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Volunteers’ Week 2020: A heartfelt ‘thank you’

Volunteers' Week 2020

This Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June), Grand Junction at St Mary Magdalene’s is joining organisations across the UK to say a massive thank you to volunteers for their commitment, passion, hard work and support.

Volunteers make an incredible difference at Grand Junction, and we’re very grateful for the contribution they make in helping our community space to thrive. Since opening our doors last summer, 91 people have volunteered over 1,200 hours in various roles to support Grand Junction to deliver an impressive and diverse community and cultural events programme. Without their commitment and enthusiasm, we would not be able to deliver our programme to the exceptional level we do.

The extraordinary dedication of our volunteers has become further evident during the current pandemic, with volunteers immediately stepping forward to support our work in new and different ways. During the lockdown period Grand Junction volunteers have delivered information leaflets to residents in their local neighbourhoods, established a free over-the-telephone technology support service, created at-home podcasts and a virtual tour of the incredible St Mary Magdalene Church, and continued to support our projects remotely…from as far afield as the Czech Republic!

Sara Peskett, Volunteer Manager at Grand Junction said: “Volunteers enable us to do so much more for the local community at Grand Junction, and their loyalty and energy is inspiring. Whether our volunteers are still active or currently taking a break, we want to take this opportunity during Volunteers Week to reflect on the tremendous contribution our volunteers make, and to say a huge thank you!”

Neil Johnston, CEO of Paddington Development Trust, added: “Grand Junction volunteers have been so important to the life and soul of the incredible community spirit that has come to the fore over these last difficult months – heartfelt thanks to you all from all at PDT!”

COULD YOU VOLUNTEER?

At Grand Junction we’re passionate about local people making their mark and supporting us to grow. Volunteering is a great way to develop new skills, gain hands-on experience, and make a difference in your community.

Whilst we have temporarily closed our building in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and a number of our opportunities are currently suspended, we continue to focus on our active and planned projects, and welcome applications to remotely support the development of our heritage work.

To get involved, take a look at our latest roles, and complete our short application form, telling us why you’re interested in joining our diverse volunteering team.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING

Want to find out more before taking the first step? Sign up to An Introduction to Volunteering, delivered in partnership with OneWestminster and Westminster Adult Education Service. This short course will help you understand the basic principles of volunteering, and the key practices underlying volunteering your time and skills. Identify reasons for volunteering, understand your rights and responsibilities, and explore opportunities to volunteer in our area.

Artwork credit: Manon, Age 11 – Junction Juniors After-School Club