Newark and Sherwood District Council and Newark and Sherwood CVS have thanked volunteers and community groups working across the district, particularly those helping others through the outbreak of coronavirus, during the national celebration of Volunteers’ Week (June 1 to 7).

This week marks the annual recognition of the dedication and hard work of volunteers. Taking place every year, Volunteers’ Week, established in 1984, recognises the contribution of more than 20 million people who volunteer in their communities across the UK. The week also aims to raise awareness about the benefits of becoming a volunteer and about the diverse volunteering roles that are available.

In previous years, volunteers from across Newark and Sherwood have been invited to a number of special thank-you events held by Newark and Sherwood District Council and Newark and Sherwood CVS. This year however, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the events have had to be cancelled.

The pandemic has caused disruption and posed challenges to everyone but Newark and Sherwood District Council Leader David Lloyd said that communities throughout the district had been exceptional in their response to the problems faced.

He said: “This unprecedented situation has brought a new wave of community spirit and community support that is overwhelming. The willingness of individuals to invest time and energy to help others, while they are also living with a deep-rooted concern about the effect of this virus, is hugely appreciated.

“I personally want to thank every individual volunteer for their time, support and determination to help others in the communities in which we live. We will, when this is all over, be celebrating your valuable contribution as we have done in previous years. Until then, I send you my deepest thanks.”

Madeleine O’Sullivan, chief executive officer at Newark and Sherwood CVS, said: “One of the things that the voluntary sector is good at is responding to the needs of the community. And so when Coronavirus first appeared people began contacting us not knowing where to go for help or what to do.

“The volunteer response to coronavirus was truly astonishing and overwhelming – the outpouring of neighbourliness. Within a week we had 44 new volunteers. Volunteers’ Week gives us an opportunity to highlight the unique contribution and diversity that volunteers bring and to say a huge thank-you.”

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