The Chair of the Lancashire Resilience Forum has praised the work of volunteers who support emergency services across Lancashire.

As we enter National Volunteers Week Assistant Chief Constable, Gareth Lee, said the efforts of people across the county to help others is “humbling.’’

National Volunteers’ Week is an annual event which recognises the invaluable contributions and dedication of people who truly make a difference to the lives of many people and services in our local communities.

This year's campaign is the 42nd anniversary of the event which celebrates volunteers but also looks to inspire others to learn more about volunteering opportunities.

Lancashire is lucky to have thousands of volunteers covering a wide range of roles such as community first responders, mountain rescue team members and people involved in community emergency response and flood action groups, all of whom provide a great service to their communities.  

He said: “All those who volunteer to help the emergency services are community champions who do something extraordinary and make a huge difference with their spare time.

“Lancashire has an amazingly strong community spirit, and these volunteers are a brilliant example of that.

“Volunteers form a very special part of what we do at and the support they provide to our emergency responders is fantastic; we simply couldn’t do the work we do without them.

“I am always extremely humbled by the efforts of all the volunteers I meet and can’t thank them enough for what they do .’’

Jenny Jones, the Chair of the forum’s Voluntary Organisations Group, said: “I am keen to champion the fantastic work that our voluntary organisations do here in Lancashire and there is no better time to do that than during National Volunteers Week.

“The Lancashire Resilience Forum is supported by local volunteers from a variety of national organisations both in planning for and responding to emergencies.

“The volunteers we work with all have their own specific skill sets which enable us to provide the vital care that people may need during emergencies whether that is first aid, transport or simply a cup of tea and a listening ear.

“We wouldn't be able to provide the service that we do during emergencies without the time that they give voluntarily and that is why it is so important that we acknowledge their hard work.’’

If you would like to know more about volunteering opportunities in the county the Lancashire Volunteer Partnership is there to help you.

For more information go to their website at www.lancsvp.org.uk