At the beginning of June, something special happens every year: Volunteers' Week is an annual event dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating the amazing people who give their time, energy, and kindness to support others.

Whether it’s offering a friendly smile, sharing skills, or helping someone navigate a new life, our volunteers make an incredible difference - and this week is all about celebrating them.

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What is Volunteers' Week

It is an event that traditionally takes place in the first week of June and is a nationwide celebration recognising the contributions of volunteers across the UK. From big charities to small community groups, everyone comes together to say one simple but powerful thing: thank you. But it’s not just about appreciation - it’s also about shining a light on the many ways people can get involved. Volunteering doesn’t look just one way. It can be big or small, structured or informal, skills-based, or simply about showing up and being there for someone. At Migrant Help, Volunteers' Week is a moment to celebrate the people who help create welcoming, supportive environments for asylum seekers, refugees, and vulnerable migrants.

Volunteers' Week has been around since 1984 (yep - this tradition is over 40 years old!). It was launched by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and has grown into a UK-wide movement involving thousands of organisations and thousands of volunteers. Over the years, it’s become a powerful tradition - one that not only celebrates volunteers but also inspires new people to get involved. Because when you see the impact volunteering can have, it’s hard not to want to be part of it.

Volunteering at Migrant Help is all about the people we support. It’s about connection, compassion, and making sure no one feels alone.

Our volunteers do all sorts of amazing things, like:

• Supporting community activities
• Taking part in one-off events
• Sharing language skills
• Offering encouragement, guidance, and a listening ear

Sometimes it’s the small moments that matter most. Those moments add up to something truly life-changing.

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Volunteers' stories

Below are some lovely quotes from our volunteers that share what volunteering is to them and the impact it has had on them.

Volunteer S:

As an Activity Lead volunteer, I have had the opportunity to organise and facilitate activities such as movie sessions for service users. Seeing people come together, relax, and enjoy time with others has been extremely rewarding. These activities may seem simple, but they can make a real difference in helping people feel connected, supported, and less isolated.

Volunteering has also allowed me to meet people from diverse backgrounds and develop my communication and leadership skills. It has been a positive experience to contribute to creating a welcoming environment where people can take a break from their daily challenges and enjoy meaningful social interaction. I would encourage anyone considering volunteering to get involved, as even a few hours of your time can have a lasting impact on others.

Volunteer M:

Volunteering has had a profound impact on my life. It has given me a sense of purpose, stability, and belonging during a time when everything else felt uncertain. Being able to support others, even while facing my own challenges, has strengthened my confidence and reminded me that I still have so much to offer.

Through volunteering, I have gained new skills, met inspiring people, and found a community that values compassion and teamwork. It has helped me grow personally and professionally, and it continues to motivate me to contribute wherever I can.

For me, volunteering is not just an activity - it is a commitment and a source of hope. It has shown me that even small actions can make a real difference in someone’s life.

Volunteer N:

Volunteering became something especially important to me during a time when I was trying to rebuild my life and adjust to a completely new country and environment. It helped me feel useful again, gave structure to my days, and reminded me that I still have skills, experience, and compassion that can support others. Sometimes, when people go through difficult changes in life, they can lose confidence in themselves, and volunteering really helped me get part of that confidence back.

What I appreciate most is the human connection that comes with volunteering. Even simple conversations, helping someone feel heard, or being part of a supportive team can make a real difference. It also helped me understand the local community more and feel more connected and included instead of feeling like a stranger.

For me, volunteering is not only about helping others, but also about belonging, learning, growing, and slowly finding your own way again. I think many people underestimate how much positive impact volunteering can have on both the community and the volunteer themselves.

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We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has volunteered with us!

If you're interested in volunteering for Migrant Help, keep track off opportunities here.

Justė Marcinkevičiūtė - Volunteer Coordinator