Almost 22 million people in the UK volunteer their time, energy and brainpower for good causes every year.
Volunteers are increasingly being called on to deliver frontline public services, offer support in the face of humanitarian crises and even save local pubs from closure.
But it’s not just about formal volunteering for charities. Another 32 million people volunteer informally – and might not even realise that’s what they’re doing. Do you help out at your kids’ school on sports day? Run a stall at your village community fair, arrange flowers for church or pick up litter in your local park? That’s all volunteering.
Volunteers’ Week (1 – 7 June) is all about celebrating the difference you make and we want to hear your stories. Tell us about the work you do voluntarily, share your photos – and help inspire others. Afterwards we will be putting together a gallery of your images on the Guardian voluntary sector network.
You can share your pictures, videos and stories by clicking on the blue ‘Contribute’ button on this article. You can also use the Guardian app and search for ‘GuardianWitness assignments’. Please use the description field to tell us more about the photo or video.
Though we’d like to hear from you, your safety and the safety of others are most important. Please remember the law when thinking about taking a photograph.
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