To mark the end of Volunteers’ Week (1 – 7 June), MK City Council hosted a special lunch and awards presentation for those who volunteer across its 17 Children and Family Centres.
Alongside dedicated centre staff, these community centres are supported by more than 40 local volunteers.
The City Council’s busiest Children and Family Centres receive up to 3,000 visitors each month and are open all year round. They offer a range of courses, regular sessions and services for families with children plus support for adults who may not have children or whose children have grown up and left home.
Volunteers help with a variety of things – from helping visitors and setting up group activities to tidying equipment away, answering the phones and gardening.
Rebecca, who has been volunteering at Saplings Children’s Centre since December said: “This is a great way of giving back to some of those parents who perhaps don’t have much support. I love speaking to new parents and finding creative ways we can help them.”
When I started volunteering, I was out of work and unsure about my future. I was encouraged by the lovely manager to pursue a volunteering role at hummingbird. She gave me the push I needed and believed I’d be great for the role. This gave me the confidence and experience necessary to pursue professional training and a career in childcare," added Shardae, a volunteer at Hummingbirds Children’s Centre
Cllr Zoe Nolan, Cabinet Member for Children and Families said: “I want to say a huge thank you to all the volunteers who support our Children and Family Centres. They are true community heroes and give so much of their energy and compassion to help others. Thanks to their efforts, alongside our dedicated centre staff, we’re able to run more sessions and expand the support we provide.”
For anyone interested in volunteering opportunities at their local centre, please contact tina.hendry@milton-keynes.gov.uk for more information.
Volunteers' Week is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering in their communities.
