Volunteers’ Week is an annual UK-wide campaign held from the first Monday in June to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers. There are some truly amazing people within your communities making contributions to making where you live a better, brighter place.   

We’ve recently visited community gardens in Salford, Stockbridge Village and Oldham that are run by volunteers to provide a safe outdoor space for all of the local community to enjoy.  

Take a look below and meet the selfless volunteers, learn about their stories and how you can get involved and enjoy these outdoor spaces. 

Meet Brian and Neil, who are two volunteers at Meadow Park Community Orchard. The pair have maintained Meadow Park Community Orchard for the last four years where they have grown 250+ fruit trees. Everything that is grown on site is given back to the community for free.  

Brian and Neil both feel that the orchard is a great place for like-minded people from the community to connect with each other and to talk about any mental health issues that they may have. Meadow Park Community Orchard are always on the lookout for new members! Watch the video below to find out more: 

Meet Anne and Grace who volunteer at The Valley Community Garden. Anne has been a volunteer at the garden since 2011 and Grace has been volunteering since 2012. 

The pair maintain the garden and grow fruit and vegetables for the local community to enjoy. The garden is also used as an outdoor space for activities and small parties for local children and adults to get involved. For Anne, the garden is important in getting her out of the house and staying active at 78 years old. Watch the video below to find out more: 

Meet Lina and Hannah who are two volunteers at Wildbrook Community Growing Hub. The Garden is used as a space for the local community to grow fruit and vegetables. The orchard currently has over 250 fruit trees. 

Lina and Hannah have been working together for the last few years to transform the site from an abandoned, unused area into a community garden where local families can come and take part in gardening. The pair are currently welcoming new members to get involved and learn something new! Watch the video below to find out more: 

A huge thank you to all the volunteers who work all year round! Let’s continue to shout out and praise those who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a huge and positive difference to others. You really do make our communities a great place to live as you go above and beyond to selflessly and positively impact the lives of social housing tenants and residents.