Celebrating International Volunteer Managers Day on the Wirral

Championing the profession that powers volunteering worldwide

This International Volunteer Managers Day (5th November), is dedicated to shining a spotlight on the people who help volunteering flourish across the Wirral.

While volunteers are often the public face of community action, there are dedicated individuals working behind the scenes to make those opportunities possible. Volunteer coordinators, managers, leaders and those of you out there who don’t hold that title but wear that hat daily, bring people together, nurture talent, provide support, and create the welcoming environments that help volunteers thrive.

A Volunteer Manager at Spider Project describes this as “digging into their skills and assets, trying to find out what is special about that person”. Reflecting on the difference that support can make, they add: “It’s amazing seeing people walking in at the start of their journey and seeing how much they progress in 12 months.”

This year's theme, "Legacy and Leadership: Honouring the Past, Present and Future", is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate those who inspire others to get involved, share their skills, and make a difference. Whether they are recruiting new volunteers, offering encouragement, developing programmes, or championing volunteer voices, their impact reaches far beyond the organisations they support.

Across the Wirral, volunteer leaders help power our charities, community groups, cultural organisations, and local services. Their passion and commitment strengthen communities, build connections, and create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to contribute, learn, and belong.

For an Age UK manager, welcoming volunteers brings its own rewards: “In this role, every single person who comes in to volunteer, it lifts me. It’s cheesy, but I feel lifted.”

From a volunteer perspective from The Positivitree, that support means feeling reassured, at ease and confident, with guidance and regular check-ins helping them feel safe and included. Their experience is also one of friendship and belonging, and they look forward to volunteering.

“Having a volunteer manager is so reassuring as she makes you feel at ease and helps to give you confidence and supports you however she can. She ensures you are always happy and safe in what you are doing and treats you like an equal and I'm proud to call her a friend. She gives you guidance so you never feel lost and checks in with you regularly. I look forward to working with her as nothing is too much trouble.”

So on 5th November, let's celebrate the people who make volunteering happen. If someone has inspired, supported, or encouraged you on your volunteering journey, take a moment to thank them. Their leadership helps create the volunteering experiences that enrich lives and make our communities stronger.

If you'd like to celebrate the Volunteer Managers in your organisation and beyond, use the resources and templates here for any e-mail or social media communications on the day: International Volunteer Managers Day Resources