Charities and organisations across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire are celebrating their volunteers as Volunteers' Week begins today (Monday 1 June).

Volunteers' Week is UK-wide campaign held every year to celebrate the work and contributions of volunteers.

The campaign will run from Monday 1 June to Sunday 7 June.

Here are some of the local organisations and charities celebrating their volunteers and encouraging members of the public to get involved:

Emmaus North Staffs

Emmaus North Staffs is a local charity that works to tackle furniture poverty across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire.

John Webbe, Executive Lead of the charity, said: "As a small but very busy local charity, at Emmaus North Staffs we could not cope without the help of our amazing volunteers.

"We have volunteers helping us with many aspects of our charity's social enterprise from front-of-house on the tills dealing with customer sales & queries, to helping with organising customer deliveries, to sorting the incoming donations of clothes, media, pictures, and bric-a-brac ready to go onto the shop-floor.

"If there is one piece of advice to take, it would be never underestimate the impact of volunteering to help change your life.

"Volunteering is a fabulous way to build up new skills and experiences for your CV, to gain lots of confidence, and meet new people.

"And for an employer, when we recruit new paid staff there is nothing better than seeing someone with a track record of volunteering – for someone to give up their time to help others, to help a local charity, is a big bonus when we're short-listing candidates as it shows dedication, passion, and commitment.

"Volunteering can help you stand out from the job-hunting crowd."

To find out more about Emmaus North Staffs, visit the website here.

Douglas Macmillan

Local hospice charity, Dougie Mac, which relies on the support of over 800 volunteers, will be holding a series of events throughout Volunteers' Week, concluding with a special thank you event at the bet365 stadium on Sunday 7 June.

Sarah Thomas, Head of Volunteer Services at Dougie Mac, said: "Volunteers make a huge difference in local communities across the country and Dougie Mac is no exception.

"Our 800 volunteers give their time on a regular basis across the hospice, including in our local charity shops, at our hospice sites in Blurton and Trentham, and within the local community. Quite simply we couldn't manage without them."

Events throughout the week include a daily prize draw and a tea, coffee and cupcake morning at the hospice, and the special thank you event at the bet365 stadium on 7 June where volunteers will enjoy a buffet and live music.

Sarah added: "We're really looking forward to welcoming many of our volunteers to our events next week and having the chance to thank them for the huge difference they make to Dougie Mac.

"Without their continued support, we simply wouldn't be able to continue our specialist care and support services for local families facing a life-limiting diagnosis."

To find out more about Dougie Mac and volunteering opportunities, visit the website here.

Volunteer magistrates

Across England and Wales, 14,500 people volunteer as magistrates including Persi Lankapalli, who volunteers as a Family Court magistrate in Staffordshire alongside her full-time role in the Civil Service.

She said she initially believed the magistracy required legal expertise and 'wasn't for someone like me' but learned that magistrates are ordinary citizens from a wide range of backgrounds who bring lived experience, sound judgement and humanity to the role.

She said: "Being a magistrate gives me strong sense of purpose. It's a way of giving something back to the community I've been part of for about 20 years.

"In the Family Court, the children are always at the centre of everything we do. Our decisions are about what's in their best interests, above all else.

"You're never on your own as a magistrate. You sit as part of a bench, supported by legal advisers, and there's a real sense of teamwork and mutual respect."

Sarah Sackman KC MP, Minister of State for Courts and Legal Services, said: "This Volunteers' Week, I want to recognise the vital contribution magistrates make to our justice system and to the communities they serve. Their commitment is fundamental to delivering justice fairly.

"Becoming a magistrate is also an opportunity to develop valuable skills and experience, while making a real difference. If you are looking for a meaningful way to give back, I would strongly encourage you to consider applying."

To find out more about becoming a magistrate or to register your interest, visit the website here.

Staffordshire County Council countryside volunteers

The county council manages several popular country parks - including Apedale, Deep Hayes and Greenway Bank - and volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring everyone can enjoy these spaces.

Dr Darshan Seehra, who has been volunteering at the Milford Hut at Cannock Chase Country Park for four years, said: "I am happy to volunteer because it gives me the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, help visitors enjoy the beauty of Cannock Chase, and give something back to the local community. It is rewarding to be part of a place that brings people and nature together."

Hayley Coles, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, said: "Our volunteers make a huge difference to Staffordshire's country parks and green spaces, and we're incredibly grateful for the time, enthusiasm and care they give.

"Our country parks volunteers have told us that they have found it incredible rewarding. It's a great way to stay active, enjoy the great outdoors and improve your mental wellbeing. If you love the countryside and you want to give back to your local community, I highly recommend you give it a go."

To express interest in volunteering, email [email protected]