UNSUNG heroes who dedicate their free time to helping communities in the region are being honoured this week.

The 25th annual National Volunteers Week runs from today until Sunday, and celebrates voluntary work carried out by millions of people across the country.

Events are planned throughout the North-East during the week to raise the voluntary sector’s profile, encourage more people to take up volunteering, and reward existing workers.

In County Durham, the Willow Burn Hospice, in Lanchester, is holding a party and awards ceremony on Thursday evening to thank its volunteers for their hard work and commitment to the establishment.

Staff at the Sue Ryder Care shop, in Bishop Auckland, are inviting potential volunteers to its Tea At Two event on Friday, at 2pm, where long-serving voluntary staff will be presented with an award.

Elsewhere, the North-East Volunteers project is launching a pilot scheme called VolunteesValley in Teesside, offering cultural opportunities to people in the area.

In North Yorkshire, the Richmondshire Volunteer Centre, in Richmond, is offering two weeks of taster sessions, and The National Trust is looking to recruit voluntary gardeners to help at the county’s attractions.

A National Volunteers Week spokeswoman said: “This event aims to raise awareness of people who give up their time both formally and informally.

“This is an ideal opportunity to thank those people, because there are so many community services that would not survive without them.”

For more information about National Volunteers Week, visit volunteersweek.org.uk.

To get involved in voluntary work in County Durham, contact 2D at Crook on 01388-762220, which covers Teesdale and Wear Valley, Cavos in Sedgefield on 01388-811115, or the East Durham Trust on 0191-383-1944.

Visit csv.org.uk for links to its branches in Durham City, Derwentside, Chester-le- Street, and Darlington, which was renamed eVOLution.

To get involved with VolunteesValley, contact 01642-263101.

Case one

BREAST cancer sufferer Trish Greensmith raised more than £26,000 for the region’s hospitals since being diagnosed with the disease two years ago.

Club singer Mrs Greensmith, from Willington, County Durham, used her stage name, Chyrelle Adams, to set up the Chyrelle Adams Breast Cancer Appeal Fund.

She approached 2D in Wear Valley for support, and the appeal has become a registered trust and charity.

The money raised has paid for specialist cancer treatment equipment, including a Mammography Therapy chair and laptops for breast cancer nurses.

Mrs Greensmith also achieved a level two counselling certificate, which enabled her to become a volunteer with the Butterwick Hospice, in Bishop Auckland.

Case two

DEDICATED volunteer Jane Addison has carried out more than 1,000 hours of voluntary work in Teesdale.

Ms Addison was presented with a commemorative bowl and flowers from Middleton Plus for reaching the milestone at the Tourist Information Centre in Middleton- in-Teesdale.

Ms Addison said: “I really enjoy w o r k i n g here. All of the volunteers have great local knowledge and love of the area, and make a huge difference.

A spokeswoman for Middleton Plus said: “The centre supports the economy of Upper Teesdale, and we depend solely on volunteers to open it.

“We are continually receiving positive feedback and compliments from visitors on the vast knowledge and enthusiasm displayed by all of our volunteers.”

Ms Addison has also run Brownie and Guide groups in the area.

Case three

FATHER-OF-FIVE Tony Wyatt from east Durham uses his own parenting experiences to help other families in the area.

He got involved with Home Start, which offers support and friendship to struggling families, after visiting a volunteer open day at East Durham Community College.

Mr Wyatt completed a training programme to become a Home Visitor, and visits family homes to help build confidence and increase independence amongst parents with young children.

Mr Wyatt said: “I would tell anyone thinking about joining a voluntary team not to hesitate, and go for it.

“The support is excellent, and for the sake of a couple of hours a week, you can make a real difference in someone else’s life.

“It has made me a lot more aware of the varying problems experienced by many families.”