This is what you have been writing to us about this week.

This week (June 1-7) celebrates the tremendous work of volunteers across the UK, and there has never been a better time for Buckinghamshire to give its thanks to these remarkable people.

Volunteers have played an essential role within the Buckinghamshire community over the last year.

At the start of the pandemic and throughout lockdowns they gave their support to help some of the most vulnerable people in society – the elderly, infirm and people living with medical conditions or in other very difficult circumstances.

In desperate times they offered a lifeline to those most in need, whether by delivering essential supplies or medication, transporting people to medical appointments, offering a friendly voice over the phone, or in any number of other ways.

And they have played a vital part in the vaccination rollout since it began in December.

Without their invaluable help, it is impossible to imagine the rollout being the great success it has been.

Volunteers have made a huge contribution, from the set up and day-to-day running of the vaccination sites, marshalling traffic, transporting patients, guiding them through the actual process of getting their jabs, and much more; the rollout simply would not have been the great success it is without them.

From the start of the pandemic right through to the ongoing vaccination rollout, the way volunteers have stepped up to lend their support has been astounding.

The community spirit we have seen from so many people has been truly humbling, and we would like to say a sincere ‘thank you’ to every single person who has volunteered to help others in Buckinghamshire over the last year.

Every day these wonderfully selfless people have made a huge difference in the lives of so many of our residents.

Steve Bowles, cabinet member for communities, Buckinghamshire Council

‘Immense’ impact of Covid-19 on charity

It’s Volunteers' Week! The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on national healthcare charity Sue Ryder has been immense. 

Not only did it have a financial impact on the charity but it also meant that many of our incredible volunteers were unable to support us because of lockdown restrictions. 

We are extremely excited that plans are underway to welcome our much-missed volunteers back into our hospices, and share a warm welcome back to our retail volunteers who’ve been able to return since the roadmap allowed non-essential shops to reopen.

Sue Ryder has over 7,119 dedicated volunteers across the country and every single one is an invaluable part of the Sue Ryder organisation; they enable us to continue providing the expert and compassionate palliative, neurological and bereavement support that we are so well known for.

This Volunteers' Week, we wanted to recognise their fantastic contribution over the past 15 months, through what has been such a difficult time for so many. 

During the pandemic many of our volunteers have had to stay at home shielding at a time they’ve wanted to continue to be there; many other volunteers have worked hard developing new skills to help us continue to provide virtual support via our befriending, family support and bereavement services; and many volunteers have leapt into action taking on amazing fundraising challenges from home to help raise vital funds so our care can continue. 

We want to share our thanks with all our volunteers for sticking with us and supporting us during such difficult times.

Our hospices are only part funded by the government, with just 30% of their costs covered on average. 

The continued support of our volunteers - whether volunteering their time and skills in our hospices, organising their own fundraising activities or working tirelessly in our Sue Ryder shops across the UK - play a critical part in helping the charity continue to be there when it matters. 

Sue Ryder is committed to making volunteering with us a rewarding, inclusive and empowering experience for everybody. We’d like to appeal to any of you who would like to find out more about joining our team. Visit www.sueryder.org/Volunteer to find out more.

Maria Turnbull, hospice director, Sue Ryder hospice

To send your own letter, email bfpletters@london.newsquest.co.uk.

Please note, any letters sent to the Bucks Free Press office are only being picked up periodically as all staff are still working from home.