Mark's Blog

1-6 June would normally be P3 Volunteers’ Week when we would use this space to share our gratitude with every one of our spectacular volunteers, showcasing their roles and achievements, and celebrating the expertise and value they bring to our services. Sadly, due to Covid-19 we’ve had to postpone our celebrations for the time being, but rest assured we will reschedule and get together, so we can personally thank each of you.

Our team of volunteers support us in so many ways: as street buddies; hub volunteers; meeting and greeting the people we work alongside; supporting staff with assessments; attendance at drop-ins; nurturing our Derbyshire allotment; helping out at our fundraising events, supporting young people with their school work, as well as admin and telephone support and assisting with group activities. The list is endless!

Actually, I’m often asked what is the monetary value of our volunteers? The number of hours and the value of their hourly rate … I say that it’s impossible to calculate because our volunteers are quite literally priceless!

So, I want to take the time to emphasise the true value that each and every volunteer adds to P3, to the work we are doing and to the lives we are changing across the country. It’s much more than money, it’s always more than time. It’s in the projects we complete and always in the stories the people we work alongside tell us about the kindness, compassion, humility and humour a volunteer has shown that has made such a huge difference to them.

At P3, with the priceless help of volunteers we don’t just help people to overcome the barriers they face in their daily lives, we enable people to flourish, enjoy themselves, have a laugh and make new friends.

This dedication was formally acknowledged and celebrated this week when RPT received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service; it was a very proud and fitting testament to our brilliant volunteers.