This week was National Volunteering Week, when people across the country said thank you to the remarkable contribution that volunteers make throughout the UK. Whether it be people volunteering to help those experiencing homelessness or rough sleeping in our town, at the Peace Hospice or our hospital looking after vulnerable young people, so many people give up their time to make a difference.

One of the joys of being the Elected Mayor is that I get to meet many of the volunteers who help around our town every day. In recent weeks I have met volunteers from many faith and charitable groups at the popular Watford Celebration, people helping in our parks and enthusiastic volunteer organisers at the Hertfordshire Healthy Walks. I also joined many voluntary organisations in the High Street on Saturday to promote what volunteers do in Watford. There is no doubt that we have a fantastic, vibrant group of volunteers in our town.

While we know that volunteers in Watford provide vital help to people in need, it is easy to forget that there are many benefits for those who volunteer too. Volunteering can help to reduce stress, find friends, reach out to the community, learn new skills and even advance your career. If you would like to find out more about local volunteer opportunities you can search on the Watford and Three Rivers Trust website at http://watfordcvs.org/volunteering-opportunity-search.

- Peter Taylor is Elected Mayor of Watford