Volunteers' Week 2026: Celebrating our fantastic BDA volunteers
Monday 1 June 2026
Every year during Volunteers’ Week, we take the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible people who generously give their time, skills and experience to support our BDA community.
Volunteers are at the heart of what we do. Whether they are offering guidance through our Helpline, supporting Local Hubs (LH) events or helping shape the future of the organisation as Trustees, our volunteers help us support dyslexic people, families, educators and workplaces across the UK.
This year’s Volunteers’ Week takes place from 1–7 June and marks more than 40 years of recognising volunteers across the UK.
The Volunteers’ Week campaign highlights some inspiring statistics:
- Around 14.2 million people have volunteered at least once a month
- 25 million people volunteered informally at least once a year
- Volunteering contributes an estimated £4.6 billion in productivity gains to the UK economy
(Based on UK data from 2021/2022)
Volunteering is about more than giving time - it is about creating connection, sharing understanding, and making a real difference in people’s lives. Many charities simply could not operate without volunteers, and the BDA is no exception.
"As we mark Volunteers' Week, I want to say a huge thank you to every one of our incredible volunteers. From our Trustees helping to shape the future of the organisation, to our Local Hubs volunteers creating awareness and connection in communities across the UK, to our Helpline volunteers offering time, expertise and reassurance to people who need it most - your contribution makes a real difference every single day. Together, you have given countless hours and supported so many children, young people and adults and helped us reach communities right across the country. But beyond the numbers, you help ensure that people with dyslexia feel understood, supported and empowered. The British Dyslexia Association simply could not do what we do without your commitment, compassion and generosity. Thank you for being such an important part of our community.” - Ellen Broome, CEO
Helpline volunteers
Our Helpline volunteers provide vital information and reassurance to individuals, families and professionals seeking support with dyslexia and related specific learning difficulties. Many of our volunteers also bring lived experience of dyslexia, helping them offer empathy, understanding and meaningful support to the people they speak with.
"As a dyslexic myself with a bit of knowledge about the use of technology in learning, teaching and in the workplace, I feel I can still encourage, advise and support those who might need it." - Adrian, Helpline volunteer
Local Hubs
Our Local Hubs volunteers help build supportive communities across Northern Ireland and South Wales through volunteer-led events and dyslexia awareness talks. These workshops challenge stigma, highlight the strengths of dyslexia, and encourage peer support, empathy and inclusion. We are looking forward to reaching more communities and expanding this project!
"For me, being back in the classroom and working directly with children in my community has been a delightful development in my volunteer role with the BDA. Delivering the children’s presentation allows me to engage in a fun, practical way to support understanding of dyslexia amongst the children. It’s a privilege to be part of a team dedicated to promoting healthy and inclusive learning environments." - Elizabeth, Local Hubs volunteer
Leadership and governance
Our Trustees also play a crucial role in helping shape the future of the BDA, bringing expertise, insight and strategic guidance to support our mission and ensure we continue making a positive impact.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all our Trustees for the time, expertise and commitment they dedicate to supporting the BDA and helping to drive our work forward.
"As someone who is dyslexic, volunteering with the BDA is deeply personal to me. I’m passionate about helping to raise understanding of dyslexia and ensuring that others feel supported and able to thrive. Being a Trustee has given me the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change, connect with an inspiring community, and use my own experiences to help shape a more inclusive future. I get a great deal of fulfilment from knowing that our work makes a real difference to people’s lives.” - Susan Ball, Trustee
Thank you to all our volunteers
This Volunteers’ Week, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to every volunteer across the British Dyslexia Association. Your time, passion and dedication help us continue supporting dyslexic individuals and raising awareness across the UK.
Together, you help create a more inclusive society where dyslexic people can thrive.
There are lots of ways to get involved with and celebrate Volunteers’ Week, with downloadable resources, inspiring stories and activities taking place across the UK.
Interested in volunteering with us?
We are always looking for passionate people who want to make a difference.
Whether you have lived experience of dyslexia, professional expertise, or simply want to support our mission, there are many ways to get involved with the BDA.
Find out more about volunteering statistics in the UK: Royal Voluntary Service and NCVO