Volunteer Recognition for Volunteers' Week 2022

Volunteers' Week takes place every year between 1-7 June and is an opportunity for us to thank and give recognition to our volunteers and the huge difference they make to people and in their communities.

It's been a difficult few years and volunteers have played a key role in the pandemic response. The coronavirus pandemic has raised the profile of volunteering and more people than ever are aware of the immense contribution being made every single day by the UK’s volunteers in their very many and varied roles.

Volunteers make a huge difference to our work, and as a local charity, we could not do what we do without them. We currently have the equivalent of 61.5 full time members of staff but approximately 500 volunteers across the county. Most of our volunteers directly support older people by offering their company and friendship to reduce isolation and loneliness. The significant negative impact of isolation and loneliness upon health was greatly, and rightly, highlighted during the pandemic. The sad reality is that for many older people this is daily life before and after the pandemic.

Our volunteers give their time generously, consistently and with dedication.

WE SAY THANK YOU TO ALL OUR WONDERFUL VOLUNTEERS. 

Long Service Awards Event

On 7^th June we hosted an Awards Ceremony to give recognition to our many longstanding, volunteers by presenting Long Service Awards (in excess of 10 years).  An album of photographs from the event can be viewed on our Facebook page, given in the link below.

The awards were presented by Deputy Lieutenant, His Honour Neil McKittrick DL and former High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, who said:

“I am standing in today for The Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Julie Spence, OBE, QPM, who is unable to attend but we both share enormous admiration for, and wish to express our gratitude to, the volunteers who do so much to support their and our communities. They make a huge difference and as Her Majesty The Queen’s representatives in the County we give thanks for their invaluable contribution.”

Melanie Wicklen, Chief Executive, introduced proceedings saying:

“Today we recognise those of you who have given your time to older people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, supporting our organisation to thrive, to expand and to continue reaching those seldom heard and those who need us.  Your skills bring professionalism and in return we hope your experience with us, brings you reward and self-worth knowing you are making a difference.”

Mercedes Dulson, volunteer attending, said:

“After I retired from 35 years in nursing and midwifery, I wanted to continue to do something useful but in a more relaxed way. I feel proud to be an AgeUKCAP volunteer as I get satisfaction knowing I’m helping, and I’ve been able to do things I’ve never done before. I’ve met different people and made good friends. I’d recommend it to anyone. Today has been lovely, you don’t expect a ‘reward’ for volunteering, but it is nice to be recognised, after all who wouldn’t like to be thanked and appreciated?!”

If you would like to volunteer please contact us by email to volunteering@ageukcap.org.uk or call 01223 221925.

We're very happy to informally chat to you about our various volunteer roles and what might suit you.

* We would like to thank Peterborough Milton Golf Club for providing the venue free of charge, Amazon EUK5 Peterborough for donating A4 frames for the certificates awarded, Tony Clark Photography for volunteering to take photographs of the event and, Deputy Lieutenant, His Honour Neil McKittrick DL for presenting the awards.