This is where you’ll find all of the latest news from VODA.
Hustings Event Brings North East VCSE Sector to the focus of NECA Mayoral Election.
First published by VONNE on 19 April 2024 here. Over 200 representatives from the North East Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector attended an event to hear North East Combined Authority (NECA) candidates discuss their ambitions, how they will address the sector’s needs if elected, and respond to key questions. Organised by the North East VCSE support body VONNE, Connected Voice and local infrastructure support bodies across the NECA,
North Tyneside volunteering update
A number of North Tyneside organisations are currently recruiting for volunteers and trustees. Volunteering is a fantastic opportunity to make a difference to a local cause and it is a great addition to your CV.
You can search for all available volunteering opportunities on our online database, or take a look at our round-up below.
Bridging the Digital Divide: How Help Me Be Digital is Empowering North Tyneside Residents
Have you ever felt frustrated trying to book a doctor’s appointment online, or struggled to use a smartphone or digital device? If so, you’re not alone. With more services moving online, digital exclusion is a real issue, but Help Me Be Digital is making a difference to people across North Tyneside. This initiative, from North Tyneside VODA, funded by the NHS North East North Cumbria ICB, provides free one-to-one digital
£4M Fund to Help Socially Trading Organisations Grow in North East
A £4m flexible social finance offer has launched today, to support socially trading organisations in Newcastle, North of Tyne and Northumberland to grow. Created in collaboration with community business champions Big Issue Invest and Power to Change, the ‘finance for good’ fund aims to support the growth of the social economy in the North of Tyne, by providing access to flexible and tailored finance and support. Socially trading organisations are
VODA gains The Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation (VCQA)
VODA is delighted to announce that our submission to The National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA) was successful, and we have gained The Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation. The Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation (VCQA) is the quality mark for organisations delivering the five local Volunteer Centre functions. It provides assurance to members of the public seeking volunteering opportunities, volunteer involving organisations, partner, commissioner and funding organisations, that the holder
UKSPF Small Grants increases to £1000
We are delighted to announce that due to the success of the UKSPF Small Grants Fund for residents and community organisations in the North West of North Tyneside, the grant has increased from £500 to £1000. This UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF) is available to any voluntary and community sector organisations, including individual resident’s groups or youth organisations that provide services in Camperdown, Weedslade and Longbenton wards. You could: Bring
Grow & Eat Spring 2024 Update
Welcome to the latest update on the Grow & Eat project! We’re thrilled to be starting our second year and have been working hard to expand our partnerships and collaborations across North Tyneside. Our aim is to bring the joy of growing food to more residents in the area. The Garden Network of North Tyneside is a collection of gardens and gardening projects throughout the borough. They have been busy
Bring joy to someone this New Year
The Christmas holidays have come and gone. You may feel like you have more free time but less money to go out and do things. Why not use this new year as a chance to bring joy to others in our community? The Good Neighbours project from North Tyneside VODA seeks to assist any resident of North Tyneside who is over the age of 18 and unable to complete tasks
Trustee Training at VODA
Did you know that VODA provides free in-person training courses to new and existing Trustees of organisations based in North Tyneside to help them act as effective members of your Board? Â The training focuses on the roles and responsibilities of the Trustee and other principles of governance. The informal session lasts around 2 hours and includes interactive activities as well as a chance to discuss issues and ask questions.Â
VODA 2023 VCSE Award Winners
We are delighted to share with you the recipients of the 2023 VODA North Tyneside VCSE awards, which were presented at our AGM on 7 November. Find out more about each of the winners below. Trustee of the Year – Ben Appleby Dean – Phoenix Detached Youth Project As Treasurer of Phoenix Detached Youth Project for 12 years, Ben has not only ensured that the charity’s funding is used correctly
UK Shared Prosperity Fund: 3 grant schemes announced in North Tyneside
North Tyneside Council has secured £1.5 million of funding that organisations in the North West of the Borough can bid for. This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with the North of Tyne Combined Authority as the lead authority. The UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF) will be made available to any voluntary and community sector organisations, including individual resident’s groups or youth organisations
Social Media Guidance for Charities
An update on the new guidance on social media produced by the Charity Commission The Charity Commission has released new guidance on the use of social media for charities which provides a very useful tool for trustees. The Charity Commission recognises that social media has become a powerful way for many charities to promote their work, engage their supporters and campaign for change. The public is also using social media
Organisational Health Checks: A How-to Guide
Health checks are an increasingly accepted way of identifying how your organisation really works and whilst primarily aimed at smaller organisations they can be used as a starting point for larger organisations. A health check for your organisation is like an MOT for your car. It enables you to look at all the different elements within your organisation and to check that they are working properly and running smoothly. Like
Celebrating the revitalisation of North Shields
We were delighted to be part of the Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) event on 2 September, which celebrated the completion of the revitalisation of North Shields that focussed on Northumberland Square and its surrounding buildings as well as Howard Street, including the historic Exchange Building. The event was ran in conjunction with the North Tyneside Together event, which took place in Northumberland Square. As well as the renovation programme the
Charity move sees Wallsend community sector hub growth
The North Tyneside Carers’ Centre (NTCC) has relocated to the Spirit of North Tyneside Community Sector hub, situated at the heart of Wallsend. The hub, managed by anchor tenants North Tyneside VODA, is also the home to Healthwatch North Tyneside and the North Tyneside Volunteer Centre and provides meeting and hot desk space for local charities and voluntary sector groups. This move by the Carers’ Centre comes in response to
Exciting start to NT LIFE Recovery College’s fifth year of deliveries
As September 2023 approaches, we recognise the growth we have made since our inception in 2019, with only one staff member employed for 3 days/week; NT LIFE has developed and is now proud to welcome a fourth person to the staff team, Jess Shaw. Congratulations Jess, we are excited to see the progress you will make with us, not least your involvement in our new Neurodivergence Support Group and also
VODA awarded Advanced Good Work Pledge
VODA is delighted to have been awarded the Advanced Good Work Pledge from the North of Tyne Combined Authority. This recognition highlights VODA’s dedication to the five pillars of the pledge, which include health, wellbeing, communication, and social responsibility. Vicky Smith commented: “As the Chief Executive of VODA, I couldn’t be prouder of our team and the atmosphere we have created. Our primary goal has always been to cultivate an
Sector Connector Case Study: Rothwell Plumbing Services & Lovaine Community Garden
When the Lovaine Community Garden needed help with a broken water supply, they contacted VODA’s Sector Connector to see if any local businesses could come to their aid. Thankfully, Rothwell Plumbing Services (North East) were able to step in and fix their water supply. Not only that, Rothwell also improved the hoses/connections, lagged the pipes to prevent further frost damage, and provided a new sink to wash pots. We spoke
Good Neighbours Case Study: Hazel
When I broke my hip in November, it was a huge shock to me and very unexpected. I was living on my own and the weather was really bad. We were going through a cold snap with snow and ice. I didn’t feel confident at all stepping outside of my front door. I felt stuck, I was very isolated and feeling very lonely. I was signposted to VODA and they
Good Neighbours Case Study – John & Carlos
Good Neighbours beneficiary John and Good Neighbours volunteer Carlos, who take part in both our Buddy and Social Shopping Scheme, have a chat to explain how the Good Neighbours project has made a difference to them… VODA’s Good Neighbours project is one of several organisations that are a part of the Endling Loneliness project (ELP), which was created to tackle loneliness in the borough of North Tyneside. The Good Neighbours
