Emmaus Village thanks its volunteers

Emmaus communities support formerly homeless people by giving them a stable home and meaningful work for as long as they need it.

Emmaus Village Carlton currently has 37 volunteers and four new people waiting to start.

They help with deliveries, sorting items in the warehouse and serving in the bistro and boutique.

Deputy community leader Lesley Harris said: “Some of our volunteers do a couple of hours, others a couple of days, but all our volunteers contribute a lot to our community and social enterprise and are very valued indeed.”

During Volunteers’ Week, hundreds of events will be taking place across the country to say thank you to volunteers who give their time and energy throughout the year.

Last year more than 750 events took place, from awards ceremonies to tea parties and barbecues.

The annual campaign, which was established in 1984, seeks to recognise the work that volunteers do and showcase the varied volunteering opportunities that exist.

This year, as well as thank you events organised by charities, volunteers are being encouraged to share their own stories and motivations on social media using the hashtag #volunteersweek