A volunteer organisation has been flying the flag for those who have given up their time to help their communities during the pandemic.

A huge banner has been on display outside Medway Voluntary Action's offices in New Road Avenue, Chatham to celebrate National Volunteers' Week.

It features puzzle pieces, designed by the volunteers themselves, as part of this year's message which is ‘everyone is important and everyone fits’.

Over the last 12 months, Medway Voluntary Action (MVA) has supported hundreds of new volunteers to connect with local causes, while helping charities in the Towns to survive and recover in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis.

MVA wanted to do something special to say thank you to those who have made a difference in such difficult times.

To create the banner, volunteers were asked to send a decorated jigsaw puzzle shaped image about their experiences.

Martyn Reeves, chief executive of Friends of Wisdom Hospice and chairman of Medway’s VCS Leaders Network, revealed the giant banner.

He said: "We are delighted with how many people helped to build this jigsaw. We have had over 55 volunteers take part from 23 different local voluntary and community organisations and groups."

MVA also created a short video of volunteers talking about their work, which has been shared on social platforms with the hashtag #MedwayHeroes.

It features befriending volunteer Kim who said: "Volunteering gives more joy back than the effort you put in. To know you have made someone’s day is a very wonderful feeling, and there are times when we all require a friendly voice and a good ear to keep us going or to lift us up, or to remind us we are worth it and that we are not alone."

Vaccine volunteer Karen said: "‘I would call myself a 'serial' volunteer, finding most types of volunteering immensely rewarding and having been involved in some form of volunteering for my entire adult life."

Community health research volunteer Martin said: "Volunteering has been a tremendous help for me to gain confidence and communicate with staff and meeting clients. It’s something to get up for in the mornings instead of staring at four walls and it shows a future employer that I am suitable for full time employment, and adds something else to my CV."

Fiona, another befriending volunteer, said: "I love volunteering as a telephone befriender as it not only brings a smile to my telephone friends, but to me too. We have a chuckle or let off steam. It’s a good feeling to be there for them."

To get involved in volunteering locally, talk to the MVA team on 01634 812 850 or search MedwayCVS on Facebook or on Twitter search @CVSMedway.