Volunteers’ Week earlier this month was a chance to say a big ‘thank you’ to volunteers across Somerset and shine a spotlight on the incredible community response to the pandemic.
Over recent months, thousands of volunteers from existing charities and newly established COVID-19 community groups have stepped up to support vulnerable residents – and for many people it has been a lifeline.
To show their appreciation, Spark Somerset, a charity which runs the local volunteer service, launched the Cuppa Campaign. The aim of the campaign was to encourage those hard working volunteers to take a well-earned break and, with the help of Somerset County Cricket Club, goody bags were sent to over 1,000 volunteers across the county.
Each bag contained a tea bag (donated by Miles Tea), a biscuit and a thank you card – for which the artwork was generously created for free by The Design Hive, after Spark put a call-out via the Somerset Chamber for local businesses to support the campaign.
Melanie Downing, Founder of The Design Hive said: “It was an absolute pleasure being involved with the Spark Somerset Cuppa Campaign. It fills me with such joy to know we are helping a great cause, even if it’s in a small way. There is no feeling like it!
“I would urge anyone who can help, to get in touch with Spark Somerset as even a small bit of your time, could help in a huge way. Thank you to Spark Somerset for putting your trust in us and allowing us to be part of this journey with you.”
Spark Somerset is also encouraging other local professionals to share their talents with a local charity by signing up to the Somerset Skills Bank.
Helen Fielden, Volunteering Officer at Spark Somerset, who organises the campaign, said: “We are so grateful for The Design Hive’s support and are delighted with the cards – it made a big difference to the campaign and we know they were well received by the volunteers.
“We’re keen to encourage other local professionals to consider helping out a local charity too. It’s an uncertain time – many groups are starting to think about how they can adapt and deliver their services in new and innovative ways and would welcome new skills and expertise.
“Volunteers could help with a one-off task or get involved in a longer-term project. If anyone has relevant skills such as marketing, finance, HR or law and would like to share them with a local charity or community group, we would love to hear from them.”
Visit www.sparksomerset.org.uk/volunteer/somerset-skills-bank to find out more.
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