Looking Back at Volunteers’ Week 2025
Volunteers’ Week 2025 ran from 2nd to 8th June. It aimed to highlight the diversity of volunteering opportunities across the UK and celebrate the myriad ways that volunteers enrich their local communities. Now in its 40th year, Volunteers Week is also a reminder to thank existing volunteers for their commitment and a platform to engage new audiences in volunteering.
In Norfolk, our local voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) recognised Volunteers Week with a range of activities and events. These underlined the importance of volunteering to our county’s health, culture and wellbeing. Voluntary Norfolk’s healthcare volunteers at Kelling Hospital were treated to an afternoon tea as a thank-you from the ward staff. East Coast Community Healthcare volunteers enjoyed a visit to Somerleyton Hall and Gardens, who kindly offered free entry and a guided tour.
Meanwhile, North Walsham Community Network held a Volunteer Showcase to encourage local people to consider helping groups and individuals with tasks such as dog walking, gardening or maintenance, social media or admin. In Norwich, the Museums Service held a Volunteers Open Day at Stranger’s Hall, featuring free tours of the historic building led by current volunteers.
VCSE groups from across Norfolk came together to showcase their offer in fun and interactive ways as part of our Volunteer Extravaganza
Volunteer Extravaganza
A highlight of the week was of course the Volunteer Extravaganza, organised by Voluntary Norfolk for the Empowering Communities Partnership! With approximately 2,000 attendees and more than 70 VCSEs in attendance, the Extravaganza 2025 was a resounding success.
Despite forecasts predicting thunder and downpours, the weather miraculously held, allowing for a full day of activities, meaningful conversations, and even live ukulele music from Playing for Cake. While the Mini Donks did their bit to draw the crowds and warm the hearts, it was the creativity, passion, and energy of the stallholders and volunteers that really stole the show.
The 70+ stallholders were encouraged to engage visitors by showcasing what they do. They could also provide an activity which could open up conversations. When event sponsor Aviva came to choose a favourite from among them, the standard was so high that 15 stalls were shortlisted. After much deliberation, YMCA took home the prize hamper. Their stall featured a wonderfully interactive display with Lego houses and space for visitors to write messages of support and share their personal experiences.
Feedback about the Volunteer Extravaganza
The event also proved a wonderful opportunity for VCSEs to come together. There was also a dedicated networking hour with some much-deserved cake provided! We feel these quotes sum up the day:
“The event was a perfect opportunity for us to engage with not only prospective volunteers, but also other charities and organisations that we can potentially collaborate with and create opportunities to better support our participants.”
“Thank you ever so much for allowing us to be part of what has become ‘the volunteering event of the year!”
All in all, the Volunteer Extravaganza 2025 showcased the very best of Norfolk’s community spirit. It left us all feeling inspired and more connected. If you would like to be involved in next year’s Extravaganza, please sign up to our Voluntary Norfolk Network to receive early notification of upcoming events. And if you have a story to share about your Volunteers Week celebrations, please get in touch!
