Volunteers
Celebrating Volunteers Week 2025
Every year Volunteers Week offers a chance to shine a spotlight on the incredible individuals who dedicate their time, energy, care and passion to causes that matter, making their communities better places to live, places with heart and soul where more people are connected. At Action 21 we see this every single day: we only exist because of the fabulous group of 50 volunteers who are the lifeblood of our small but flourishing charity. We couldn’t exist without them. Volunteers sort and display the many donations given to us by residents of Leamington and Warwick, ensuring they are fit for sale in our Re-use Centre. We have three workshops staffed by volunteers – the scrap team, the team who carry out the PAT testing of electrical appliances, and the bike mechanics team. We are given hundreds and hundreds of used bikes every year, which volunteers make fit for the road again, enabling more people to cycle.
The Spirit of Action 21
Action 21 was founded on the principles of sustainability, community, and innovation in the face of climate change. But our values do not just sit on a strategy document or a web page; they are brought to life by the committed team of volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure that these principles are translated into activity and achieve a meaningful impact. Volunteers at Action 21 bring diverse skills, perspectives and personalities to every project, and their contributions result in:
A Heartfelt Thank You
As Volunteers Week is celebrated across the UK, I want to extend the trustees’ deepest gratitude to everyone who has ever volunteered for Action 21. Your contributions, big or small, are woven into the very DNA of our organisation. You have shaped our mission, fuelled our action, and propelled us a little bit closer to our vision of a sustainable and collaborative world. And to the current volunteer team: Thank you for so much for your continuing commitment. Thank you also for your warmth (even evident when the Re-use centre is cold!), your laughter and your resilience. We need you more than you know. Your unwavering enthusiasm reminds us why we do what we do and keeps the trustees motivated too.
Want to join Action 21?
Please do: Action 21 is for everyone. Volunteering at Action 21 is not just a chance to give back; it’s an opportunity to grow, connect, and be part of a community that makes a difference. You’ll meet lovely people and play a role in initiatives that matter. Action 21 is its people. Together, we are trying to build a better, greener, connected and more compassionate Leamington and Warwick. Please come and be part of it. There is a role for everyone.
Every year Volunteers Week offers a chance to shine a spotlight on the incredible individuals who dedicate their time, energy, care and passion to causes that matter, making their communities better places to live, places with heart and soul where more people are connected. At Action 21 we see this every single day: we only exist because of the fabulous group of 50 volunteers who are the lifeblood of our small but flourishing charity. We couldn’t exist without them. Volunteers sort and display the many donations given to us by residents of Leamington and Warwick, ensuring they are fit for sale in our Re-use Centre. We have three workshops staffed by volunteers – the scrap team, the team who carry out the PAT testing of electrical appliances, and the bike mechanics team. We are given hundreds and hundreds of used bikes every year, which volunteers make fit for the road again, enabling more people to cycle.
The Spirit of Action 21
Action 21 was founded on the principles of sustainability, community, and innovation in the face of climate change. But our values do not just sit on a strategy document or a web page; they are brought to life by the committed team of volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure that these principles are translated into activity and achieve a meaningful impact. Volunteers at Action 21 bring diverse skills, perspectives and personalities to every project, and their contributions result in:
- Community Engagement: Volunteers help bridge the gap between Action 21 and the local community, fostering trust and collaboration, and provide company and cheer to residents who might otherwise see few people;
- Respite during a cost of living crisis: the Re-use Centre keeps prices to an absolute minimum as that can make the difference to residents struggling on low incomes and we work with partners to support their vulnerable clients;
- Environmental Impact: they contribute directly to reducing waste and promoting greener practices;
- Operational Support: supporting the behind the scenes operations and our events out and about, keeping the organisation functioning day-to-day.
- Healthier, sustainable travel with more people cycling in the district
A Heartfelt Thank You
As Volunteers Week is celebrated across the UK, I want to extend the trustees’ deepest gratitude to everyone who has ever volunteered for Action 21. Your contributions, big or small, are woven into the very DNA of our organisation. You have shaped our mission, fuelled our action, and propelled us a little bit closer to our vision of a sustainable and collaborative world. And to the current volunteer team: Thank you for so much for your continuing commitment. Thank you also for your warmth (even evident when the Re-use centre is cold!), your laughter and your resilience. We need you more than you know. Your unwavering enthusiasm reminds us why we do what we do and keeps the trustees motivated too.
Want to join Action 21?
Please do: Action 21 is for everyone. Volunteering at Action 21 is not just a chance to give back; it’s an opportunity to grow, connect, and be part of a community that makes a difference. You’ll meet lovely people and play a role in initiatives that matter. Action 21 is its people. Together, we are trying to build a better, greener, connected and more compassionate Leamington and Warwick. Please come and be part of it. There is a role for everyone.
See what Sophie, a Warwick University student, said about her experience of volunteering with us on our Join Us page: Join Us
Emma Knights
Chair of Action21’s board of trustees
chair@action21.co.uk