Charities across Ryedale will join thousands of organisations recognising the contribution volunteers make across the UK this week.

This year marks the 39th anniversary of Volunteers’ Week - June 1-7, with the 2023 theme of ‘Celebrate and Inspire’.

Among those marking the event is Pickering Town Community Interest Company (PTCIC), who would like to thank long-standing volunteers within the community and put a call-out for those who may be interested in offering some of their time.

Carrie Brackstone, Operations Manager of PTCIC said: “There are so many things to do in the town and so many great organisations in desperate need of volunteers. Volunteering for us is flexible; we aim to build a bank of volunteers who can be called on, as and when needed, and are not looking for a week-to-week commitment.”

PTCIC is a new organisation born out of the response to the Covid-19 pandemic; its aims are to promote the town, help small business and improve the town’s facilities and its residents’ well-being.

“Whilst volunteering with the Covid Help Network during the pandemic, a few of us commented on how tired our town was looking and decided to do something about it. With permission from Pickering Town Council, Ryedale District Council and Highways, we began painting the town. Our first project was the roundabout railings, we have done the bottom of most lamp-posts and are currently working on the railings on the bridge outside the Co-op.”

“Pickering is run on volunteers and we would like to thank every single one of them. NYMR railway, the library and Beck Isle Museum have an army of people giving their time freely behind the scenes. Even the Beck is cleaned out by Richard Askew who retrieves bags of rubbish from there on a weekly basis and can always be called on to dredge out the odd shopping trolley or bike.”

Carrie added, “Every community group is in need of volunteers; from Pickering Youth Group to The Kirk Theatre, Pickering In Bloom to the Scouts. We are urging people to come forward and pass on their skills to younger people. For our town to survive and flourish, we need more people to put down their phones and get out and about in the community. Many people volunteer to meet new people but it’s now even possible to volunteer without leaving your home, if you fancy picking up some knitting needles and joining Pickering Yarn-bombers in decorating the town.”

If you are interested in volunteering for any organisation then Carrie can be contacted on carrie@pickeringtowncic.org.uk or alternatively join ‘Volunteers in Pickering’ on Facebook.

Nunnington Hall to kick off Volunteers Week with a volunteer recruitment day this Friday

National Trust property Nunnington Hall, near Helmsley, will this week host a volunteer open day on Friday,June 2. There will be the chance for those interested to have a tour of the house, chat with existing volunteers and find out what opportunities are available.

Linzi Caton, Site Manager at Nunnington Hall, said:“Volunteering at Nunnington Hall opens up a lot of new opportunities, such as making new friends, learning new skills and sharing your knowledge with our visitors. You don’t need to know a lot about Nunnington, as training will be given.”

Those who would like to attend the open day or ask any questions can email nunningtonhall@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01439 748283.

Sight Support Ryedale will also be celebrating their volunteers, by thanking them for their dedication and the invaluable time the give to help support visually impaired people across Ryedale.

Nicole Hingley , Administrator at Sight Support Ryedale said: “Volunteers' Week is a chance to celebrate and recognise the fantastic contribution our volunteers make. Without our team of volunteers we wouldn’t be able to arrange the many social activities; shopping and day trips; exercise and dance sessions, plus many more events which are so beneficial to our members” Nicole continued “We also have volunteers who support people through telephone befriending and IT support. All of which contributes to the services Sight Support Ryedale provides for visually impaired people”

Sight Support Ryedale is looking for more volunteers. Experience is not necessary as full training will be given. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact 01653 698860 or email nicole@sightsupportryedale.org