Do you want to volunteer? Find out how during National Volunteers Week

Stockton Volunteers' Market returns to the High Street from 10am to 2pm where visitors can meet local charities, discover what they do for our communities, and find volunteering opportunities. Arts and crafts activities, food stalls and live music will also be on offer.

The annual free market has been organised by Stockton Volunteers - a partnership between the Council and the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisation, Catalyst.

Last year's market saw over 50 organisations and charities share information and experiences to inspire more volunteers to sign up. The dedicated new recruits contributed over 200 hours of time to help others.

The market is part of a programme of activities during National Volunteers Week (1-7 June), which celebrates the contributions of volunteers across the UK.

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety, Councillor Steve Nelson, said: "National Volunteers Week shines a light on the incredible work volunteers do and will hopefully inspire others to get involved.

"Volunteering can be an incredibly rewarding activity which benefits local communities and those who spare their time. Why not come along and find out more at our special market on Monday or visit www.stocktonvolunteers.co.uk to check out current volunteering opportunities?"

Steve Rose, Chief Executive of Catalyst, added: "This is our time to celebrate and recognise volunteers and organisations that put in so much hard work to make our local community a better place for all people."

Activities throughout the week include:

Tuesday 4 June, 10am - 12pm
Introduction to Stockton Volunteers
Catalyst House, 27 Yarm Road, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 3NJ

Catalyst is hosting an open morning to relaunch volunteering website, www.stocktonvolunteers.co.uk

The online hub can be used to search or promote volunteering opportunities and find information on how people with disabilities, over 65s and refugees and asylum seekers can also support others. Drop in to find out more.

Wednesday 5 June, all day
Online Tweetathon

Join the online conversation about Volunteers Week on Wednesday and throughout the week. Tag #StocktonVolunteers and #volunteersweek2019 in posts about the volunteering activities you're involved in.

Thursday 6 June
Catalyst Achievement Awards 2019

The Catalyst Awards recognise the efforts and personal commitment of local people to help others. Each year hundreds of worthy nominations are submitted which include the high calibre of volunteers' work across Stockton-on-Tees.

To find volunteering opportunities across the Borough visit www.stocktonvolunteers.co.uk