With stars and shapes in various colours on the banner the text reads: Volunteers Week. Volunteers' Week 2025, 2nd - 8th June #VolunteersWeek

Every year in June, Volunteers’ Week is a chance to recognise the incredible contribution volunteers make to communities across the UK. This year, it takes place from 2 to 8 June 2025, and we are excited to celebrate the volunteers who give their time, skills and energy to support people and causes across York.

Why volunteers matter

Volunteers make a difference every day. Whether they are supporting families, tackling loneliness, improving green spaces, or helping charities run smoothly, their impact is felt in every part of our community.

At York CVS, through the York Volunteers Centre, we connect people to opportunities that match their interests, skills and availability. We also support local charities and groups to find, manage and retain volunteers, offering training and advice on how to make the most of volunteering.

With stars and shapes in various colours on the banner the text reads: Volunteers Week. Unique volunteering opportunities in York #VolunteersWeek

Unique volunteering opportunities in York

As part of Volunteers’ Week, we are shining a light on some of the more unusual and rewarding ways people can volunteer in York. Here are a few highlights:

  • Volunteer gardener: Help create and maintain beautiful green spaces that everyone can enjoy. Find out more
  • Wellbeing activity facilitator: Share your skills in yoga, meditation or other wellbeing practices to support community groups. Find out more
  • Miniature railway driver: Bring joy to families by driving miniature trains at local events. Find out more
  • NCT Walk and Talk volunteer: Support new parents to connect through friendly and accessible walking groups. Find out more
  • Animations volunteer: Use your creativity to design and animate content for community projects. Find out more
  • Dog fosterers: Provide a safe and loving home for dogs in need. Find out more

Resources for charities

If your organisation works with volunteers, Volunteers’ Week is a perfect opportunity to celebrate and say thank you. The official Volunteers’ Week website has resources, including posters, social media templates and ideas to help you get involved. We encourage all local groups to use these resources to show their appreciation.

Thank you, York volunteers

To every volunteer in York: thank you. Your time, care and effort make our city a better place for everyone. We are grateful for everything you do.

If you are thinking of volunteering or want to find out more, visit the York Volunteers page.

Together, we can make a difference.

Download your Volunteers’ Week resources to celebrate your volunteers!

This year’s Volunteers’ Week takes place between 2 – 8 June, and there are loads of free resources to download to say thank you and celebrate the contribution your volunteers make.

Resources from the official Volunteers’ Week website include:

Image shows multicoloured stars and shapes. The text reads: Volunteers Week 2nd - 8th June 2025 #VolunteersWeek

Add a volunteering opportunity

If your organisation is looking to recruit volunteers you can add your opportunity, for free, on the York Volunteers webpage!

York Volunteers Logo