldn’t function to the high standard we are so proud of. From hands-on animal care to reception duties and fostering to fundraising, every minute of our volunteers’ time is so precious and we can’t thank them enough for making such a big difference as part of the team and, ultimately, to the animals”.

For more information about Volunteer Week 2015, please visit: volunteersweek.org

To join The Mayhew as a volunteer, please visit our Volunteering page.