The 1st – 8th June 2026 marks National Volunteers Week in the UK, and if you work in heritage or the arts (as I do when wearing my other hat), you’ll know that volunteers are the life’s blood of these sectors. Simply put, all the incredible places and events that are offered across the North, would not happen without volunteers, and these venues would not be half of what they are without the tireless effort of those who give their time for free.
So, this is just a short piece to say thank you to everyone who volunteers their time in some capacity or another to keep these places going. In his time my dad used to volunteer as a warden at Fountains Abbey for the National Trust, and now I work with volunteers on a weekly basis at my place of work. The work they do is essential and keeps these venues open and available to the public, whilst also ensuring their safety and enjoyment.
According to government statistics for the last year available (2024-2025), 17% of UK adults had volunteered at least once a month in the last twelve months, with 28% of UK adults volunteering at least once in the twelve month span. In geographical terms the North has less volunteers than the rest of the UK, but 15% of adults in the NW volunteered at least once a month, and 14% of adults in the NE did the same. Whichever way you slice it, this still equates to millions of people giving up their free time and effort to help organisations who simply wouldn’t exist without it.
All in all, thank you volunteers! And, if you think you’d be interested in volunteering, take a look at charities, arts and heritage centres, religious or health services, and other of the like throughout your community. I guarantee that they will be looking for volunteers, and will be delighted by your contribution, even if it can only be one hour every two months – every little helps, as they say!
