More than 21 million people volunteer in the UK at least once a year and this contributes an estimated £23.9bn to the UK economy.

These 21 million people are a shining example of how we can all make a big difference to individuals and communities every day from improving the environment we live in, spending time with those who may otherwise be lonely and contributing to a range of other essential services and support.

Yesterday kicked off Volunteers’ Week, so now’s the ideal time to think about how you can give a bit of your time to help others.

This year’s campaign has been extended to June 12 to enable more people to take part.

Since the campaign started back in 1984 people have always been creative with how they’ve celebrated.

Events are always a big part of Volunteers’ Week and last year more than 750 events were posted on the Volunteers’ Week map from recruitment fairs to awards ceremonies and tea parties.

A huge choice of volunteering opportunities are out there but sometimes people aren’t aware of them or they have a particular perception of what volunteering is about. Perhaps you are looking to run an event and would like volunteers to help? Event volunteering can be a really great, short-term, flexible way to give people a taste of the volunteering experience.

People are increasingly looking for flexible volunteering that they can fit in around work or other commitments and the Volunteers’ Week ‘Big Celebration’ may just be the thing to attract them. Your event can also be a focal point to get people in your community using their skills, time and talents to help others.

This year, the end of Volunteers’ Week will also coincide with the Patron’s Lunch on June 12, a celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s lifetime of service to more than 600 charities and organisations to which The Queen acts as a Patron, on the occasion of her 90th birthday.

To find out more visit volunteersweek.org

Here’s a round-up of what’s happening locally:

* Keep Britain Tidy - Balsam Bash Benfleet, June 5 between10.30am and 12.30pm. Hall Farm Close, Benfleet.
Contact: robert.martyr@keepbritaintidy.org

* CAVS Castle Point Volunteer Awards, June 11, from 2.30-4.30pm. Runnymede Hall, Kiln Road, Thundersley.

Contact: volunteering@castlepointavs.org.uk

* Hamelin Trust - A Royal Volunteer Afternoon Tea Party on June 9. Sutton Bridge Farm, Sutton Road, Rochford.

Contact: Maria Sims, visit www.hamelintrust.org.uk

* Keep Britain Tidy - Beachcare Bonanza, June 9 from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Shoebury East Car Park, Rampart Terrace, Southend. Contact: robert.martyr@keepbritaintidy.org

* Colchester Community Voluntary Services - Volunteer’s Tea Party, June 7 from 3pm to 5.30pm. Winsley’s House, Colchester.
 Contact: information@ccvs.org

* Colchester Community Voluntary Services Kingsland Church, June 10 between 10am and 1pm. Kingsland Church, 86 London Road, Colchester.

Contact: information@ccvs.org

* Keep Britain Tidy - East Mersea Beachcare, June 8 between 10am and

12.30pm. Cudmore Grove Country Park, Broman’s Lane, East Mersea.

Contact: robert.martyr@keepbritaintidy.org