To mark National Volunteers’ Week, which runs from Saturday, May 30, until Friday, June 7, the Arun Volunteer Centre will be holding a thank-you day for volunteers at the Studio in the Regis Centre on Belmont Street. Generous residents who have lent a hand for free to support a good cause will be the guests of honour at the event, from 9.30am to 4pm on Wednesday, June 5. Derek Moore, the service’s co-ordinator, said the aim of the event was ‘to celebrate existing volunteers’ achievements, to say a big thank you for their dedication and commitment, to highlight the activities of voluntary groups/organisations within the Arun area, to recruit new volunteers and have some fun’. Volunteers’ Week is an annual national campaign which is used to recruit new help, and to celebrate existing volunteers’ achievements. This year, the theme focuses on personal health and wellbeing, so activities to reflect this will be held throughout the day, “Attending registered volunteers will be presented with a certificate; however, the day will be run as an open house event so that anyone can call in, have a cup of tea and a cake and a chat,” said Mr Moore. “For many of our local voluntary and community groups, volunteers are their lifeblood, and in some cases organisations simply wouldn’t be able to function without the tireless support they receive from their volunteers. “Organisations have been asked to provide leaflets and are invited to attend as walk-in guests with any volunteers they wish to bring along.” Anyone keen to find out more about volunteering opportunities in the area should head along - but, he added, there wouldn’t be any pressure to commit. “If you are a prospective volunteer please put this date in your diary and come along on the day. You will not be put under any pressure or be pushed into becoming a volunteer; if after taking a look you don’t think volunteering is for you, that is your decision. “Please come along, relax and have some fun, have a go on the X Box 360 computer console and enjoy some free light refreshments.” For more information on the Arun Volunteer Centre, call 01903 731223 or 01243 864220 or email avc@vaac.org.uk