We’re proud to join a nationwide celebration of kindness, community spirit, and the incredible power of giving back National Volunteering Week. Now in its 40th year, this annual event highlights the millions of volunteers across the UK who selflessly dedicate their time and energy to helping others. Volunteering isn’t merely about charity; it involves community cohesion, sharing skills, and a collective responsibility. When it comes to creating change, small acts can have a big impact.

In today’s post-pandemic world, charities are feeling the squeeze from increased demand for their services and reduced resources due to rising living costs. Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back, offering numerous benefits for both those in need and the volunteers themselves.

Why Giving Back Matters in 2025

An hour of your time, a simple gesture of support, or a shared skill can create lasting, positive change. Remember that even the smallest acts of kindness can truly make a big difference!

“For businesses like ours, supporting volunteering boosts team morale, fosters our people-first culture, and strengthens our connection to the world beyond our work,” said Blueberry’s People & Resources Manager Zoe Thorpe. “It enhances employee wellbeing and engagement while helping vulnerable communities and building stronger ties between business and society.”

Rebecca Charlesworth, affectionately known as Buttercup to her troupe, leads a lovely group of Rainbows each week. She plans and delivers a fantastic range of activities for the 4-7-year-olds. The skilled craftswoman also contributed her talents to the Women of the World Festival (WOW) in Leeds, where she helped construct a barn alongside 300 individuals from West Yorkshire. (Bob the Builder has nothing on Beki!) The volunteers created a pop-up space on Cinder Moor that hosted talks, workshops, food, and music.

“My role at Blueberry is very digital-focused and fast-paced, so volunteering offers a different kind of fulfilment,” said Beki. “It helps me stay connected with my community, learn new things, and share my more traditional, craft-based skills in a meaningful way.”

Public-spirited Rebecca Charlesworth volunteered at the WOW Festival in Leeds, helping build a barn with 300 people from West Yorkshire. And check out the adorable Easter Bunny pancakes she made with her Rainbows troupe.

Our insightful boss, Faresh, the father of two is a Parent Governor at Rothwell Victoria Junior School in West Yorkshire, where he recently invigilated SATs exams. (Thank goodness they’re over). He also supports Positive Footprints, an organisation that bridges the skills gap in the UK and provides career opportunities through career-focused learning schemes. Additionally, he helps deliver the charity’s Raising Aspirations programme at the school to develop workplace skills.

Faresh Maisuria and Reza Khatoonabadi work wonders with pupils at Rothwell Victoria Junior School in West Yorkshire, supporting Positive Footprints.

Blueberry Director Pamela Welsh is a passionate singer with the Leeds Irish Choir, where she shares her vocal talents (honestly, she’s a belter) to support charitable causes and uplift the community. Join her for an evening at Roundhay Park on July 5, where the show choir will entertain during a 5km Sunset Walk for St Gemma’s Hospice. As one of the largest hospices in Yorkshire, the organisation provides exceptional care for local people with life-threatening illnesses.

Pamela shared: “Singing is good for the soul – it lifts me up, and I love that it makes people smile. Knowing that I can give something back and support local charities makes it even more meaningful.”

Community-minded Pamela Welsh has raced across Yorkshire, raising hundreds of pounds for Cancer Research! She also joyfully lends her voice to the Leeds Irish Choir, using her singing talents to support charitable causes.

Let’s Celebrate and Contribute

This National Volunteering Week is a call to action. Let’s thank those who give so much and reflect on how individuals and businesses can create stronger, connected communities. Does your business volunteer? What inspires you? Share your stories with us at @Blueberry_MS on Instagram and @BlueberryMarketingSolutions on LinkedIn.

Another compassionate member of the Blueberry team, Milly Harton, participated in Izzy’s Tri for Dancing Eyes challenge to raise vital funds for The Dancing Eye Syndrome Support Trust and Leeds Hospitals’ Charity.

National Volunteering Week runs from Monday, 2nd June – Sunday, 8th June 2025.

[Copyright © 2025 Angela Kunawicz & Blueberry Marketing Solutions. All rights reserved.]