Volunteers’ Week is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering. Although the coronavirus pandemic has stopped many of the events and activities that would usually take place to celebrate volunteers this week, I would like to take the opportunity to send thanks to our local volunteers on behalf of everyone in South Gloucestershire.

Firstly, a heartfelt thank you must go to everyone who has already volunteered and otherwise helped across our community, as we have responded together to the COVID-19 outbreak. People have been shopping, collecting prescriptions and offering a friendly voice or face to talk to, to many of our residents who would be most at risk of feeling the most isolated or cut off from friends, family and neighbours. This has all been done with thoughtful and caring social-distancing and it is not an exaggeration to say that many of these interventions have been life-affirming, life-changing and potentially life-saving.

During more ‘usual’ times, many people across the area sign up to support their local communities and the most vulnerable people in their neighbourhoods, either through volunteer coordination centres, local community support groups, or by adding their names to national registers. I want to sincerely thank them all for their contribution and commitment which is so highly valued by those they support.

My thanks must also go to all of the many friends groups and volunteers who help make South Gloucestershire such a great place to live and work by maintaining our parks, nature reserves and public rights of way throughout the area.

The challenges presented to us all are far from over, as COVID-19 remains a risk in the community. As the lockdown eases and we return to the new normal, volunteers will still be desperately needed so please do keep stepping forward and offering your help.

If you need support, check the groups listed at www.southglos.gov.uk/helpandsupport. You can filter by your location and what you need help with.

If you are interested in volunteering either as an individual or part of a group, please visit www.southglos.gov.uk/howtohelp for information about the different ways you can support your local community.

If you do not have access to the internet, please contact the council on our freephone helpline, by calling 0800 953 7778.