Volunteers’ Week returns this year from 2 to 8 June 2025! Action for Family Carers will join thousands of charities and voluntary organisations recognising the contribution volunteers make across the UK.
Running every year since 1984, the week provides a crucial opportunity to thank volunteers and recognise the value of their time, passion and skills. The campaign highlights the diversity and unity of volunteer work across the UK.
To mark Volunteers’ Week we’re thanking our team of incredible volunteers and sharing some of their ‘Volunteer Stories’ to inspire others to donate their time to supporting carers, their families and the people they care for across Essex.
To kick us off say hello to… Paul!
Hi Paul!
Tell us where do you volunteer at the charity?
Dementia Activity Groups – ‘Keeping Active’ in Thaxted and ‘Active Minds’ in Harlow
How long have you volunteered with AfFC?
Since 2019… over 5 years!
Why did you decide to volunteer?
I wanted to do something for the community that was completely different to my professional life as a Company Director. It was a great way to make new friends and take part in something which is fun and so appreciated by the people who use it.
Tell us a little bit about your role, what do you do?
As a volunteer I’m willing to get involved with all aspects of the running of the group, this starts with welcoming our users with a warm and friendly greeting and helping them get comfortable, making drinks and handing out the all-important biscuits, then having a chat and a laugh with everyone, we then move on to exercises, activities and games. Later we have more hot drinks and another chat. I like to connect everyone to the ‘celestial universe’ and read people their horoscopes before we play some more games and then help to put everything away.
What’s been the highlight of your time at AfFC?
It’s always so nice to hear from the Carers when they tell us how much they appreciate what we do by keeping their loved ones safe and entertained while they get some much needed respite. I also love making our users laugh and hear them saying that their time with us is the highlight of their week.
What would you say to anyone thinking about volunteering with us?
If you are looking for an enormously rewarding and fun volunteering role for a few hours a week, working alongside some incredible staff, I would highly recommend it.
And finally, what’s your favorite biscuit?
You can’t beat a Crunch Cream!
Find out more about all our fun, flexible and rewarding roles on our volunteering page or if you’d like to chat about anything related to volunteering email amanda.tomkins@affc.org.uk
Look out for volunteer stories as we head into celebrating Volunteers Week 2025!
