The Association of Jersey Charities is marking this year’s national Volunteers’ Week by celebrating the extraordinary contribution made by volunteers across Jersey and thanking every individual, business and organisation that gives time, skills and support to local charities and community causes.

Running from 1–7 June, Volunteers’ Week is a national celebration recognising the millions of people who volunteer across the British Isles – and in Jersey, volunteering has a particularly powerful impact, with charities and voluntary organisations playing a central role in supporting islanders, strengthening communities and improving quality of life across the Island.

According to the ‘Value of Jersey’s Third Sector’ report (2024), produced by PwC Channel Islands and commissioned by the Jersey Community Foundation, at least 5,800 islanders actively volunteer on a regular basis, equivalent to 9% of the working age population, with volunteers providing an estimated equivalent of 1,700 full time jobs.

The Association of Jersey Charities (AJC) believes that volunteers are fundamental to the survival and success of Jersey’s charity sector. From trustees and committee members to event helpers, fundraisers, mentors, coaches, administrators, drivers, befrienders and skilled professionals offering pro bono expertise, volunteers contribute countless hours of support every year.

Marcus Liddiard, Interim CEO of the Association of Jersey Charities, said: “Volunteers are the heartbeat of Jersey’s community life. Across our Island, charities simply could not achieve what they do without the incredible generosity of people who freely give their time, energy, compassion and expertise. Whether someone volunteers once a year at an event, serves as a trustee, mentors a young person, supports a foodbank, helps protect our environment, coaches sport, provides professional skills or simply checks in on someone who is lonely - every contribution matters.”

Volunteers’ Week is also an important opportunity for charities themselves to publicly thank the people who stand beside them throughout the year:

“Charities are deeply grateful to their volunteers,” adds Marcus. “Behind every successful charity initiative are people quietly giving their time because they care about others and want to make Jersey a better place.”

The organisation also highlighted the growing importance of corporate and employer-supported volunteering across the Island. Many local businesses and public sector organisations now encourage staff to volunteer their time, skills and professional expertise to community organisations, creating benefits not only for charities but also for employees and employers themselves. The AJC praises those organisations that actively support volunteering through volunteer leave schemes, team volunteering days, trustee support programmes, fundraising activities and skills-based volunteering.

Marcus commented: “When businesses and employers encourage volunteering, everybody benefits. Charities gain valuable expertise and additional capacity, employees gain confidence, wellbeing, purpose and stronger community connections, and employers build more engaged and socially responsible teams.”

The AJC also recognised the broad and evolving ways in which Islanders contribute to charitable causes. Giving back is not limited to traditional volunteering roles and can include donations, fundraising, legacy giving, sharing professional expertise, community leadership, advocacy, mentoring, informal neighbourly support and acts of kindness.

Volunteer opportunities across Jersey range from one-off events and short-term projects through to long-term governance and specialist support roles. Islanders of all ages, backgrounds and abilities are encouraged to get involved, however much time they can spare.

Marcus concluded: “One of Jersey’s greatest strengths is our community spirit. Volunteers embody that spirit every single day. During Volunteers’ Week, we simply want to say thank you - to every volunteer, every donor, every supporter and every employer that enables people to give back. Together, these acts of generosity help build a stronger, kinder and more resilient Island.”

To discover all forms of generosity and ways in which people can contribute in ways that suit their circumstances, skills and lifestyle then they can visit https://www.jerseycharities.org/giving.