Newcastle volunteers to be celebrated with #ClapForVolunteers

The army of volunteers who have rallied round to support vulnerable residents shielding from coronavirus are to be heralded with a special celebration.

Clap for volunteers

National Volunteers Week, which runs from today (June 1) until June 7, recognises all those who give their time to selflessly help others.

The hardship resulting from the coronavirus pandemic has brought out the best of Geordie spirit with thousands of individuals coming forward to offer their services to the citywide effort to ensure vulnerable residents get access to the basic provisions they need while self-isolating or having fallen on hard times.

Many have done so through Citylife Line, Newcastle’s coronavirus support service, and through others means, to answer the call of those in difficulty.

All these remarkable volunteers, as well as the thousands of people who routinely give their time to others, will be thanked with a clap from the doorsteps this evening.

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Spirit of Newcastle, this film is a tribute on behalf of the people of the city, to all the selfless volunteers who have given up their time to help others in this crisis ♥️

Spirit of Newcastle

The Newcastle #ClapForVolunteers will see people take to their front doors at 8pm to applaud the services of those volunteering in the same way people recognise health and care workers each Thursday.

Cllr Nick Forbes, Leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has made life incredibly difficult for a huge number of people. Many have been unable to leave their homes for nearly three months in order to shield from the virus, will others have lost income and jobs, making it difficult to even feed their families.

“It doesn’t bear thinking about how much worse the struggle would have been for so many in our city if it hadn’t been for the response of volunteers.

“Within weeks of lockdown, thousands of people came to us through Citylife Line to say they wanted to help, and as a result they have done everything from delivering food parcels to even being there for someone to talk to.

“We are fortunate to have such an extensive and compassionate voluntary and community sector in Newcastle, and it has never before been such an integral part of the city.”

As well as applauding volunteers at 8pm this evening, residents encouraged to share their photos and videos through social media using the hashtag #ClapForVolunteers.

Donations to support Citylife Line can be made here while more information about National Volunteers Week is available here.

We are fortunate to have such an extensive and compassionate voluntary and community sector in Newcastle, and it has never before been such an integral part of the city.