Volunteers' Week 2022: How to say a big thanks

Blog - 11 May 2022

Volunteers’ Week runs from 1-7 June. Say thanks and help raise awareness of why volunteering for Healthwatch matters.
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Volunteers make a huge difference to our work and we could not do what we do without them.

Volunteers’ Week provides a great opportunity for us to say thanks for all they do and to help encourage more people to give up their time to Healthwatch.

To help recognise all our volunteers and show just how valued and important they are, during volunteer week we are encouraging:

  • Healthwatch staff to say thanks
  • Healthwatch volunteers to share what they get from volunteering
  • Healthwatch volunteers to attend our sessions (your volunteer manager will share the information with you)

How to take part

Just share a short video, audio clip or message on social media using the #VolunteersWeek. Don’t forget to tag us in the message (@HealthwatchE) so we can share it.

How to get volunteers involved

Ask your volunteers ‘What makes you want to volunteer for Healthwatch?’.

Encourage them to film, record, or write their answer and share it on social media using the hashtag #VolunteersWeek.  Again, make sure to tag Healthwatch England (@HealthwatchE) so we can see it.

Top tips for recording a video on mobile:

  • Use airplane mode so you’re not interrupted by calls, messages or alerts.
  • Make sure you have enough storage space before you start recording.
  • Lock your focus in place by tapping and holding the screen where you want the focus to be.
  • Where possible use both hands, a selfie stick or a portable tripod.
  • Move closer for a better image quality, rather than using the zoom.
  • Use headphones or move closer to the mobile for better sound quality.
  • Record in a location where there is as much light as possible.
  • Wipe your camera lens with a clean cloth to avoid marks on your video.

We will also be promoting volunteers’ stories of volunteering at Healthwatch. If any of your volunteers would like to share their stories including telling us why they volunteer at Healthwatch and the benefits you or they can get in touch at flora.shadbolt@healthwatch.co.uk 

Other ideas for how to thank your volunteers

  • Send thank you cards. You can download one from NCVO or create your own.
  • Host a in person or digital coffee morning/ tea and cakes party or run a quiz.  We know that  some of your volunteers may not be able to make this during the Volunteers' Week, due to other commitments and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Bank Holidays so perhaps meeting the week after or some point later in June would be better.
  • Some of your volunteers may not have returned to face to face volunteering so it’s good to find a way to include everyone in Volunteers’ Week.
  • If you’re stuck for ideas, why not ask them how they’d like to be thanked during Volunteers’ Week. You could also use it as an opportunity to ask if there are other ways they would like to be involved or supported by Healthwatch. 

Volunteers’ Week Resources

Have a look at the Volunteers Week website where you’ll find resources including a Comms pack.

Further support

Want to talk to someone about Volunteers’ Week? Join our Workplace group or get in touch with me, at Alvin.Kinch@healthwatch.co.uk.