A Warrington-based national social care charity has celebrated the extraordinary contribution of its volunteers as part of Volunteers’ Week 2026, 1-7 June.
Making Space, which has its head office in Warrington and supports people across England, welcomed volunteers from services around the country to its annual Volunteer Celebration Event at The Midland Hotel in Manchester on 4 June.
The event brought together volunteers from a wide range of Making Space services, including mental health support, carers services, supported living and community wellbeing projects; to recognise the difference they make to people’s lives every day.
Making Space currently has around 125 volunteers who support services in a variety of ways, from helping at community groups and activities to offering peer support, befriending, fundraising and practical assistance.
The celebration featured a three-course meal, entertainment from an ABBA tribute act, a raffle, wellbeing gifts and opportunities for volunteers to share their experiences and connect with one another.
One of the highlights of the day was hearing from four volunteers who shared their personal journeys into volunteering and spoke about the positive impact it has had on their confidence, wellbeing and sense of purpose.
Phil Orton, Deputy CEO at Making Space and host of the event, said: “Volunteering is a powerful expression of community and compassion, and at Making Space it sits at the heart of how we support people every day. Our volunteers bring energy, lived experience and genuine human connection into our services, helping us reach further, tailor support and create moments that go beyond what can be delivered through paid roles alone.
“The event was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our volunteers and hear first-hand about their experiences. Their stories highlighted the many ways volunteering can enrich lives, build confidence and create lasting connections, both for the volunteers themselves and for the people they support.
“Through their time and commitment, volunteers strengthen the depth and quality of what we offer as an organisation. This event is our opportunity to say thank you and show that their time truly matters; that they are part of our culture, our impact and our future. We simply couldn’t do what we do without them.”
As part of the celebrations, volunteers were invited to share their favourite volunteering memories on heart-shaped cards. These will now be transformed into a special Memory Quilt artwork that will be displayed at Making Space’s Warrington head office as a lasting reminder of the impact volunteers have across the organisation.
The charity is encouraging anyone interested in making a difference in their local community to consider volunteering.
For more information about volunteering opportunities with Making Space, visit www.makingspace.co.uk
