AN unpaid army of men and women who give their time freely to help others launch their own week of celebrations today

National Volunteers Week is a chance to celebrate and thank all volunteers around the country.

A staggering 22 million people were engaged in some form of volunteering across England last year doing everything from supporting people with disabilities, dressing windows in a charity shop to looking after toads.

In County Durham, many community services could not survive without volunteers and events are being held to recognise and reward their efforts and recruit new people.

A single helpline number 0845- 270-5606 has been set up, along with a web address - www.shapingthecommunity.org -to make it easy for people to find out about the range of volunteering opportunities, funding or the support they might need to keep a community group going.

Volunteering is not all about giving. A lot of people say they benefit from the experience of helping others either simply because they enjoy it and it boosts their self-confidence, or because they are given training leading to qualifications to help them into paid work.

Michele Armstrong, chief officer of 2D, a support organisation covering Teesdale and Wear Valley, is urging people to get in touch and find out more.

She said: "There are support organisations all over County Durham - 11 in total - and our research has shown us that people are very often confused as to who they should get in touch with.

"If they are passed from pillar to post, it is easy to get disheartened, which is why we have set up this single number and website as an easy point of contact.

"Even if you only have a little time available, you can still volunteer - and the benefits are extremely rewarding.

"There are a whole host of opportunities, whether you want to work outdoors or inside, and positions can be matched to your skills and interests.

"Anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering and opportunities in their geographical area or in their area of interest can ring up and be put in touch with the organisation best placed to help them.

"If they are already volunteering and need help for their group then they should call. Help is only a call away."

Marion Hannaford is a good example of how volunteering can change lives. The former administrator from Witton Park, in Wear Valley, always found working outside therapeutic and it has been her hobby for some years, but now she is carving out a career thanks to her volunteering.

She began her volunteering with Castle Eden Dene's youth group, before moving on to work with the environmental conservation charity BCTV in the North Pennines. She has now taken on responsibility as a volunteer reserve officer with Durham Wildlife Trust (DWT) and hopes to move into full-time conservation work.

She said: "I had to negotiate new working arrangements with my existing part-time job to fulfil this commitment to DWT, but I see this as a real opportunity to get the experience I need to get full-time work in the conservation sector. Volunteering gives you confidence too and you get to meet fantastic people and have a great time."

LOCAL EVENTS DURING VOLUNTEER WEEK

TODAY

Launch event in Tow Law Community Centre, where a coffee morning with children's games and drumming is open from 10am to 2pm.

Volunteers are also manning an information stall on Ferryhill Market.

At 7.30pm, the Chester-le-Street and District CVS and Volunteer Bureau have a celebration and ceilidh in the town's Masonic Hall.

TUESDAY

Information is available at market stalls in Newton Aycliffe and Crook.

WEDNESDAY

Volunteers from Teesdale and Wear Valley are recognised at an awards night in Bishop Auckland Town Hall from 7pm.

THURSDAY

Volunteers Walk in Castle Eden Dene 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Awards evening, Spennymoor Town Hall, 7.30pm to 10.30pm, with live music and pie and peas supper. Tickets are free to volunteers, telephone 01388-811115.

FRIDAY, JUNE 15

Durham FM broadcast live from 2D at Crook Business Centre.

TUESDAY, JUNE 19

Volunteer Speed Matching Spennymoor Town Hall. Three sessions are at 11am, 2pm and 4pm. To book, telephone 01388-811115.