A local disability centre has been celebrating the achievements of its volunteers this week as part of Volunteers' Week, which runs until June 7.
Staff at charity Vitalise's Sandpipers Centre in Southport will award certificates of recognition to volunteers as part of the annual Vitalise Volunteer Awards.
Sandpipers enables disabled people and carers to enjoy short breaks and offers a range of programme of activities and excursions throughout the year.
Among the 25 volunteers currently donating their time at Sandpipers are husband and wife team Kath and Alf Bamping of Bolton, who have been volunteering together at Sandpipers for the past six years.
Kath, 53, said: "The atmosphere is infectious. It's a chance to try new and exciting things and meet new people from all over the world.
"But the icing on the cake is in giving my time for such a great cause and helping others to achieve all the goals. You give, but you get so much back in return.
"You come away feeling tired, saddened at parting company, but already planning when you can come again."
Another Sandpipers volunteer set to receive a certificate is veteran Brenda Dugdale, of Chester, who is still actively volunteering at the age of 84.
Vitalise Sandpipers Centre manager Darren Holloran said: "Volunteers are the lifeblood of Vitalise.
"It's safe to say that without them we simply wouldn't be able to provide such a stimulating experience for our guests.
"That's why we want to recognise our volunteers' commitment here at Sandpipers during National Volunteers Week.
"We want them to know just how much we value their incredible contribution.
"Vitalise runs one of the largest and most diverse volunteer programmes in the UK. Our volunteers are of all ages and from all walks of life, from retired people looking to make good use of their free time, to young people looking to gain valuable skills and experience.
"We regularly welcome long-term overseas volunteers from the four corners of the world."
Vitalise makes more than 5,500 volunteer placements each year. The majority of volunteers spend a week at one of Vitalise's residential centres around the UK, where they provide companionship and support to the disabled guests and carers.
Others accompany visually impaired people on city breaks and activity holidays in the UK and abroad, or help in Vitalise day centres, offices and shops.
Vitalise is a national charity that provides essential services for disabled people, visually impaired people, and carers.
As well as Sandpipers, the charity runs four other accessible centres in the UK, runs day services and organises holidays for visually impaired people. Each of the centres will be honouring their volunteers with awards this week and next. For more information visit www.vitalise.org.uk
Community Newswire
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