Louise Bagshawe backs volunteering

Louise Bagshawe, MP for Corby & East Northants, attended an event organised by Volunteering England to say thank you to all the volunteers in Corby and East Northamptonshire.

50 MPs from around the country gathered in London to say ‘Thank You’ to the thousands of volunteers in their constituencies as part of the national Volunteers’ Week celebrations.

The event was organised by Volunteering England, the volunteer development charity, to mark the end of national Volunteers’ Week, which runs from the 1 to 7 June each year. Volunteers from a number of organisations were on hand to share their stories with MPs, including the Cadets, the National Trust, Timebank, Youthnet and BTCV.

Justin Davis Smith, Chief Executive of Volunteering England, said:

“I am pleased to see that so many MPs recognise the importance of volunteering and have taken the time to come here and thank the volunteers in their local communities. The country faces many challenges in the current economic climate and volunteering will have a central role to play in ensuring that we emerge stronger and more resilient”

Volunteers’ Week has also received ministerial support from the Deputy Prime Minister, Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP, and the Minister for Civil Society, Nick Hurd MP.

Volunteering England co-ordinates Volunteers Week in England; the Week celebrates the millions of volunteers who regularly contribute to society, whilst inspiring others to get involved too. More information about the Week can be found at www.volunteersweek.org.uk.

Louise Bagshawe said:

“I’d like to say thank you to everyone who gives their time for the benefit of our community. Volunteers’ Week is an ideal time to recognise the amazing contribution volunteers make and I’d like to encourage more people to get involved where they can. With volunteering there’s something for everyone – whether it’s mentoring young people, supporting the elderly or campaigning on local issues. It’s a great way to meet people and make a real difference to other peoples’ lives.”

Photos: Louise and Dr. Justin Davis Smith, the Chief Executive of Volunteering England, and of Louise with her ‘Thank you’ card