As National Volunteers Week is marked across the country volunteers in North Yorkshire are sharing their stories in the hope of encouraging more people to do the same.
For Jimi Wilson, aged 40, from Bentham, volunteering became part of his recovery after alcohol addiction. With support from North Yorkshire Horizons, the specialist drug and alcohol recovery service commissioned by North Yorkshire Council, he started helping others on their journey and soon discovered a passion for learning and peer support.
Mr Wilson said: “Three years ago, I was where some of my clients are now — feeling completely alone. Volunteering gave me purpose. Now I help bridge the gap between services and people who might not otherwise ask for help.”
Mr Wilson now runs his own support group and volunteers at recovery meetings across the county. He has completed multiple training courses and is part of a national lived experience network shaping addiction services.
In Leyburn, Gill Mitchell volunteers at the community cinema, helping run Friday night screenings at the local arts and community centre.
As one of North Yorkshire council’s designated community anchor organisations, the centre plays a vital role in supporting local wellbeing and resilience. With no cinema nearby and limited public transport, the work of its team of volunteers keeps the big screen experience accessible and shows how vital volunteering is to rural life.
Mrs Mitchell said: “It is not just about the films, it’s about the connection, the conversations afterwards and the sense of belonging. I’d say to anyone ‘give it a go, you might be surprised how much you get back’.”
National Volunteers’ Week (June 2 to June 8) celebrates the contribution of people like Jimi and Gill and the thousands more across North Yorkshire who support libraries, youth services, community transport and more. But with demand growing, more volunteers are needed.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for corporate services, whose responsibilities include stronger communities, Cllr Heather Phillips, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to all the volunteers who give their time, skills and energy to support others across North Yorkshire. Their impact is felt in every corner of our communities.
“We’d love to see even more people getting involved. Whether you have an hour a week to spare or more, there’s a role for everyone and the difference it makes is truly life changing.”
To learn more about volunteering in North Yorkshire and find opportunities near you, visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/volunteering and Volunteer Opportunities | Portal Community First Yorkshire
