Somerset Spark on the importance of Volunteers’ Week

Somerset Spark is taking the opportunity to thank both volunteers and residents across the county who offered help and support to promote causes they believed in between June 1 and June 7.

Charlotte Jones, the charity development lead spoke to the County Gazette to highlight the importance of this week and to explain why it is so important for our communities.

She said: “We are the local charity in Somerset whose job is to support community-led action and volunteering in the county.

“We provide information to other charities who want to set up and grow.

“The national Volunteers’ Week it’s now in its 38th year. It is a national collaboration, and it is a time and an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to volunteers and residents who have volunteered for causes they believe in.”

Charlotte said these are activities “that really support people” and added: “It’s not always seen and the national Volunteers’ Week is really to shout about volunteers.

“As we have seen during the pandemic, they can be vital and support people. It’s an opportunity to celebrate all that.

“We are hoping to raise awareness mostly through social media and raise awareness on how to get involved.”

A group of volunteers helping the Somerset Spark charity

Spark Somerset website read: “Our aim is to inspire strong and sustainable communities through voluntary and community action.

“We became Spark in April 2016 following the merger of SSVCA's Voluntary Sector Support project and Mendip Community Support.

“On January 1, 2019, we moved our operations to a new CIO and became Spark Somerset. We provide information, advice, training, and support to charities and community groups.

“We represent the sector on strategic bodies, both at a District and County level.

“We also run the Volunteer Service, Spark a Change, inspiring people to get involved and make a difference in their communities.”

For more information visit www.sparksomerset.org.uk