Volunteers' Week Special

Welcome to our Volunteers’ Week special edition, filled with celebration, inspiring stories, and messages of thanks from Provost Lorraine Cameron and Dr Alan McNiven, CEO of Engage Renfrewshire.

Happy reading!

Raynor, Volunteer Development Officer, Engage Renfrewshire

Well, that’s Volunteers’ Week over for another year.

It’s safe to say that Renfrewshire’s volunteer-involving organisations do an incredible job celebrating our wonderful volunteers. I’ve really enjoyed seeing all the thank you social media posts throughout the week. It’s been inspiring.

We are incredibly proud that our communities continue to thrive because of the time, effort and care volunteers give so generously.

Finally, to all Volunteer Managers and Coordinators, keep doing what you’re doing to support your teams. You’re doing a fantastic job.

Raynor, Volunteer Development Officer, Engage Renfrewshire

Dr Alan McNiven, CEO Engage Renfrewshire

We were delighted to celebrate Volunteers’ Week 2026, taking the opportunity to recognise and thank the incredible individuals who give their time, energy, and compassion to communities across Renfrewshire.

Our volunteers make a real and lasting difference every single day. Whether supporting local groups, strengthening neighbourhood connections, or helping people through challenging times, their dedication plays a vital role in building a stronger and more resilient Renfrewshire.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the Engage Renfrewshire Board of Directors. Over the past year, their commitment, expertise, and guidance have been instrumental in our continued progress. Their willingness to share knowledge and provide strategic insight remains essential to the smooth and effective running of our organisation.

As we look ahead, we are confident that the skills, experience, and kindness of volunteers will continue to be at the heart of thriving communities across Renfrewshire. Their impact — often quiet, always generous — is felt far and wide.

Dr Alan McNiven, CEO Engage Renfrewshire.

Lorraine Cameron, Provost of Renfrewshire

Many volunteers tell me that they began by wanting to help others and discovered that the experience enriched their own lives as well. Having been a volunteer before myself, I can confirm that this is true.

As well as feeling a sense of their own wellbeing, volunteers make Renfrewshire a kinder, more connected and more compassionate place, and during volunteers week we need to recognise and celebrate them and all they achieve for their communities.

Their efforts may not always make headlines, but they make our communities stronger, they make lives better and they help create a sense of purpose and belonging - and surely that is worth celebrating all year round On behalf of our entire community, I want to thank every single one of them for their selfless contribution to our neighbourhoods.

Volunteers’ Week Celebration Event

We were delighted to kick off Volunteers’ Week with an evening of celebration at the Glynhill Hotel. Volunteers and staff from 13 organisations came together to recognise and honour the incredible contribution of volunteering across Renfrewshire.

Guests enjoyed a series of thoughtful and inspiring speeches from Provost Lorraine Cameron, Cassie Forbes, CEO of Roar, and RAH Volunteer Manager, Harry Balch.





We also heard powerful and personal reflections from three volunteers, who shared their experiences and the impact volunteering has had on their lives.



The evening concluded with Provost Cameron presenting each volunteer with a certificate of appreciation, recognising their invaluable contributions.