The national celebration takes place on Sunday 5 June – coinciding with Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June) – and recognises the hard work and generosity of people across many different sectors and in every part of the community.

Lancashire and South Cumbria Health and Care Partnership has this year chosen to shine a spotlight on the people who give their own time up to help those in need.

Maggie Asquith, Integrated Voluntary Services project lead for Lancashire and South Cumbria Health and Care Partnership, said: “The tremendous efforts of those who volunteer should always be recognised, and that’s why Thank You Day is the perfect chance to praise them for their efforts.

“Without the many, many people across the region who have volunteered in the health and care sector over the past 12 months, things like the COVID-19 vaccine rollout would not have been as successful as it has been.

“I would encourage anyone who can volunteer to do so, as your help is always greatly appreciated.”

The Health and Care Partnership recently paid tribute to some of the people who have volunteered throughout the global pandemic with an emotional video that saw local patients, staff, family and friends shine a light on inspirational stories of gratitude to those who cared for them.

Speaking as part of the #ThankYou campaign Lancashire and South Cumbria’s interim director of nursing, Jane Scattergood praised those that volunteered with the region’s vaccination programme. She said: “I’m extra grateful to the volunteers who have given tens of thousands of happy, smiling, cheerful hours to our programme and really, really helped us out. We couldn’t have done it without them, so thank you.”

The sentiment was reflected by Lancashire and South Cumbria medical director Andy Curran, who highlighted the collaborative efforts undertaken over the last two years across the health, care and voluntary system: “There are countless stories out there and examples of people going above and beyond to help our population and patients get through this. So whether we look at one, or hundreds, we need to make sure that we’re saying thank you to those staff, volunteers and everyone that was involved.”

During the pandemic, Lancashire Volunteer Partnership (LVP) were asked by the NHS to lead on providing volunteer marshals for the vaccination programme in the region. Since then LVP have been working in partnership with the NHS by providing volunteers across Lancashire and South Cumbria.

Lancashire Volunteer Partnership manager Joanne Latham said: “It’s wonderful to celebrate Thank You Day during National Volunteers’ Week because it’s an excellent opportunity to recognise and celebrate our volunteers’ commitment and hard work, particularly during the pandemic.

“They have played a huge part in helping our communities cope with the consequences of coronavirus and we are incredibly proud of their generosity and commitment during this difficult time.”

Those interested in volunteering in Lancashire and South Cumbria can view opportunities across a number of different sectors at nhscareersnw.co.uk/volunteering.