THIS is Volunteering Week, so it’s an ideal opportunity to pay tribute to the countless Inverclyde people who give up so much of their spare time to help others of all ages.

They do it out of the goodness of their hearts, and for the satisfaction of seeing others benefit from their tireless efforts.

Few, if any, local sporting activities could survive without volunteers organising things and using their talents as coaches.

This week’s FestiVol, organised by Inverclyde Community Development Trust, highlights other types of volunteering which may not be quite so obvious.

‘Befriending’, for example, is the topic tomorrow at the Westburn Centre. Volunteers give up two hours every week to provide social support to vulnerable adults with community care needs, and it’s hoped more people will come forward to get involved in a worthwhile scheme that makes such a difference to many lives.

Many aged 65 and over could be at risk of becoming socially isolated, but the Trust’s ‘Chit Chat’ project provides opportunities for them to get out and about and become more socially active.

One of the main events of the week is this evening at Greenock town hall, where the Scottish Government Saltire Awards celebrate the achievements of young volunteers aged from 12 to 25.

Stepping on stage in front of their relatives and friends is a memorable experience for them, and one which they thoroughly deserve.

Well done to all of Inverclyde’s volunteers!

THIS is Volunteering Week, so it’s an ideal opportunity to pay tribute to the countless Inverclyde people who give up so much of their spare time to help others of all ages.

They do it out of the goodness of their hearts, and for the satisfaction of seeing others benefit from their tireless efforts.

Few, if any, local sporting activities could survive without volunteers organising things and using their talents as coaches.

This week’s FestiVol, organised by Inverclyde Community Development Trust, highlights other types of volunteering which may not be quite so obvious.

‘Befriending’, for example, is the topic tomorrow at the Westburn Centre. Volunteers give up two hours every week to provide social support to vulnerable adults with community care needs, and it’s hoped more people will come forward to get involved in a worthwhile scheme that makes such a difference to many lives.

Many aged 65 and over could be at risk of becoming socially isolated, but the Trust’s ‘Chit Chat’ project provides opportunities for them to get out and about and become more socially active.

One of the main events of the week is this evening at Greenock town hall, where the Scottish Government Saltire Awards celebrate the achievements of young volunteers aged from 12 to 25.

Stepping on stage in front of their relatives and friends is a memorable experience for them, and one which they thoroughly deserve.

Well done to all of Inverclyde’s volunteers!