Volunteers’ Week 2024: Monday 3 June – Sunday 9 June
Join us as we celebrate 40 years of Volunteers’ Week and inspire more people to make a difference. Volunteers’ Week is a cherished annual event in the UK, taking place this year from the 3rd to the 9th of June. It’s a time to celebrate volunteers and thank them for their invaluable contributions to communities across the country.
What is Volunteers’ Week 2024?
First established in 1984 by Volunteering England, Volunteers’ Week is now coordinated by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO). This special week is dedicated to sharing stories about volunteering, celebrating the achievements of volunteers, and encouraging more people to get involved. Each year, a different theme helps organizations focus on how to open up volunteering opportunities to all and increase diversity among their volunteers and trustees.
Volunteering has been shown to positively impact volunteers’ lives, helping them gain new skills and boost self-esteem. The week raises awareness of the benefits of volunteering and the diverse roles available, encouraging everyone to consider how they can contribute.
CandoFM: “In the Community, By the Community, For the Community”
One shining example of the power of volunteerism is CandoFM, our local community radio station. Run entirely by volunteers, CandoFM embodies the spirit of community involvement and serves as a vital platform for local groups and events. From broadcasting over 100 interviews with local figures each year to supporting local musicians by playing a local track every hour, CandoFM is deeply intertwined with community life.
CandoFM’s contributions to the community are numerous:
- Support for Local Events: CandoFM is present at significant local events, such as the Keswick to Barrow Walk and the Soap Box Derby, providing live coverage and support.
- Youth Engagement: The station runs popular HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) clubs during school holidays and is in local school creating the School Takeover Hour, fostering the next generation of radio presenters.
- Community Projects: From recent radio plays to interactive walks around the Furness Peninsula, CandoFM constantly enhances local cultural and educational offerings.
- All Things Local from Local News and Music: CandoFM delivers the latest local news with bulletins on the half hour during the week, posting news stories on the website and social media, plus collaborating with Barrow BID on the Barrow Buzz app. CandoFM also supports local musicians through dedicated local music hours, interviews and our live lounge.
CandoFM’s mission goes beyond entertainment. It seeks to uplift the community, inform residents, and provide a platform for local voices and talents. Their slogan, “In the Community, By the Community, For the Community,” reflects our deep commitment to local engagement and support.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our CandoFM Team
As we celebrate Volunteers’ Week, we want to extend a massive thank you to all our CandoFM team members who make the station great. We are full of pride for the incredible work everyone contributes. Your dedication and passion are what drive CandoFM’s success, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment to our community.
Get Involved with CandoFM
CandoFM is always looking for new volunteers to join their vibrant team. Whether you’re interested in presenting a radio show, joining the tech team, participating in outside broadcasts, video editing, or marketing, there’s a place for you at CandoFM. Volunteering here offers a unique opportunity to develop new skills, make new friends, and contribute to a beloved community initiative.
If you’re interested in becoming a part of this amazing community venture, contact CandoFM at contact@candofm.co.uk to arrange an informal chat and a tour of their studio. Embrace the spirit of Volunteers’ Week by making a difference in your community with CandoFM.
Volunteers’ Week is a time to celebrate and thank the volunteers who make a significant impact on our communities. By highlighting organisations like CandoFM, we recognise the incredible work done by volunteers and encourage more people to get involved. Let’s celebrate the 40th anniversary of Volunteers’ Week by acknowledging and supporting the volunteers who make our communities thrive.
