The first seven days of June have become one of the most important weeks in any UK charity’s year because that is the time that has been set aside to specifically thank our volunteers and raise awareness of all that they have achieved.

Across the country charities have held special events in their honour.

The Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency (MVDA) have done tremendous work liaising with diverse charities across Teesside so that we too can join in.

This annual campaign is also a chance for volunteers to speak out on how volunteering has helped them, not only physically but mentally.

It is important to stress that volunteering can help the volunteers as much as the charities. Frade has seen many examples of volunteers turning their lives round through the skills they have learned, the friendships they have forged and the support they have received.

As part of the campaign MVDA are "shining the light on volunteering" by passing on a crocheted torch through different volunteering organisations across the South Tees area.

Frade was lucky enough to be one of the organisations to receive the torch. On the 6th of June 2019 we held a special lunch for our volunteers at our Middlesbrough branch to celebrate their contributions!

Alongside a Pizza lunch all volunteers received certificates of appreciation from the Board of Trustees.

Local radio legend Gary Philipson from BBC Radio Tees popped in to join in with the celebrations and spoke to volunteers Lee Miller and Men's Shedder Bob Hughes on volunteering and how it's benefited them and what advice they would give to anyone considering a volunteer position within the borough.

Lee Miller, one of our long-time serving helpers, gave a very powerful explanation on his volunteering journey which was broadcast on Gary Philipson’s Drive Time show.

Listen here (skip to 52:05 for our coverage)

The day was a huge success filled with laughter, good company and positive vibes.