International Volunteer day

International Volunteer day is celebrated annually to thank the contributions millions of volunteers make across the UK. This year has been especially significant due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to much more volunteer support being needed to help communities cope with the many consequences of the coronavirus.

Education and involvement of children as to the benefits of volunteering and how they can contribute to it is a great way to celebrate International Volunteer Day.

Here are some useful guidelines on why volunteering is so important.

And how to start teaching children the importance of volunteering and how they can start getting involved now.

Here are just a few examples:

• Plant a tree
• Bake sale for a charity
• Collect food items for hampers for those in need

There are plenty of volunteers who work in schools to support teaching assistants or teachers. Why not ask one of these volunteers to come in and talk to the children about what they have gained from volunteering, and why they love it!