Volunteers are integral to Manchester’s Victoria Baths; they played an incredible role in saving the building following its closure 30 years ago, and now crucially contribute to its running as a heritage attraction and event venue. Such is their importance that a whole week of activities is planned for Volunteers Week (Thursday 1 June to Wednesday 7 June).

Throughout Volunteers Week there will be takeovers and stories being shared across social media and on Wednesday 7 June (11am to 3pm) volunteering will be the theme for Victoria Baths’ Welcome Wednesday, where volunteers past, present and future will be celebrated. On Friday 2 June the Victoria Baths team will be at the Volunteer Fair organised by Volunteer Centre Manchester and taking place at Manchester Central Library (11am to 3pm).

Ella Walker, Engagement Officer for Victoria Baths, says, “Our volunteers are truly remarkable and their dedication and enthusiasm is always really uplifting. We really couldn’t bring Victoria Baths to life without our volunteers. I hope that we can show our wonderful team of volunteers how much they are appreciated this Volunteers Week, and perhaps encourage some new people to join us.”

Being a volunteer at Victoria Baths can open up many different opportunities with the chance to learn skills, as well as lend your expertise, get involved in new experiences and add to your well-being, all while supporting a key historical icon for Manchester. At present there are a team of 60 dedicated volunteers who get involved in a variety of regular and short term roles, including assisting on events, supporting the charity and specialists roles such as becoming a Trustee or joining the Stained Glass or History groups.

If you want to find out more, on Sunday 18 June there will be a dedicated New Volunteer Welcome Session, which you can drop into between 2pm and 4pm. Once volunteers have donated 20 hours of their time they are entitled to free membership to the Friends of Victoria Baths, free entry to Wednesday tours and public events throughout the season.

In 2019 Victoria Baths was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service which aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities. Now renamed the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, following the Accession of King Charles III, the 2023 awards will be announced on 14 November in honour of the King’s birthday.

You can find out more information about volunteering at Victoria Baths here: www.victoriabaths.org.uk/support-us/volunteering/