Volunteers Week takes place 1-7 June every year. It’s a chance to recognise the fantastic contribution volunteers make to our communities and say thank you.

Volunteers’ Week 2021 is a time to say thanks. It goes without saying that volunteers have played a key role in the pandemic response. During an exceptionally difficult year, people from all walks of life around the UK have taken the time to volunteer and make a huge difference to their communities – just as they do every year. This is a time for us to come together and thank all volunteers for their invaluable contribution.

This 37th annual Volunteers’ Week is taking place during the #MonthofCommunity. Running throughout June, #MonthOfCommunity brings together organisations with a range of events in order to encourage us all to think about and join in with activities happening in our local communities.

Each day follows a central theme to guide your plans for Volunteers’ Week 2021.

TUESDAY 1 JUNE: VOLUNTEERS’ WEEK LAUNCH – A TIME TO SAY THANKS

Join us for the first day of Volunteers’ Week 2021. This year has highlighted the vital role volunteers play across the UK and we want to make sure everyone is aware that this is a week to recognise their impact, think about volunteering and plan to support volunteering in the future.

WEDNESDAY 2 JUNE: POWER OF YOUTH DAY

On 2 June, Volunteers’ Week is coordinating with the #iwill movement for Power of Youth Day. Power of Youth Day is an annual celebration of the contributions children and young people make to society through volunteering and social action. This year the focus will be on the incredible efforts that young people have made during the last year – a year impacted by a global pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.

THURSDAY 3 JUNE: EMPLOYER SUPPORTED AND SKILLED VOLUNTEERING DAY

On 3 June, we want to recognise the continued contributions of skilled and employer supported volunteers by showcasing their impact around the UK.

FRIDAY 4 JUNE: HOME NATIONS’ DAY

Today we’re saying a big thank you to all the volunteers out there helping others reconnect with sport and get #BackintheGame! Whether they’ve been getting the club safe and ready for judo again, or continue to be the life and soul motivating others, give them a shout out on social next week using #BackintheGame and #ThisIsJudo and tag @Welsh_Judo and @SportWales.

SATURDAY 5 JUNE: ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION DAY

To coincide with World Environment Day, we are focusing on all the environmental volunteering that takes place every day.

SUNDAY 6 JUNE: THE BIG LUNCH

This year’s Volunteers’ Week festivities also include The Big Lunch. What better way to celebrate the impact volunteers have in their communities than The Big Lunch! You can join in online, on your doorstep, in a park, or over the fence (guidelines permitting). This is your chance to celebrate community connections, recognise fellow volunteers and talk to others about your experience volunteering. This weekend in June is the UK’s annual get together for neighbours and communities.

MONDAY 7 JUNE: VOLUNTEERS’ WEEK CLOSE – A TIME TO SAY THANKS

Let’s say a huge thank you to all those incredible volunteers and celebrate volunteering in all its diversity.

We are looking forward to you joining us for Volunteers’ Week 2021 to recognise the huge role volunteers play in our Welsh Judo community. Find more information and resources here.