North Wales Police is marking National Volunteers' Week 2021 with a week-long campaign to highlight the contribution of volunteers in the Force.

From Special Constables and Police Cadets, to BikeSafe volunteers, Community Horsewatch, Search and Rescue Advisor and many others, North Wales Police volunteers help build important links between the police and communities, providing opportunities for individuals to make a positive contribution to their local area.

Many officers and staff also volunteer to give their time with other agencies – such as the RNLI, the Scouts, Mountain Rescue Teams, the Coastguard and Childline.

National Volunteers’ Week is a national celebration of volunteers and volunteering which takes place from 1st to 7th June each year with the aim of recognising, rewarding and recruiting volunteers.

So far this year the Force’s 160 Special Constables, 89 Police Cadets and 71 police staff volunteers worked over 25,000 hours for North Wales Police – all playing their part in helping to keep the region safe.

Chief Constable Carl Foulkes said: “Our volunteers play a hugely important role in making our communities safer. They work selflessly, dedicating their time to addressing policing issues that matter most to the local communities. Bringing a wide range of skills and experience to their roles, they make life better for our communities.

“They are passionate about policing and on behalf of the Force and our communities I would like to say a big thank you to all of our volunteers for your continued contribution, commitment and dedication.

“I would also like to say how proud I am that a number of our officers and staff also selflessly dedicate their time for worthy causes.

“By celebrating and marking National Volunteers Week it gives us a fantastic opportunity to thank them for their valued contribution".

Earlier today, Deputy Chief Constable Richard Debicki and Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin today met with Mark Pashley, a Civilian Trainer with North Wales Police who also volunteers with Blood Bikes Wales to say thank you for being part of an army of volunteers who are making a difference every single day.

Four years ago Mark Pashley started volunteering for Blood Bikes Wales, which is a charity which provides an invaluable service across the country, and sometimes the nation.

Mark is a keen motorcyclist, and after retiring as a police officer, he wanted to continue to give something back. This role requires regular commitment during his days off supporting the rota of volunteers.
Blood Bikes are a vital role, supporting the NHS to transport not only blood, but also breast milk for neo-natal units and organs amongst other things.

In addition to covering both day and night shifts, he also uses his skills to assess new volunteers ensuring the safety and reputation of the scheme.

For his last birthday, Mark asked only for donations to the charity and collected £681 in a few days. Which for the charity that sits independent to the NHS, was essential in assisting with purchasing equipment and providing training.

In addition to this, he also volunteers at the mass vaccination centre in Deeside, and valued both for his advanced first aid skills and organisation.

Mark will often volunteer over 20 – 25 hours a month in all of his different roles, and is passionate about being able to make a difference, particularly within his Blood Bike Wales role, and find the volunteering that he does extremely rewarding. This is also done alongside his day role as a civilian trainer for North Wales Police.