Over the last week, I’ve had a fantastic time meeting some really inspiring people who are completely committed to our local communities.

My first stop was to the Southwark Volunteer Centre which does a great job bringing together groups with volunteers and making sure that everyone receives the support which they need. Local people in Southwark give up huge amounts of time and energy for their communities and it is so important that these volunteers are recognised and celebrated. There is so much that you can do in the borough I’d really recommend people get in touch with the Volunteer Centre to find out how they can get more involved.

At the Southwark Day Centre for Asylum Seekers I met people whose lives have been transformed by the excellent work which the centre, mainly through volunteers, does. From legal advice to lunches to yoga, amazing support is given to vulnerable people who often have nowhere else to turn.

The Black Elderly Group also relies on volunteers, some of whom are in their eighties! The centre is great fun and the dedication of the team is immeasurable. I was most struck by how flexible and adaptable an organisation like this can be, which means it really does meet the individual needs of the members and their families.

Volunteers are also the lifeblood of Surrey Docks Farm where they come together to create a really wonderful environment. The wide variety of projects going on from bees to blacksmiths mean that the farm is a truly dynamic and exciting community asset. If you’ve never been I’d definitely recommend a visit, but make sure you take wellies in this weather!

It is such a pleasure to meet people who give so much and who care so passionately about our area. Sometimes people complain that communities don’t pull together the way they used to, but the volunteers I’ve met over the past week should inspire us all.