# VODA

> Voluntary Organisations Development Agency


## Posts

- [Charity supporting older residents thanks to grant funding](https://voda.org.uk/charity-supporting-older-residents-thanks-to-grant-funding/): Age UK North Tyneside is supporting older residents to get into fitness and community activities after launching a new range of weekly classes. With sessions covering everything from Pilates and balance exercises to reading and social groups, there’s something on offer for residents of all abilities. New classes are constantly being added to the schedule, with current plans for lunch clubs, dinner clubs and a refreshed book club, along with virtual sessions for people who want to join in from home. While the sessions are fun and beneficial, they’re helping to address health inequalities for older residents in the borough. […]
- [Sector Connector Case Study: Rothwell Plumbing Services & Lovaine Community Garden](https://voda.org.uk/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 to Lovaine Community Garden and Rothwell Plumbing Services to find out more about their experience with Sector Connector and how it worked for them. Sarah Rothwell – Rothwell Plumbing Services […]
- [Healthy body, healthy mind](https://voda.org.uk/healthy-body-healthy-mind/): March 2023 Healthy body, healthy mind: charity using exercise to manage mental health conditions. A mental health charity in North Tyneside is encouraging residents to look after their mental health through exercise. Tyneside and Northumberland Mind’s 12-week programme supports people to improve their physical and mental health and to manage their conditions through gym sessions. The charity provides members with individual assessments and workout plans which can include co-ordinated sessions with a personal trainer at a local gym where they’ll become members. By supporting customers with their confidence in the gym, it looks to create a long-term change in people’s […]
- [Good Neighbours Case Study: Hazel](https://voda.org.uk/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 gave me support when I needed it most. The staff were so supportive and helpful to me, and I was so relieved that I was able to get help from […]
- [Newcastle Fibromyalgia Support Group](https://voda.org.uk/newcastle-fibromyalgia-support-group/): The Newcastle Fibromyalgia Support Group provides help, advice, friendship and, support for people in and around Newcastle who suffer from or have relatives that suffer from, Fibromyalgia, which is a chronic condition of widespread pain and profound fatigue. The group, which has been running for 16 years, hosts in-person meetings on the 3rd Monday of every month (excluding January) from 12.30pm to 2.30pm at the Oxford Centre in Longbenton. They also offer a craft therapy session on the 4th Thursday of the month, also at the Oxford Centre from 11.30am to 1.30pm, as well as informal coffee and natter meet-ups […]
- [Good Neighbours Case Study - John & Carlos](https://voda.org.uk/good-neighbours-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 project seeks to help anyone over the age of 18, whether it be due to age, health or disability, who can’t do certain things for themselves and have no family […]
- [Websites for £250](https://voda.org.uk/websites-for-250/): How does the idea of having your very own custom-designed website for just £250 sound? We’ve partnered with Jackdaw Web Design to develop this exciting opportunity for charities and community groups in North Tyneside. For just £250, Jackdaw Web Design will work with you to create a professionally-built WordPress website with five pages, giving you plenty of space to showcase everything your organisation stands for. And that’s not all! It also includes one year of hosting and a .uk domain, all tailored to match your organisation’s colours, fonts, and style. We’ll even populate it with your own photos and content. […]
- [Restructuring advisors say charity sector facing a challenging 2023](https://voda.org.uk/restructuring-advisors-say-charity-sector-facing-a-challenging-2023/): The number of charities in financial difficulty is expected to rise this year as a result of the increasing economic challenges facing the sector. This is the view of a North East restructuring expert, Chris Ferguson, who is Head of Recovery & Insolvency at RMT Accountants & Business Advisors based in Gosforth, Newcastle. His advice follows the publication of official statistics that showed there were over 22,000 corporate insolvencies across England and Wales during 2022. This represented a 60% increase on corporate insolvencies in 2021 and a 75% rise on insolvency cases registered in 2020. The charity sector has been […]
- [Homeshare UK](https://voda.org.uk/homeshare-uk/): Homeshare UK is an innovative way of tackling the social care and housing crisis, which enables people to share their lives for mutual gain. It’s a shared living way of life, tackling two key issues in society around isolation and affordable housing. Homeshare tackles two key issues in society; loneliness and a lack of safe, affordable accommodation. Homeshare is an inter-generational programme, that brings together people with spare rooms, who are looking for support and companionship and matches them with those who are happy to offer some support around the house, in exchange for affordable housing. Homeshare helps older people remain at […]
