As we prepare to celebrate Volunteers’ Week (2 - 8 June) across OSJCT, we take time to recognise the incredible contribution of our volunteers and to reflect on why volunteering matters now more than ever.

In this blog, our Head of Volunteering, Catherine Semmence, shares why the role of volunteers is so vital, not just within our services, but across communities throughout the UK. At its heart, volunteering is about connection and the power of working in partnership with local people, groups, and organisations to enrich the lives of those we care for.

As Volunteers’ Week 2025 begins, I’d like to take a moment to say thank you to every one of our fantastic OSJCT volunteers, over 700 individuals who currently give their time and skills to support those that live with us.

Volunteering is deeply embedded in life at OSJCT. Our volunteers bring their own unique interests and personalities, helping residents to stay connected with the activities and conversations they love. Whether it's a weekly visit to share a hobby, supporting someone to stay active, or helping out at a one-off team volunteering day from a local business, every contribution makes a difference to those that live with us.

Throughout this week, we’ll be sharing stories from across the Trust to highlight the many ways volunteers get involved and the positive impact they have.

What really comes through in these stories is that volunteering isn’t one-size-fits-all and that’s what makes it so special. We support students who are keen to explore careers in care or medicine and we work with a range of organisations, from local charities and employment support groups to national schemes like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and pet therapy providers. We also welcome teams from businesses who come in for practical volunteering days, often rolling up their sleeves to help transform our gardens into calm, welcoming spaces for residents and their families to enjoy.

While we’re shining a spotlight on volunteering within OSJCT, this week is also about recognising the bigger picture.

Across the UK, around 14 million people* volunteer regularly. That’s an enormous contribution to communities, causes, and people needing some extra support and it highlights just how vital volunteering is to the health of our society. It supports wellbeing, strengthens local connections, and provides opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to build confidence, meet new people, learn new skills and be part of something meaningful.

Community volunteering isn’t just important for organisations like ours. It’s a key part of creating fairer, more connected and more compassionate communities, something we’re proud to be part of through our services.

This week, we’re hosting three special celebration events to bring OSJCT volunteers together, providing an opportunity to connect, share experiences and recognise the invaluable contributions they make to our services.

If you’re reading this and thinking about how you might get involved whether that’s as an individual, a family, a business, or through your school or college - we’d love to hear from you. Volunteering at OSJCT might not be for everyone, but if you're someone who brings empathy, patience and a willingness to connect, it might just be a great fit.

To all our volunteers, past and present: thank you for everything you do, we’re incredibly proud to work alongside you.

Find out more

If you’re interested in getting involved, you can explore our current volunteering opportunities and apply online at volunteer.osjct.co.uk.

Alternatively, feel free to get in touch with us directly at volunteer@osjct.co.uk - we’re always happy to answer any questions and help you find the right role.

* According to the UK Civil Society Almanac 2024 2021/22, an estimated 14.2 million people in the UK volunteered formally through a group, club, or organisation at least once. This represents just over a quarter (27%) of the population aged 16 and over in England.