Run up to vollunteer week

The first Monday in June marks the beginning of Volunteers’ Week celebrations, which is an annual national campaign organised by Volunteer Scotland. This initiative started in 1984 to recognise, celebrate, and express gratitude to volunteers across the country. Volunteers’ Week focuses on thanking those individuals who significantly impact their local communities, support various causes and charities, and assist others in need.

At the start of May, the unpaid volunteers who handle most of the work at the hub, reflected that it has now been two years of very intense work completed by the volunteers here. The end of June will see the end of our second financial year, the volunteer hours put in by some is immeasurable. The management team has been selecting a "Volunteer of the Month" since the inception of our newsletter, yet they have never recognised themselves with this title. In preparation for Volunteers’ Week, the management team organised several volunteer events, provided tea and cake, and sent out an email highlighting the upcoming occasion while also balancing a busy schedule. Currently, the team is managing tasks involving building contractors, architects, engineers, and various gardening jobs. They have engaged in lengthy discussions with Citizen Coin, a volunteer reward scheme, to explore potential collaboration. Unfortunately, no one reached out to offer assistance in organising events for Volunteers’ Week. the management team reflected on their own lack of recognition. this raises the question of whether this is an issue at the hub level, district level, or national level.the planned Falkirk Citizen coin will be reward and recogniotion and we cant wait to get started The management team aim to make all volunteers and supporters feel valued. they have decided to end the volunteer of the month programme, and removed it from the newsletter. Recognising that journey was a learning opportunity, the team decided that April would be the last month that a "Volunteer of the Month" feature will appear in the newsletter. Instead, Mays monthly newsletter will combine the roles of "Volunteer of the Month" and "Group Member and supporter of the Month" to honour a strong supporter of the hub, Jean Currie will be our first. She was acknowledged and awarded by the local volunteer group CVS at their awards night.many of our members and group members volunteer for other charities, and Jean's been volunteering at Strathcarron for 30years, Listed below are the groups that CVS recognised as valued contributions to the community. There are 158 groups in the CVS Members directory, and while the hub is not included, many of our members and groups are represented.

CVS awards night Celebrating her significant long-term impact, the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award‘ was presented to Jean Currie whose volunteering has made not just a difference in our communities but also a lasting legacy. Jean’s extraordinary 30+ years of volunteering at Strathcarron Hospice is a testament to unwavering compassion, dedication and service. Now aged 94, Jean has supported patients, families and staff in countless ways, from Hospice Daycare and patient transport to leading creative art sessions and much more. Her nomination highlighted, “Jean has demonstrated a level of commitment that is both rare and inspiring. Her legacy is measured not just in years of service, but in the thousands of lives she has touched with kindness, dignity and joy. Over three decades, she has continually adapted her volunteering role to meet the changing needs of the hospice, always saying yes, always putting others first.” ( Jean is 95 now. She is a long-time member of Falkirk Writers Circle and is one of two people, along with Archie, who had recent 95th birthday celebrations at the circles tuesday night meet-ups that have been happening for 40years here ) The ‘Green Award’ was granted to Blooming Bairns, The Forth Valley Sensory Centre was in receipt of the ‘Health and Wellbeing Award’, Helping to make a real difference, Bohdenn Richardson was awarded the Young Volunteer of the Year ‘Strength in Service Award’ was presented to Kieran Inglis. As part of Recovery Scotland – Forth Valley Recovery Community, In recognition of their outstanding service, the ‘Community Led Action Award’ was given to SeaLock Infinity – SeaLock Centre. In the most nominated for category, Frank Donnelly was named ‘Volunteer of the Year’, Enable Falkirk – Wednesday Club, Safe Drive Stay Alive was named ‘Organisation of the Year‘ Among the evening’s winners, CVS Falkirk & District also presented a selection of Highly Commended Awards. These included 1st Step Development Ventures – Green Award, and Orla King – Volunteer of the Year.