How to celebrate your volunteers this Volunteers' Week

Volunteers are the backbone of the charity sector, and this Volunteers’ Week (2–8 June) is the perfect time to show your appreciation and do something special to recognise the worthwhile contribution they make to your organisation.

It’s not always easy to find the right way to say thank you, but often, it’s the small, thoughtful gestures that mean the most. If you’re looking for ideas, here are some simple and meaningful ways you can celebrate and thank your volunteers this Volunteers’ Week:

Remember the power of saying thank you

Taking the time to call your volunteers and thank them personally can go a long way. It’s a small gesture, but it has a big impact. You could even involve your trustees—having a message come from them can make it feel even more special. A sincere thank you can do wonders for morale and help strengthen relationships.

Hold a volunteer appreciation event

Consider hosting a get-together, either in person or online, to celebrate your volunteers’ hard work and commitment. It doesn’t need to be elaborate—tea and cake, a few words of thanks, maybe even a certificate or two. What matters most is showing that their efforts are noticed and appreciated.

Share volunteer success stories

Volunteers’ Week is a great opportunity to highlight the impact your volunteers have made. Share their stories on your website, social media, or in your newsletter. Shine a spotlight on the individuals behind the work and celebrate the difference they’ve helped to make in your community.

Send thank you cards or letters

A personalised message of thanks can really make someone’s day. Take a moment to write a card or letter to each volunteer, recognising their contribution and thanking them for their time, effort, and commitment. It’s a simple but heartfelt way to show you care.

Provide training and development opportunities

Offering training or development opportunities is another great way to show your volunteers that you value them. It helps them build new skills, supports their personal growth, and gives them more tools to make a difference within your organisation.

Host a volunteer-led activity

Give your volunteers the chance to take the lead on something during Volunteers’ Week. It could be a small fundraising initiative, a community project, or even a social event for other volunteers. It’s a great way to show trust, give back some ownership, and celebrate their contribution in a meaningful way.

Social media shout-outs

Celebrate your volunteers publicly by sharing their stories and photos on social media. Highlight the work they’ve done and the difference they’ve made. Be sure to use the hashtag #VolunteersWeek to join in with the national conversation and spread the word even further.

Provide a gift of appreciation

Small tokens can go a long way. Whether it’s a bar of chocolate, a bunch of flowers, or a branded thank-you item, a small gift can be a lovely way to show your appreciation and bring a smile to your volunteers’ faces.

Volunteers’ Week is a fantastic opportunity to pause, reflect, and recognise the people who make your work possible. By showing your appreciation in meaningful ways, you’ll not only make your volunteers feel valued, you’ll also help inspire others to get involved and support your cause.

Find out more about Volunteers’ Week here.