VOLUNTEER WEEK 2018

That this House celebrates Volunteer Week 2018, which runs from 1 to 7 June, and commends the huge contribution that volunteers make to our society; recognises that volunteering contributes more than £22 billion to the UK economy, around 1.2% of GDP, and that in 2016-17 19.8 million people volunteered at least once a year, with 11.9 million people volunteering at least once a month; is proud of the fact that in North Ayrshire alone, an estimated 34,000 people, 30% of adults volunteer, contributing around 4.5 million hours of help and £62m to the local economy; acknowledges the range of organisations within the voluntary sector and celebrates the essential work these organisations do; notes that volunteering also benefits those who volunteer, with studies showing that volunteers are happier than those who do not and further notes that volunteering has a positive impact on health conditions such as depression and anxiety; also understands that volunteering can be an effective way for people to learn new skills, as well as to build self-esteem and confidence; and thanks every volunteer for the vital and selfless contribution they make to our society, which our communities could not do without.