Volunteers are the life blood of our communities

What a great week so far as we continue to celebrate Volunteers' Week marking the contributions volunteers make.

As mentioned in my previous blog on this, I am reminded of all those volunteers who give their time to support my office, Wiltshire Police and in turn the communities we serve. 

But there is another side to this story - the officers and staff who work at Wiltshire Police and in my office who selflessly give their time outside of work to help other organisations.

I speak of the football coach, the scout leader, the running club secretary and the charity fundraiser to name but a few; the people who donate their valuable time to support others.

Helping the police and the numerous services I commission is so valuable to our local communities but let's not forget those who work hard in the police or in my office and then find the energy to carry on after hours getting involved with clubs or charities to help others.

I, myself, volunteer for the Filling Station charity once a week, dishing out hot food and drinks to the homeless in Swindon.  I get a huge amount of satisfaction helping those who are less fortunate - no doubt, everyone who volunteers - irrespective of what that job is or who they volunteer for - feels the same.  We don't do it for the recognition or the glory but because we all believe in the one common goal of volunteering - doing good to help others and giving back to society.

In my role as Police and Crime Commissioner I value those who give up their time to volunteer to help Wiltshire Police and/or the valuable services my office commission; but I also want to go on the record during this important week to thank those who continue their public service voluntarily after leaving their day job.

Thank you.  It's people like you who are outstanding examples of what a public servant should be.