This year Volunteers' Week will be taking place in a different way due to the current Covid-19 situation.

NCVO has taken the difficult decision to not run their Volunteers' Week activities and has closed their events and volunteer stories listings, Facebook and Instagram activities. They will be focusing on supporting volunteering in response to the coronavirus emergency.

While our Volunteer Centre isn’t going to be holding our usual celebratory events we will still be taking the opportunity to recognise the volunteers who are making a difference in Salford.

We would encourage our members, if they are able, to use Volunteers' Week as a way of thanking their volunteers for everything they have done, prior to and during the Covid-19 crisis.

Stay connected

It is also a great chance to connect with your volunteers and to reassure those who have been unable to do their regular volunteer activities that they will be needed in the future.

Our Volunteer Centre Coordinator Claire has written a helpful blog which outlines the importance of checking in with volunteers, many of whom will have lost an important part of their routine, and gives ten ways you can connect with your volunteers. Tips include setting up virtual coffee mornings, pairing volunteers up as buddies and linking volunteers to other opportunities and activities.

If you are planning on recognising Volunteers' Week this year it is important to consider your messaging and that social distancing and infection control guidelines are followed at all times. NCVO has some advice on what to think about if you are going ahead with Volunteers' Week.

Ways to thank your volunteers

Thank you cards

Cards can be personalised with messages for your volunteers, this extra touch is sure to be appreciated. You can download a template thank you card here. We chose to create a virtual card that volunteers can share on social media as a GIF - but you can adapt the design so it meets your needs.

Thank you videos

Video is a great way to feel connected even when you can't meet up face to face. You could record a thank you video and send this out to your volunteers, or you could invite your volunteers to a 'thank you Zoom' meeting!

Virtual events

You could host a virtual tea party, cheese and wine night (thanks to Cycling Projects for sharing this idea with us) or film night. This is a great way of connecting with your volunteers in a virtual social setting as well as thanking them for everything they do.

Certificates

A great way to recognise the contribution of your volunteers, certificates can be printed and posted or sent electronically. Certificates can be awarded based on the length of service, for the number of hours given or as a general token of thanks. You can download a certificate template here.

Join in #CheerForTheVolunteers

We are encouraging our members to #CheerForTheVolunteers this week. Share a video or photo of your cheers - or you may wish to do a 'cheer' in one of your team meetings and then post to social media. Let's get #CheerForTheVolunteers trending during Volunteers' Week so our volunteers know how much we appreciate them! Take a look at our video for inspiration here.

Share their stories

Telling your volunteers' stories is a great way to recognise and thank them for all the great things they’re doing. We are sharing the brilliant work of charities, community groups and volunteers with #SalfordStories on social media. For Volunteers' Week, we will also be showcasing one volunteer's story each day on our social media. Join in and we will be sure to share your stories!

Awards

While awards ceremonies aren't being held at the moment, you can still nominate your volunteers in the Open Awards. The Awards, are free of charge, will recognise any voluntary activity that lasts for at least 1 hour and can be approved by either a line manager, volunteer supervisor or coordinator. Upon completion of a short registration and approval form, the volunteer will receive an electronic Open Awards certificate confirming the incredible things they have done to support those in need during these special measures.

Posters

You can print and display this poster in your window to show your thanks for volunteers - or design your own!

Join in and tag us

If you are taking part in Volunteers' Week tag us in your online activity and we will be sure to share it!

Facebook - Volunteer Centre Salford - official and Salford CVS

Twitter - @VCSalford1 and @SalfordCVS

Instagram - @SalfordCVS