Devon ‘shines a spotlight’ on unsung heroes during national Volunteers’ Week
From Tavistock and Yelverton to Okehampton and Hatherleigh, Volunteers' Week is showcasing the people who give their time to strengthen communities and support essential services
Devon’s volunteers are being recognised this week as organisations highlight the contributions they make to communities and essential services.
Volunteers' Week, now in its 42nd year, runs from June 1 to June 7 and celebrates the role played by millions of volunteers across the UK.
In West Devon, Community and Voluntary Services (CVS) have marked the week by meeting residents and promoting local volunteering opportunities.
As part of the campaign, West Devon CVS staff have been visiting communities across the area throughout the week.
Scarlett began the programme at Yelverton Villas on Monday, before Orla and Dawn attended Hatherleigh Market on Tuesday morning.
Later on Tuesday, Hannah and Scarlett met residents at Morrisons in Tavistock, while Lisa was due to host a session at Waitrose in Okehampton today.
Volunteers' Week activities will conclude with a drop-in event at Okehampton Library on Friday, where Orla and Dawn will be available to discuss local volunteering opportunities with residents.
Dawn Todd, Community Engagement Coordinator at West Devon CVS, told The Moorlander: "Volunteers' Week is a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on the importance of volunteering, not just for building strong, resilient communities, but also for improving personal wellbeing.
"Time and again, we hear from volunteers about the sense of purpose and fulfilment they gain from their roles."
The Moorlander has featured a number of Dawn Todd’s West Devon CVS volunteer features, and these can be found here.
The week is also being used to recognise volunteers supporting emergency services and charities across Devon.
Devon Air Ambulance, which receives no government funding, said volunteers contributed 94,913 hours during 2025.
According to the charity, that contribution was equivalent to supporting 253 missions and had an estimated value of more than £1.14 million.
The organisation said volunteers undertake a variety of roles including supporting fundraising events, working in charity shops, collecting donations and assisting at its operational bases.
Marking Volunteers' Week, the charity said: "Quite simply, we would not be here without you."
Devon Air Ambulance also highlighted the financial pressures facing charities, with rising aviation fuel costs increasing operating expenses in recent months.
Volunteers' Week was launched in 1984 and is led by volunteer organisations across the UK.
The annual campaign aims to recognise the contribution of volunteers and encourage more people to become involved in their communities.
West Devon CVS has encouraged residents interested in volunteering to learn more about opportunities available across the region throughout the week.