Jeremy Milnes

Fame Academy mentor and TV personality Jeremy Milnes “Mentoring and befriending is an incredibly powerful vehicle for empowering people. Volunteering as a mentor or befriender is a valuable and worthwhile use of time, which is hugely appreciated by those receiving advice and support.

People are often put off the idea of being a mentor or befriender by thinking ‘what can I offer?’ when, actually, they have years of experience and knowledge. I know from personal experience how the simple act of offering tips, advice and companionship to people, who may have had a tough time but want to get on in life, can be utterly life changing.”

Davina McCall

“My own involvement with the homeless charity Crisis and my work to help launch an anti-drugs campaign has really shown me the difference that volunteers can make. The Year of the Volunteer is a great chance to get involved. This is the key message of CSV’s annual Make a Difference Day campaign, too, during which myself and an entire army of volunteers helped to transform a London farm several years ago.”

Lenny Henry

“Being a trustee for Comic Relief has really helped me to understand some of the vital issues that face people both in this country and around the world. I really feel that it has helped to shape my thinking and my actions towards a more positive role in the world community.”

Tim Henman

"Kids at Heart has improved the lives of many children and being the critical project for the Tim Henman Charitable Foundation, it has given me a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children. Charities need all kinds of people from all kinds of backgrounds to become trustees. It's a responsible position but there are huge rewards - I'd encourage anyone interested to get on board."

Martyn Lewis CBE

“Older volunteers are good news for voluntary organisations, with skills and abilities acquired over the years, as well as maturity and reliability. Older people who volunteer are usually fitter and happier - but often we let older volunteers go, or don't recruit them in the first place.

“Volunteering in the 21st century is more diverse than ever before and offers opportunities for older and retired people to have fun whilst feeling valued and being engaged with their communities. Everyone has something to offer and can benefit positively from being actively involved with volunteering.”

Tony Blair MP

"The contribution made by the ten million people who volunteer in Britain every week should not be underestimated, they make a huge difference to the society we live in. Volunteers Week allows us, as a nation, to recognise and reward the invaluable work done by volunteers and hopefully inspire more people to give time in the future."

Fiona Phillips, TV Personality

“Volunteers put in some 90 million hours of voluntary work a week. By giving just an hour a week, people can really make a difference.”

Eamonn Holmes, TV Personality

“Society nowadays sends out the message – 'look after yourself and care about no-one or nothing else' – how refreshing to experience the work of volunteers. By helping the Woodland Trust, those who give up their time leave a legacy that everyone can enjoy. The work they do is not only good for the environment, it`s good for the soul.”

Trisha, TV Personality

“As patron of Norwich Home-Start, I've personally seen the tremendous difference volunteers can make.

The wonderful thing is seeing what an amazing sense of achievement and purpose the volunteers get in return.  They know that thanks to them future generations of any one family are given the chance of a brighter future. To give and not to count the cost is what being a volunteer is all about. 

But, as every volunteer has discovered, the payment in human joy and contentment is something you can't put a price on.”

Benjamin Zephaniah, Poet

“Nowadays we seem to put a price on everything and you think you only work or do something if you are getting paid for it and I do think that in recent times a lot of people know the price of everything and the value of nothing. I have always been passionate about community and people having a sense of place - that’s why I’m supporting the Mind the Gap campaign. Ethnic groups are not represented enough in mainstream charities despite the fact that ethnic minority people volunteer and give time passionately to grassroots organisations. It would be great to see more information about volunteering made more accessible to people from ethnic minorities."

Anthony Worrall-Thompson, Chef and TV Personality

“The work of volunteers impacts on all our lives, even if we are not aware of it. National Volunteers Week is our opportunity to recognise the invaluable yet often overlooked work done every single day by volunteers in the UK. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who volunteers and hope you enjoy your week of celebration. “

Henry Bonsu, broadcaster

"It can be harder than ever these days to get a foot in the door to get that extra experience that employers are looking for. Volunteering is a good way to not only gain experience but also to make contacts and meet new people. It's a competitive world out there and people from ethnic minorities are often at a disadvantage, because they may have fewer contacts than their white counterparts."