Greater Manchester Police marks Volunteers’ Week 2023

This year marks the 39th year of Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June), when GMP will join thousands of charities and voluntary organisations recognising the contribution volunteers make across the UK.

With this year’s theme of ‘Celebrate and Inspire’ we hope to encourage people to be the change that we want to see and get involved in volunteering in whatever way works for them.

The contribution of volunteers is often unseen and unrecognised by many, visible only through the incredible impact of their volunteering, so taking the time during Volunteers’ Week to celebrate their efforts and all they contribute to our local communities, the voluntary sector and society as a whole has never been more important.

This Volunteers’ Week GMP will be celebrating their Citizens in Policing – comprising of 220 Special Constables, 120 Police Support Volunteers, and 160 Volunteer Police Cadets, by holding local thank you events, issuing long service certificates (for those with 3, 5, 7, 10 years service), promoting opportunities to join the Citizens in Policing family through advertising further voluntary roles.

ACC Colin McFarlane, lead for Prevention, said: “Volunteers' Week is a chance to celebrate and recognise the fantastic contribution all our volunteers make.

“Thanks to our Special Constabulary, communities have benefited from over 75,000 hours of voluntary policing, dealing with local matters, serious crime, speeding vehicles and much more.

“Our Police Support Volunteers enhance service delivery, help reduce demand, and bring a broad range of skills; including enabling open days at our Force Museum, in providing Cyber awareness and prevention, and in leading our Volunteer Police Cadet Units.

Our Volunteer Police Cadet scheme provides opportunities for young people to make a positive impact in their local communities, through learning about the values of British policing, and developing skill and confidence.”

Special Inspector Cat Cutler added: “Since joining, I have been able to give something back, helping victims, catching offenders, and supporting regular officers.  I have learnt so much not only about myself, but the communities I have been able to work with.  Volunteering gives me so much to be proud of.  If you’re thinking of signing up, I’d tell you to ‘go for it’!”

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer with GMP can find out more information on the Special Constabulary, Police Support Volunteers, or Volunteer Police Cadets by visiting:  Careers | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk)