Wiltshire Council is celebrating volunteers in Wiltshire that help support their local community

Volunteers' Week runs from 1 - 7 June each year and is a national celebration of volunteers and the contribution they make to our communities. This year the theme is 'celebrate and inspire' and highlights the diverse ways that people contribute as volunteers and the difference they can make through their volunteering.

As always Wiltshire Council is taking the opportunity to celebrate the wonderful volunteers we have in Wiltshire and particularly the volunteers that enhance the services we offer; whether that be providing support for libraries, serving as a School Governor or supporting children, young people and parents when facing difficult challenges or at crisis point in their lives.

Wiltshire Council has a range of volunteer roles across the council; from supporting in libraries, leading walking groups and supporting children and young people.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Libraries and Leisure said, Our volunteers bring a range of skills and experience to their volunteer roles which they generously share with us together with their time. As well as the value we get from our volunteers it is important that they feel that the time they give is worthwhile, enjoyable and recognised. That is why we are saying a massive thank you to all our volunteers.

Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children's Services said, We are fortunate to have adult volunteers who are an inspiration to children and young people needing support and advice, and we have some great stories of volunteers who have made a difference. There are many young people needing help and support so we are keen to encourage more people to become volunteers.

We will provide the right training and support for you while you go out and have a positive impact in some young person's life. There are different types of support you can offer and it can be over a short period or longer period of time.  We'd love to talk to you about these roles so you can decide if it's right for you.

Below some of our volunteers share what they enjoy about their roles and why they think volunteers and libraries are vital to Wiltshire communities.

Steve, Library Support Volunteer at Trowbridge shares the reasons why he loves his volunteer role, I enjoy volunteering in Trowbridge Library as it represents a small oasis of tranquillity in my otherwise unpredictable life. While my car may be breaking down, and garden fences blowing away in a storm I can come and spend a peaceful few hours in the library, where all is calm, with the wonderful and talented library staff, meet the interesting library customers, listen to stories being fabulously read to groups of children, have a cup of tea and try to make myself useful. What could be better?

Amy Propert, Independent Visitor said, I have been matched with my young person for almost two years now. I love that she's ready, willing and excited every time I turn up. I hugely appreciate the warm welcome I get from the rest of the family too - siblings always keen to show me a picture or a school award.

We try and do something different at each meet, which is sometimes very tricky, but it's great for both of us to experience new things. We have been scarecrow hunting, walking goats, crazy golf, to the cinema, painting pottery to name a few activities.

Sometimes she opens up to me which is really humbling that she trusts me so much. It really isn't too much to ask of me, a few hours every month isn't a big deal - but it is to my young person and that's what matters.