I WOULD like to thank all the magnificent volunteers whose hard work has helped to kick start the Year of the Volunteer 2005.

January was Health Month and across the country nearly 80 projects and events attracted new volunteers and helped raise the profile of volunteering in the health sector.

Young volunteers bored of watching 'Trisha' were urged to get involved in hospital volunteering, GPs were called to make better use of volunteers in their surgeries and a major report called for health managers to recognise that volunteers have 'more than good intentions' with unique skills to offer the sector.

It has been amazing to see volunteers take the initiative and organise successful projects in such a short period of time and I hope their good work will continue throughout the Year of the Volunteer and beyond. They are truly a dedicated bunch!

David Wood

Chief executive NAHCF

Lead Partner 'Health Month' Year of the Volunteer 2005

www.yearofthevolunteer.org