- [Health Inequalities funding encourages residents to cook up a storm](https://voda.org.uk/health-inequalities-funding-encourages-residents-to-cook-up-a-storm/): Residents in North Tyneside have brushed up on their culinary skills by taking part in nutritionist led cooking sessions at the Linskill Centre. From healthier Christmas Biscotti to 10-minute noodles, the free cooking classes teach participants tasty but nutritional recipes that can be replicated easily at home. Each of the cooking courses are led by a qualified nutritionist and on average six participants attend the classes each week to learn new recipes, gain knowledge about ingredients and develop their cooking abilities. Made possible by almost £30,000 funding from the Health Inequalities Fund which is hosted by VODA and funded by […]
- [VODA’s AGM and VCSE Awards Presentation 2022](https://voda.org.uk/vodas-agm-and-vcse-awards-presentation-2022/): Our Annual General Meeting and awards presentation took place on Monday 7 November 2022 at the Spirit of North Tyneside Community Hub in Wallsend. This was our first large event at our new office, and it gave attendees a great opportunity to take a look at this new community sector focused space in the heart of Wallsend. As well as a presentation of our Annual Report, our new VODA Story illustration and our accounts, the event featured keynote speaker Adam Hill from Sunderland Software City who talked about digital inclusion, VODA Health Partnerships Manager Claire Howard also shared our experience […]
- [Robin Fry - reflecting on 21 years at VODA](https://voda.org.uk/robin-fry-reflecting-on-21-years-at-voda/): As we prepare to say goodbye to our fantastic CEO Robin Fry on 29 September, Robin has shared his reflections on what brought him to the VODA and the voluntary sector and his experiences of being our Chief Exec…  My 21 years as a VODA employee can be traced back to a moment in 1999 when, lacking any purpose or direction and suffering from poor mental health, I filled out a Time Bank postcard in North Shields library. The card reached Vicky Cowx who invited me over to VODA’s Volunteer Centre for a chat. A few weeks later, thanks to […]
- [Earsdon and Wellfield Community Centre](https://voda.org.uk/earsdon-and-wellfield-community-centre/): The Earsdon and Wellfield Community Centre is a warm and welcoming community resource centre based in what was once the old village school. Many of their users come from the Earsdon and Wellfield community with others users coming from nearby Shiremoor, Blyth, New York and East and West Holywell. Sector Connector has worked with the centre to help support them in a number of ways. Combating loneliness Having already attended several of the Sector Connector workshops delivered by local businesses and found the learning to be really useful, Earsdon and Wellfield took up the offer of a donated laptop from […]
- [Sector Connector Case Study: EE Away Day](https://voda.org.uk/sector-connector-case-study-ee-away-day/): When VODA’s Good Neighbours project was approached by a Pastoral Lead at Beacon High School requesting assistance on behalf of a family of a young autistic boy for help with a tidy up of a garden, Sector Connector got in touch with EE to see if they could help out. The garden was said to be a complete mess. All the family wanted was a safe space for their son to be able to play in the back garden; including a trampoline for stimulating activity but the family did not have the funds to have the garden cleared. A video […]
- [NT LIFE Student Survey](https://voda.org.uk/nt-life-student-survey/): This survey was carried out in 2021/22 to give students and volunteers of NT LIFE the opportunity to feed back about their experience. The survey was undertaken on behalf of NT LIFE by Michele Spencer, Chief Officer, North Tyneside Community and Health Care Forum. 22 people took the time to complete the survey and some of the students were happy to meet  Michele and share their personal journey. The survey covered the traditional demographic questions as well as courses students attended, how long they waited and most importantly what benefits they had and continue to have from attending. Conclusion of […]
- [Good Neighbours Case Study: Katie and Carol](https://voda.org.uk/katie-and-carol/): Katie and Carol have been meeting up together since before Christmas. Carol had lost her confidence following a stroke and was left with mobility problems down her left side. She was wanting help to get out a bit more to get back some of her independence. Katie is a student studying at Newcastle University. She was keen to volunteer for the project to help members of the community. This is what Katie has said about her experience of the project: “I have really enjoyed meeting up with Carol. Activities have included taking her out shopping, going for lunch, attending appointments. […]
- [NT LIFE: Taking brave steps with Woodland Wellbeing](https://voda.org.uk/nt-life-taking-brave-steps-with-woodland-wellbeing/): Over the last 2 weeks our Woodland Wellbeing participants have been getting stuck into making nettle cordage, a slow and mindful process which involved the participants working together and learning new skills. This process has been extra special for 2 reasons. Firstly, because it’s the first main activity one of our brilliant co-facilitators, Vicky, has led herself. Leading a ‘main’ activity has been one of Vicky & Lisa’s goals for this term, pushing themselves to keep developing their skills and confidence which is a privilege and inspiration to be around 🙂 – and we’re looking forward to Lisa’s turn this […]
- [Tynemouth Decorators](https://voda.org.uk/tynemouth-decorators/): Tynemouth Decorators is offering local voluntary and community organisations a 10% discount for painting and decorating work and is also willing to supply materials at cost price. In addition, Tynemouth Decorators may be able to provide paint free of charge to some voluntary organisations. If you’re interested contact rachel.sketheway@voda.org.uk 
