Plans to celebrate Volunteers’ Week 2026

National Maritime Museum Cornwall is proud to join thousands of charities and voluntary organisations across the UK in marking Volunteers’ Week 2026.

Running from Monday 1 to Sunday 7 June, this year’s campaign celebrates 42 years of recognising the remarkable contribution that volunteers make to communities everywhere.

Since 1984, Volunteers’ Week has provided an annual moment to say thank you, shining a light on the generosity of people who give their time freely. This year, we will be celebrating our team of 160 volunteers at National Maritime Museum Cornwall with a series of events designed to honour their commitment and invite others to discover the joys of museum volunteering.

On Wed 3 June 10am – 12.30pm, volunteers from departments across the museum will be chatting to visitors about the work they do and what it means to be part of the crew. If you’ve ever considered volunteering come along to find out more from the people who love it most. Who knows, you might even be inspired to join them.

On Thu 4 June we’ll be hosting a well-deserved thank you Tea & Cake celebration for all NMMC volunteers. It’s a small gesture for an enormous contribution. Staff members are also leaving personal notes of thanks on special message cards for volunteers to read.

“Volunteer Week is a time to celebrate the people who give their time, energy, and compassion to make a difference to our organisation. We are incredibly grateful for our amazing volunteer team — your dedication, kindness, and commitment inspire us and strengthen our community in countless ways. Thank you for everything you do.”

Emily Godfrey, Volunteer Coordinator, National Maritime Museum Cornwall

Volunteers’ Week is led by the UK Volunteering Forum, a partnership between Volunteer Scotland, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), and Volunteer Now in Northern Ireland.

“Volunteers bring a richness to organisations across the country. There is no better time to recognise the diversity of our volunteers and celebrate the difference that volunteering make than during Volunteers’ Week. Without volunteers, many charities simply could not function. The week is a chance for all of us to show just how vital they are to charities and communities everywhere.”

UK Volunteering Forum.

If you are interested in volunteering see our Volunteering info, or speak to a member of the team during the Volunteer Morning on Wednesday 3 June.