A letter to our volunteers this Volunteers Week

Volunteers at Together Trust have made an incredible contribution this year, completing 1531 hours of volunteering and 750 individual activities.

Volunteers have helped reduce anxieties, increased wellbeing, provided reliable transport, and helped to lobby for change. They have inspired and encouraged students, provided a welcoming atmosphere, created resources, and raised funds. Their contribution is invaluable and cannot be measured in statistics or hours.

Thank you so much to each and every one of our volunteers who has given up time to volunteer with us this year. Your unique contribution makes a very real difference. But how do we know that?

Well, for a start off we report regularly on the sheer amount of volunteering that goes on across Together Trust. Between January and May this year you completed 1531 hours of volunteering. Or to put it another way, you completed almost 750 individual volunteering activities. That is absolutely amazing! But it does not tell the whole story.

The truth is that it's incredibly difficult to put into words the difference that each of you individually make, day in and day out. Because the answer isn't captured in statistics. It isn't measured in hours. It is felt in people's hearts and emotions.

For instance... our Volunteer Drivers do more than get people from A to B. You help to reduce young people's (often significant) anxieties by providing a reliable, familiar, friendly face to transport them when otherwise they may have to try to use public transport (which may be late or non-existent). You help them to access a level of holistic curriculum and learning that may otherwise simply not be possible, while reducing stress, increasing wellbeing, and showing them that there are good people in this world who will help simply because they can.

For example... our volunteer researchers uncover essential information for our Campaigns Team to use when lobbying local and national government for change. You increase the strength of our voice - and more importantly, the voice of the people we all support - to speak truth to power.

For instance... our education volunteers inspire and encourage our students, providing expert knowledge in subject areas such as horticulture, music, literacy, sport, and art. Your patience and encouragement help students facing the challenge of autism, multiple disabilities, and complex health needs, to find a sense of calm, fun, and achievement.

For example... our Youth Club helpers do more than simply hand out refreshments and sort the video games out when they stop working. You help children and young people feel welcome, included, and happy. Children and young people who in many other settings might not always feel that way, but look forward to fun times each week because of you.

For instance... our admin, proofreading, and reception volunteers don't just check words, answer the phones, or print materials. You help to ensure that more children (and their families) can sleep at night because of the resources you create. That the words we communicate are clear and have meaning. That the people who reach out to us feel that they have come to a place where they can be understood.

For example... our fundraising and events volunteers have a direct impact on children, young people, disabled adults and families by ensuring we can provide more resources to make their lives just that little bit easier. That little bit better.

For instance... our volunteer gardeners do far more than weeding and planting. You create beautiful, calming spaces for vulnerable people that have been through so much. You give them a chance to take a deep breath.

For example... our volunteer reporters help us tell the world about the amazing things you all do - and encourage even more people to make a wonderful difference too!

When you next come to volunteer, I hope you remember what a very special thing it is that you're doing, and what a very special person you are.

Thank you so very much.