Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface was delighted to welcome local Third Sector Leaders and Keith Brown MSP and Leader of the Council Ellen Forson to a Leadership Breakfast to mark the start of Volunteers’ Week 2025. With the Scottish Elections less than a year away, those present reiterated the importance of volunteering to the Scottish economy, health and communities and that a national approach, investment and commitment is required to turn the tide on declining numbers in volunteering.

Leaders spoke of their passion for their causes and the juggling that many of their volunteers are now doing – caring for parents, grandchildren, alongside still working and trying to maintain volunteering as well. Anthea Coulter, chief officer at CTSI outlined why the meeting was important, “If we are genuinely going to build thriving, empowered communities in Clackmannanshire and across Scotland and put more focus into prevention of health issues, then we need to recognise the value in volunteering and voluntary leadership and so we welcome Keith’s and Ellen’s commitment to raising the profile of volunteering and getting it put into the heart of next year’s manifesto for government.”