From community centres to canal paths, Market Drayton is powered by people who give their time to make a difference. With Volunteers Week taking place from 1st-7th June 2026, the town is preparing to recognise the volunteers who help keep Drayton thriving—and to encourage more people to get involved.

Find out more about the national campaign here:
👉 https://volunteersweek.org/

Across the UK, volunteering plays a vital role in community life. The latest Community Life Survey shows that 28% of adults volunteered at least once in the past year, with 17% volunteering regularly each month (gov.uk). However, levels are still below pre-pandemic figures, and many organisations are now actively looking for new volunteers.

The Volunteers Behind Market Drayton

In Market Drayton, volunteers are at the heart of the community. They:

  • Support friendship and learning through groups like the U3A
  • Help run events, films and activities at the Festival Drayton Centre
  • Give their time at local community centres and village halls
  • Keep the town tidy through dedicated litter-picking groups
  • Support residents and visitors at the local library
  • Help care for the canal and surrounding green spaces

These roles are essential in keeping the town welcoming, active and connected.

A Growing Need for Volunteers

Many local groups have shared just how important it is to find new volunteers to continue their work. Nationally, around 4 in 10 organisations report struggling to recruit enough volunteers (Charity Digital), and this is being felt locally too.

That’s why Volunteers Week is not only about saying thank you—but also about encouraging more people to step forward and get involved.

A Special Thank You from Market Drayton Town Council

To show appreciation for the incredible work volunteers do, Market Drayton Town Council is funding a special Volunteers Afternoon Tea.

This event is a chance to thank volunteers for their time and commitment, while also bringing people together in a relaxed setting. It will be a great opportunity for networking, meeting local groups, and hearing more about plans to support volunteering in the town.

👉 Book your place here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/volunteers-afternoon-tea-tickets-1981567705349?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Looking Ahead: A Volunteers Fair

As part of ongoing efforts to support local groups, plans are already underway for a Market Drayton Volunteers Fair later this year. This will give residents the chance to explore different opportunities and find out how they can get involved.

You can hear more about these plans during the Afternoon Tea, or find out more here:

👉 Volunteers Fair details:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/volunteers-fair-in-market-drayton-tickets-1981604916649?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Get Involved

Volunteering is a great way to meet people, learn new skills and give something back to your community.

Whether you have a little time or a lot, there are plenty of ways to get involved in Market Drayton—and this Volunteers Week is the perfect time to start