Volunteers' Week 2026

Volunteers’ Week is a UK-wide celebration held every June to recognise and say a huge THANK YOU to all the incredible volunteers who give their time and energy to support our communities, the voluntary sector, and society as a whole.

Across Adur, Worthing, Brighton and Hove, you will be celebrating and showing appreciation in your own unique way.

Volunteer stories

Our Volunteer Stories page shines a light on how incredible volunteers are.

Share your appreciation

Last year the voluntary sector across Adur, Worthing, Brighton and Hove shared words that came to mind when thinking about volunteers for a special Word Cloud. “Caring,” “Kind,” “Community,” “Generous,” and “Dedicated” appeared most frequently.

We love to continue seeing how you’re celebrating! Share your photos, videos, quotes, and thank-you messages with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn so we can spread the word even further.

Together, let’s make sure every volunteer feels seen, valued, and celebrated.

Did you know?

• Volunteers week was launched in 1984, meaning it will 42 years this year.
• 2 million people in the UK have formally volunteered at least once a month.
• 25 million people in the UK volunteer informally at least once in the year.

Last year on our Community Works volunteer website 2228 people expressed their interest in volunteering locally across Adur, Worthing, Brighton and Hove. Thank you to each and every one of you from us, local organisations and the community.

Looking for inspiration on how to celebrate?

Whether you’re planning something big or small, here are some ideas to help you show your appreciation:

• Host a coffee or tea get together – morning, afternoon, or evening
• Organise a celebration event – online or in person! Think picnics, beach ice cream, BBQs, art and crafts, games night, movie screening, quiz, treasure hunt, bowling, breakfast club, or even a walk-and-chat
• Run a free raffle or lucky dip
• Send thoughtful cards, emails or letters with personalised messages
• Give small tokens of thanks – chocolates, plants, candles, or goodie bags
• Share something yummy like cake, chocolate, or a staff-baked treat
• Create a video of thanks
• Share stories, photos, and quotes on your website or social media
• Thank volunteers directly – messages from your CEO, trustees, staff, or even those who benefit from your services
• Make posters to display
• Give certificates of appreciation to all your volunteers
• Include messages of thanks in your newsletters or podcasts

A Simple “Thank You” Goes a Long Way

The most powerful thing you can do is say thank you. It doesn’t have to cost much – or anything at all – to make someone feel truly valued.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Make your thanks personal and meaningful
• Be inclusive and considerate – think about access or support needs and whether everyone feels welcome
• Keep it fair and consistent across your team

Discover More About Volunteers’ Week – and Join the Celebration!

Want to get involved in Volunteers’ Week or share something meaningful with your community? There’s plenty to explore!

Head over to Volunteers’ Week website to learn more and access free resources – perfect for you, your volunteers, or anyone using your services.

This year, they have launched official Volunteers Week merchandise.