“The ‘Big Society’ has now arrived but six months ago we started work on recognising volunteering”

It was actually a couple of years ago that, in opposition, I criticised in committee the then Labour Administration in Staffordshire for not properly recognising or promoting the role of volunteers.

That could be someone who does their bit for the scouts, or at a Sunday morning kids’ football match, or people that pay friendship visits to those in hospital or individuals that support bigger charities like Age UK or Mencap or many others.

In fact anyone that gives back to society, something for nothing. There are already millions of people across the country who volunteer and many of those don’t even think of it as volunteering… it’s just what they do.

And just before Christmas last year my colleague, Ben Adams, who is Staffordshire’s Cabinet Member for Communities kicked off work on the countywide campaign to highlight the good volunteering work which is ongoing and find better ways to support and get even more people actively involved.

That work has resulted in Volunteer Staffordshire.  It brings together information on thousands of volunteering opportunities, offers advice on where and how to get involved and will recognise formally those individuals or groups who who go that extra mile to give something back as well as celebrating everyone who volunteers, no matter how small or infrequently.

It will also be the conduit for a new Staffordshire Award which will be akin to the national Honours but specifically for individuals that have done something in the voluntary sector here which is unique and benefits people right across the county.

The latter Award will not be given easily and they will be few and far between recognising a uniquely important contribution to Staffordshire life. But whatever level of volunteering if you know someone who helps out for the good of others, even if it’s nowhere near the level required for the Staffordshire Award, you can nominate them for recognition here.

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