The thousands of islanders who give up their time to support community causes have been praised for providing the equivalent of 1,700 full-time jobs.
The Association of Jersey Charities is marking national Volunteers’ Week, which runs from 1 to 7 June, by recognising the vital contribution volunteers make across the island.
According to the 2024 Value of Jersey’s Third Sector report, at least 5,800 islanders volunteer regularly – around 9% of Jersey’s working-age population.
The report, produced by PwC Channel Islands for the Jersey Community Foundation, estimates that volunteers provide the equivalent of 1,700 full-time jobs.
Association of Jersey Charities interim chief executive Marcus Liddiard described volunteers as “the heartbeat of Jersey’s community life”.
“Across our island, charities simply could not achieve what they do without the incredible generosity of people who freely give their time, energy, compassion and expertise,” he said.
“Whether someone volunteers once a year at an event, serves as a trustee, mentors a young person, supports a foodbank, helps protect our environment, coaches sport, provides professional skills or simply checks in on someone who is lonely – every contribution matters.”
Mr Liddiard said Volunteers’ Week also provides an opportunity for charities to publicly recognise the people who support them throughout the year.
“Behind every successful charity initiative are people quietly giving their time because they care about others and want to make Jersey a better place,” he added.
Mr Liddiard also highlighted the growing role of corporate volunteering, with many businesses and public sector organisations now encouraging staff to support charities through volunteering schemes, fundraising and skills-based projects.
He said employer-backed volunteering benefits charities, staff and businesses alike.
“Charities gain valuable expertise and additional capacity, employees gain confidence, wellbeing, purpose and stronger community connections, and employers build more engaged and socially responsible teams,” he explained.
Volunteer opportunities are available across Jersey, from one-off events and short-term projects to long-term governance and specialist roles.
Mr Liddiard said Jersey’s strong community spirit remains one of the island’s greatest strengths.
“During Volunteers’ Week, we simply want to say thank you – to every volunteer, every donor, every supporter and every employer that enables people to give back,” he said.
“Together, these acts of generosity help build a stronger, kinder and more resilient island.”
