This is Volunteers’ Week, an annual celebration of the contribution made by millions of people who volunteer for charities and organisations all over the UK.

I want to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you, from the heart, to all our wonderful volunteers at Aspens. Although the coronavirus pandemic has put a temporary stop to many of the things you’d normally be helping us out with, many of you are still giving us the indispensable help we rely on, each and every day.

We’re glad to be able to shine a spotlight on our volunteers, whenever we can. I hope you’ll have seen us thanking people in our #lockdownheroes feature on www.aspens.org.uk and social media, and we now also feature an Amazing Volunteer in our new newsletter, the Aspens Courier (if you haven’t already, you can subscribe at www.aspens.org.uk/newsletter).

I never cease to be amazed at people’s generosity and the many different ways that you give Aspens your time and expertise. From caring for people in our services, to serving in our shops, to providing the photography for our website - the list is virtually endless! When we’re in different times I hope to be able to thank many of you in person at the various events we’ll be holding to celebrate the extended Aspens family – those we support, their families, our dedicated staff and you, our wonderful volunteers.

Although it feels like we have a long way to go, normal life will resume eventually and, when it does, we’ll be relying on our volunteers more than ever! So stay tuned to our site and social to see how you can get involved in your area.

Until then, a huge thank you and happy Volunteers Week from me and from all at Aspens. We really couldn’t do half of what we do without you.

 

Robert Shanahan, CEO