Volunteers' Week: RSPCA salutes the vital work of its volunteers across Wakefield, Pontefract and Castleford

Organised by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, Volunteers Week takes places from June 3 to June 9, and is an annual celebration of the efforts made by millions of people who selflessly offer their time and skills in unpaid roles.

Now, in honour of the week, the RSPCA is thanking local volunteers across the district.

The RSPCA offers a range of volunteer roles, which include those of Animal Rescue Volunteers (ARVs), who help to rescue and transport animals to animal centres where they can be cared for and rehabilitated and foster carers who offer space in their own homes and look after animals before permanent homes can be found for them.

The RSPCA also recruits microvolunteers who help with campaigning work by undertaking administration and social media work.

The charity’s Wildlife Friends, a scheme started last year as part of the Big Help Out to mark King Charles III’s Coronation celebrations , has been hugely popular for microvolunteers who have carried out tasks to protect and nurture wildlife in their own gardens and local communities.

Last year, the RSPCA nationally received vital support from 7,013 volunteers.

Of the 5,511 new volunteers signing up, around 2,000 were Wildlife Friends.

RSPCA Head of Volunteering Brian Reeves said: “Volunteers' Week is an opportunity to celebrate our fantastic volunteers here at the RSPCA. The time they give willingly, along with their commitment and dedication to animals and animal welfare is phenomenal.

“Every volunteer in every role is appreciated, and they should take pride in the fact that they are changing the lives of animals.”

RSPCA Chief Executive Chris Sherwood said: “Our volunteers are incredibly important and we were so proud that so many signed up last year. Anyone can volunteer for the RSPCA and our volunteers come from all walks of life.

"Volunteering is really good for you, it’s a great opportunity to make new friends, give back to the community and it is good for your health and wellbeing.”

To find out more about volunteering opportunities with the RSPCA, visit: https://www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/volunteer