Peterborough’s Volunteers Are the Heartbeat of Our City

Peterborough is fortunate to have an incredible number of dedicated volunteers who give up their valuable time to support our communities, improve our neighbourhoods and make our city a better place to live.

Among these unsung heroes are the Peterborough Litter Wombles, whose outstanding commitment to keeping our streets, parks and green spaces clean deserves special recognition.

Come rain or shine, through freezing winter mornings and warm summer days, these remarkable individuals are out collecting litter, clearing rubbish and protecting our local environment. They do not do this for financial reward or personal recognition. They do it because they genuinely care about Peterborough and the communities they serve.

However, I think appreciation must go beyond words. Our volunteers deserve more than an occasional thank you or a pat on the back.

I am calling on Peterborough City Council to celebrate the laudable contribution of not only the Peterborough Litter Wombles: but show recognition of volunteers across every sector. There are so many individuals who deserve our gratitude, whether they support vulnerable residents, run food banks, help charities, organise community activities, work with young people, tackle social isolation or improve our environment.

Recognition Must Be Matched by Practical Support.

While civic awards and certificates are important, they should form part of a broader strategy that offers meaningful and practical benefits to those who consistently give their time to help others.

I would welcome Peterborough City Council exploring a Volunteer Recognition and Rewards Scheme, developed in partnership with local voluntary organisations, businesses and community groups.

Such a scheme could consider benefits including discounted or free access to those leisure facilities under the City Council’s banner - perhaps even offer reduced parking charges where practical, provide discounted  training and educational opportunities, and offer other incentives for volunteers who complete an agreed number of hours of recognisable community service.

We must work to encourage volunteering and ensure there are opportunities accessible to everyone. Let’s reach out to those who might be experiencing loneliness, social isolation or mental health challenges. Community involvement can help people build confidence, develop friendships, learn new skills and feel valued.

Local government continues to face significant financial pressures with budgets under pressure, and voluntary organisations play an increasingly important role in supporting our communities. However, we must never allow volunteering to become an excuse for reducing essential public services or replacing properly funded council responsibilities.

Often the strongest solutions come through partnerships, goodwill and a shared commitment to making our city better 

I would like to see Peterborough become a leading example of how a city can recognise, reward and sustain community volunteering.

My immediate proposal remains a special civic ceremony to include the Peterborough Litter Wombles but an event that also recognises the efforts of all who contribute across the city. Thousands of other volunteers across different sectors are showing commitment through their own work. Now it is time for our city to demonstrate its commitment to them.

We should not wait until volunteers become exhausted, disillusioned, discouraged or simply stop giving their time, before recognising how valuable they are. Let's celebrate their achievements today, support their efforts tomorrow and encourage the next generation to follow their example.

My message to Peterborough City Council is clear: let's move beyond simply thanking our volunteers. Let's recognise them, reward them, support them and build a city where community service is truly valued

Cllr Raja Sabeel Ahmed

Conservative Councillor

Ravensthorpe Ward