Barking and Dagenham Council is proud to mark Volunteers’ Week 2025 (2-8 June) by recognising and celebrating the unwavering dedication of the borough’s volunteers.

Over the past year, an incredible 332 volunteers have given a combined 19,398 hours of their time to support the community - from assisting residents at our Community Hubs and supporting vulnerable young people, to preserving greenspaces and celebrating proud heritage.

The council hosted a special thank you event, bringing together the borough’s volunteers, staff and councillors. The event reflected on the achievements of the past year and was an opportunity to say a collective thank you to those who give their time to make a difference in the borough. 

Star of the Year awards were handed out in recognition of volunteer achievements to Elaine Knight, James Brown, James Kasule, Leah Fletcher Fraser, Lucie Gatyasova, Robin Searle, Sam Safeer. The Volunteer of the Year Award was also presented to Freddy Thompson for his tireless support at Barking and Dagenham heritage sites Eastbury Manor House and Valence House. 

Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, said: "Our volunteers embody the very best of what this borough stands for. Their energy, commitment, and compassion touch every corner of Barking and Dagenham. 

"And there are so many more community groups and individuals who give up their time to do good in the borough. We are proud to honour them this week and every week."

Anyone interested in getting involved or finding out more about volunteering in the borough can visit https://www.lbbd.gov.uk/volunteer