Volunteers are worth £1.5 million a year

DUMFRIES and Galloway Council is celebrating the enormous contribution of local volunteers as part of Volunteers’ Week 2025. With more than 800 volunteers supporting council services across the region – from youth work and museums to countryside access and community resilience – the estimated value of their time and effort is more than £1.5 million annually. Council leader Gail MacGregor said: “Volunteers’ Week is a valuable opportunity to recognise and thank the many individuals who give their time and energy to support our council services and local communities. “Our volunteers contribute in countless ways – from helping to deliver major events like Youth Beatz, to leading gentle movement sessions that promote wellbeing, cataloguing archives to safeguard our local heritage and taking part in community clean-ups to enhance the places we live. Each and every one plays an essential role in enriching life across Dumfries and Galloway.” The council will celebrate Volunteers’ Week by sharing stories from across its services, recognising outstanding contributions and encouraging more residents to consider getting involved.