Many organisations and groups of all kinds as well as many private sector companies, hospitals, schools, major charities and individuals are preparing to take part in this years 'Volunteers Week', the UK's 21st national celebration of volunteers and volunteering which will take place from 1–7 June.

Throughout the Week, events are held across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with the aim to publicly thank the recruits and UK's 22 million volunteers, highlighting their contribution to the organisation and wider community.

This time is also a great opportunity for recruiting new volunteers, which will be the major theme for this year with a particular focus on employee volunteering and young people.

Worldwide Volunteering (WWV) has also prepared an unique Search & Match database, which includes nearly 1,000 volunteer organisations, 300,000 placements throughout the UK and in 214 countries worldwide. Also the Community Channel is producing a week of dedicated programming around Volunteer's Week this year.

From Monday 30 May to Sunday 5 June, the week includes brand new original programming with guests such as Alexei Sayle, Handy Andy and the UK premiere of Local Heroes UK.