Family support volunteers going above and beyond

In Volunteers Week (1 -7 June), Hampshire County Council is highlighting how important volunteers are in local communities – particularly in times of crisis – and the need for more. On those who help children and young people, Councillor Patricia Stallard, Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services and Young People at the County Council, commented:

“We are extremely grateful to our  trained volunteers across the county – over 150 of them – who do an amazing job in mentoring  children, young people and providing family support.  Throughout lockdown they have managed to stay in contact with them respecting all social distancing guidance and, in many cases, gone the extra mile to make sure that, where families have had to isolate or shield, they have been able to continue to access essential household supplies, as well as critical medication.

“Equally, we thank all our school governors who give so much of their time to support schools. The past weeks have brought unparalleled challenges and they have done remarkably well to overcome them.  However, looking ahead, as lockdown eases, I would like to encourage more people to step forward and volunteer with us, either as a school governor, a young person’s mentor or in supporting a family to improve family relationships and avoid reaching breaking point.”

The range of volunteering opportunities available at Hampshire County Council, including those with children and families, and in education, can be found on the organisation’s website: www.hants.gov.uk/volunteering.