VARIOUS Ryedale causes are hoping to recruit more volunteers in the wake Volunteers' Week 2018, which ends today.

Charities are also using the occasion to reward long-standing volunteers.

The Age UK shop in Malton is calling on local people to sign up as a shop volunteer, and also thanking its team of volunteers; including Ann Bayes, who has been at the shop for over 20 years.

To celebrate, the shop will be creating a special window display of thanks and a small buffet/gathering on June 27.

Long-serving volunteers will also be rewarded with a certificate highlighting their dedication and long service to the shop.

Amii, shop manager at the Age UK Malton shop, said: “We are so grateful to all our volunteers, who generously give up their time to help out.

"However, we would like to say a special thank you to Sally Thompson, Kathy Grice and Natalie Charlton for all their hard work.

"The Age UK Malton shop really is reliant on the support of volunteers and so we are appealing to anyone in the local area who may be able to give up some time to help out.

"Not only will you meet new people and be a key part of the local community, you will also be helping Age UK raise vital funds to support older people.

“If you think you could help, please pop into the shop or call us on 01653 698199 and we can organise a taster session for you.”

Natalie Charlton, a volunteer at the Age UK Malton shop, said: “Volunteering with the Age UK shop in Malton is really enjoyable. As well as doing a variety of different tasks in the shop, you meet new people every day.

"I have made good friends with both the shop team and people in the local community and would encourage anyone thinking of signing up to give volunteering a go.”

'A great way to boost your CV'

Elsewhere, Citizens Advice Mid North Yorkshire thanked its Ryedale volunteers for making a difference to people’s lives and are also looking to recruit this Volunteer Week.

The volunteers at Citizens Advice Ryedale helped 1,309 people with 1,677 of their problems last year.

They also helped clients gain £566,041 in income and wrote of debts of £147,919 in 2017.

The Ryedale office in Malton is currently looking to recruit volunteer gateway assessors and generalist advisers from across the region.

Carol Shreeve CEO of Citizens Advice Mid North Yorkshire said: “Our volunteers make a huge difference to people’s lives.

“They give up their free time to help people in their community, who may be going through problems, to get back on their feet.

“It is a great way to boost your CV and all training is paid for by the office. It is also a great way to meet people and learn valuable new skills.

“If you’d like to help people in Ryedale and can spare a few hours, we’d love to hear from you.”

To find out more contact Jane Ferguson on 01653 695542 or email training1@northyorkslca.org.uk.