Volunteers play a key role in helping to deliver a number of the council’s services and selflessly give up their time to help others. So I am extremely pleased that over the next seven days we once again get the chance to applaud their work.

Volunteers’ Week runs from June 1-7 and this national event celebrates the contribution made by millions of volunteers across the country. We have our own army of unsung heroes who quietly go about their business because they want to do something positive for their community, learn new skills or pass on their knowledge and experience to others.

The council has relied on the generosity of volunteers for many years – just ask the many residents who have benefitted from the Home Library Service or have seen the sterling work our Volunteer Rangers have done in our country parks.

But the pressure on our resources has never been greater and volunteers are playing an increasingly vital role in keeping certain services running. Our Circles of Support Service relies on volunteers to support those members of our communities who are elderly and vulnerable, we are currently looking for people to help support local libraries and we also have many opportunities to help with a whole range of services.

Today (1 June) and next Wednesday (7 June) the Central Library is holding volunteer recruitment fairs between 10am and 2pm. Hosted by the Volunteer Centre Swindon and supported by the council and other partners, it is the perfect chance to find out about the many volunteering opportunities available within the borough. If you are looking for a new challenge or the chance to put something back into the community, it is well worth a visit.

Meanwhile, next week volunteers for both the Home Library Service and Circles of Support will receive special thanks for their efforts at two separate events.

On Monday (5 June) evening, Circles of Support members will join other volunteers from the council’s Community Health and Wellbeing services at an event in the Council Chamber to recognise their invaluable contributions.

On Tuesday (6 June) The Royal Voluntary Service, in partnership with Marks & Spencer, will hold a Village Tea Party to thank our Home Library volunteers, who deliver books in their own time to residents unable to visit a local library. They, like all our volunteers, do a fantastic job and deserve all the recognition they receive.

The council has also set up a website where organisations from Swindon can post volunteering opportunities as they arise whether they be neighbourhood clean-ups, helping young people to gain new skills or helping at a local event.

If you would like to get involved in volunteering, even if you can only spare an hour or two a week, please visit the website www.volunteerswindon.org.uk.

There are also many other organisations that need your help. I know from experience that Sea Cadets Swindon (www.sea-cadets.org/Swindon) and Swindon North District Scouts (www.swindonnorthscouts.org.uk) are always on the look-out for volunteers. Please visit their websites to find out how you can help these excellent groups.