An open letter to residents of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough from Acting Police and Crime Commissioner, Ray Bisby

Dear all,

I am today (Monday 1^st June) writing to you to ask you to join me this Thursday at 8pm (4^th June) to ‘Clap for volunteers’ in support of the invaluable contributions our local volunteers continue to make to support their neighbours during Covid-19.

National Volunteers’ Week (1^st – 7^th June) is our annual opportunity to mark the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering. In light of the current pandemic, I would like to encourage as many people as possible to use this week to recognise and thank local volunteers for their efforts to support our community during these uncertain times.

I also want to thank the hundreds of volunteers from within our own policing family, from Specials and Cadets, to Police Service Volunteers and Independent Custody Visitors who have all stepped up to help keep us all safe during lockdown.

On Thursday 8^th June, my team and I (from our own homes) will be clapping to thank not just policing volunteers, but the sewing groups who have been making face masks, the distilleries who have been making and distributing hand sanitiser, community spirited individuals who have been ensuring that those who are shielding or unwell are able to access groceries and medication, and those who have made phone calls to check on vulnerable neighbours.

We all know someone who is stepping up to help.

I hope that you will join me in supporting our local volunteers. Please post any photos on social media and tag #ClapforVolunteers #CambridgeshireTogether #PeterboroughTogether

Many thanks

Ray Bisby

Acting Police and Crime Commissioner for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough