Pictured: Staff from the City Council’s Family Centres held a special awards lunch for volunteers
To mark Volunteers’ Week (2 – 8 June), Milton Keynes City Council hosted a special lunch and awards presentation for local people who volunteer in its Family Centres. Alongside its dedicated centre staff, more than 50 local volunteers help out at these 10 popular centres.
The City Council’s Family Centres welcome more than 3,000 residents each month and are open all year round. They offer a range of activities and courses for families with children plus support for adults who may not have children or whose children have grown up and left home.
Volunteers help in a variety of areas – from welcoming visitors and setting up group activities to tidying equipment away, answering the phones, and gardening.
“I’ve volunteered at Moorlands Family Centre for a few years now – helping to run groups and events as well as creating displays for our visitors. They’ve personally helped me out and I think that giving back to the centres is brilliant. From my volunteering I’ve now gone on to do an apprenticeship with the council to work in the centres – it has been great for me, and I’ve very much enjoyed it.”
“I love being a part of something bigger than myself and contributing to a cause that truly matters. Whether it’s offering my time, skills or simply lending a hand. I find joy in connecting with people and giving back to my community. Volunteering has taught me empathy, strengthened my sense of gratitude and reminds me how small acts of kindness have a lasting impact.”
“I want to say a huge thank you to all the volunteers who support our 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 teams, we’re able to run more sessions and expand the support we provide to local people.”
Above: Volunteers and centre staff were joined by the Mayor of MK, Cllr James Lancaster
For anyone interested in volunteering opportunities at their local Family 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.