NEVER more so than today, during the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, has the vital work of volunteers been more in the spotlight.

The most vulnerable members of our society have been forced to rely more than ever on community organisations and their selfless supporters.

This week marks the 36th annual Volunteers Week so it is a perfect time to celebrate the hard work of those who go above and beyond in the community, particularly in times of crisis.

Charity Community360 has signed up an extra 300 volunteers to assist the One Colchester partnership during the pandemic and is co-ordinating the community response to coronavirus.

Chief executive Tracy Rudling said it was more important than ever to pay tribute to its selfless helpers.

She said: “We are privileged to work with hundreds of volunteers each year and always seeing people with an interest in the community who would like to share their skills and knowledge with others - thank you to each and everyone of you, our unsung heroes.

“This year has been even more inspiring to see how many people are prepared to give up their time to help others in any way possible.”

There are now more than 500 volunteers on the charity’s books.

A hotel night worker by trade, Colchester resident Bob Wright has volunteered with Community360 since March 2019.

When he was furloughed from work he decided to throw himself forward and he now delivers food parcels to vulnerable residents across Colchester working with the charity’s Food Hub.

His confidence has grown and he has even completed training to drive community transport buses if needed.

Bob said: “Volunteering gives me a sense of achievement and a great feeling that I am contributing to the community.

“It gets me doing things rather than just sitting around the house all day.

“This in turn has helped my wellbeing both mentally and possibly physically too. I shall be continuing to volunteer when I return to work.”

Jane Muson, who normally helps staff the charity’s base in the town centre, has now moved to shopping in supermarkets for the care packages Ben delivers.

She said: “I have also become a telephone befriender offering support to the community. Volunteering is an amazing thing to do and would urge anyone to try it.”

One of Community360’s most groundbreaking projects is the My Social Prescription scheme.

It provides healthcare patients with information about clubs, mental health support, financial advice, job information and volunteering opportunities.

Final year Psychology student at Essex University Katie Curtis has been helping the charity run drop in sessions at the university and promote the scheme’s benefits.

She said: “Volunteering has given me experience in a wider support team to bring a collaborative approach to wellbeing.

“This project has really helped students to gain access to support, more information about the services available, and to provide an opportunity for students to meet other people. I have really enjoyed the experience.”

Karen Parker first joined the project as a volunteer but found it so rewarding she soon became an employee.

She said: “Volunteering had such an impact on me that I decided to leave my job of 15 years at Colchester Council to join the team at Community360.

“I no longer have to wish for my ideal job, I have landed it. Please volunteer if you can it is so rewarding and could change your life.”

Visit community360.org.uk.