LOCAL MP “Three cheers for our VOLUNTEERS”

Andrew Stunell MP has today thanked the hundreds of volunteers working in Stockport, to mark Volunteers Week 2013 1^st-7^th June.

Commenting Andrew Stunell MP said -

"We have many hard-working community organisations and projects run purely by volunteers around Stockport. They don't often get the limelight or any thanks, so this Volunteer Week is a good time to give them three cheers! So this is a huge thank you to all of our volunteers in Stockport!"

Mr Stunell pointed to the Agricultural & Rural Centre in Romiley and the Wellspring Centre in the Town Centre as two of many outstanding examples.

"ARC is run on a shoe-string, like so many others, and does a superb job of using farm animals as part of the education and therapies for young people. And the Wellspring is another doing a heroic job in these tough times providing support for homeless people."

Speaking about Volunteers' Week 2013, Justin Davis Smith, director of volunteering at NCVO said:

"Volunteers' Week is a fabulous opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate volunteers and the incredible contribution they make to our communities. Volunteers are an integral part of our society, and without their dedication, energy and commitment, many of the services we take for granted would simply grind to a halt.

'Please join us in saying thank you to the volunteers who make our society a better place, and in highlighting the many different ways that people can get involved."

Volunteering facts

- There are over 130,000 charities in England, many of whom rely on volunteers (1)

- 19.1 million people in England formally volunteered at least once a year during August 2012 to January 2013 (1)

- 12.6 million people formally volunteered once a month during August 2012 to January 2013 (1)

- The most popular fields for regular volunteers are sports and exercise (54%); hobbies, recreation, arts and social clubs (42%); and religion (36%) (2)

Now in its 29^th year, Volunteers' Week is a nationwide week to celebrate the work of millions of volunteers who give up their time to help others.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of many organisations, and work in communities in organisations such as; sports clubs, community groups and museums, as well as public sector bodies, schools and hospitals.

Volunteers' Week is run in England by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).

Find out more at volunteersweek.org