- [Keeping your IT secure - Jackdaw Web Design](https://voda.org.uk/keeping-your-it-secure-jackdaw-web-design/): Keeping your IT secure – some hints and tips from Jackie Latham of Jackdaw Web Design It goes without saying that we are living in very uncertain times. The last two years, plus the terrible situation in Ukraine, have left us all feeling, at best, unsettled. None of us know how the world will change in coming months, and much of it will be out of our control.  But there are things you can do to make you and your charity just that little bit safer. We already know that many of the recent cyber security issues, both large and […]
- [Mike Turner: Good Neighbours Volunteer](https://voda.org.uk/mike-turner-good-neighbours-volunteer/): VODA’s Good Neighbours project coordinates a host of friendly volunteers who are keen to support their local community. During these difficult times, we have worked hard to help as many people with grocery shopping, collecting prescriptions, odd DIY jobs and community buddy support.   Spotlight  Mike has volunteered in North Tyneside for many years. He has begun trying some Good Neighbours project volunteering and made a huge difference in a couple of months.   Since September, Mike has visited 5 people to complete handyman jobs including changing a bulb, shaving doors, hammering down laminate flooring and painting damaged skirting boards. Mike has also given over 4 hours of […]
- [VODA’s AGM and VCSE Awards Presentation 2021](https://voda.org.uk/vodas-agm-and-vcse-awards-presentation-2021/): Our Annual General Meeting and awards presentation took place on Tuesday 23 November at the Linskill Centre in North Shields. This was our first in-person event since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020 and it was fantastic to be able to catch up with everyone after such a long time. As well as a presentation of VODA’s latest annual report, annual review video and our accounts, the event featured keynote speaker Dr Dave Tomson,  Clinical Director of North Shields Primary Care Network. who talked about the future of Primary Care Networks and the importance of developing strong relationships […]
- [VODA VCSE Award Winners 2021](https://voda.org.uk/voda-vcse-award-winners-2021/): We are delighted to share the stories of our VODA VCSE award winners for 2021, who were presented with their prizes at our recent AGM by Dr Dave Tomson, Clinical Director of North Shields Primary Care Network. Read here to find out about our Sector Connector Community Friendly Business Award winners.  Organisation of the Year Phoenix Detached Youth Project The Phoenix Detached Youth Project in North Shields started in February 2004. Working with hundreds of young people every year the project makes a real difference to the lives of people of all ages throughout the local community. Read more…       […]
- [Trustee of the Year 2021: Lisa Taylor](https://voda.org.uk/trustee-of-the-year-2021-lisa-taylor/): Lisa Taylor is a Trustee of Out of Sight Charity in North Tyneside and the winner of VODA’s Trustee of the Year 2021 Award. Lisa has been involved with Out of Sight for approaching 8 years after they offered her support, friendship and signposted her to getting the right adaptations for her home for her young child who was left severely disabled after contracting meningitis. Despite, all of her commitments to her family, Lisa felt the charity had thrown her a “life-line” so she wanted to give back to them. She started attending meetings, and offering support and is now […]
- [Voluntary Organisation of the Year 2021: Phoenix Detached Youth Project](https://voda.org.uk/vcse-voluntary-organisation-of-the-year-phoenix-detached-youth-project/): The Phoenix Detached Youth Project in North Shields started in February 2004. Working with hundreds of young people every year the project makes a real difference to the lives of people of all ages throughout the local community. The small staff team at Phoenix Detached Youth Project has worked tremendously hard to support local people in Chirton and Riverside during the pandemic. They provide vital practical and emotional support to some of our most vulnerable residents. Support provided has included: Free laptops to 50+ local children to support homeschooling (many of the children were previously having to do their work […]
- [Sector Connector Community Friendly Business Awards 2021](https://voda.org.uk/sector-connector-community-friendly-business-awards-2021/): Sector Connector continues to attract more businesses, both big and small, who want to give something back and help the voluntary sector of North Tyneside, now more than ever during the Covid-19 pandemic. The help and supported offered by these businesses include pro bono services, free resources, free information volunteers and collections for community causes. These businesses often go over and above what they were originally asked to do, in their desire to help and can this can lead to long lasting relationships with the community organisations they’ve helped! To celebrate the achievements of some of these businesses, we presented […]
- [Spirit of North Tyneside Awards](https://voda.org.uk/spirit-of-north-tyneside-awards/): Nominate your unsung local heroes for the Spirit of North Tyneside awards! Nominations are open for the Elected Mayor’s Spirit of North Tyneside Awards 2021. Organised by North Tyneside Council in partnership with VODA, the event returns following the success of last year to celebrate our unsung heroes who selflessly give their time and energy to the people and communities of the borough. In 2019, the council declared a climate emergency and more recently announced plans to work towards being carbon net zero by 2030  – the awards will therefore also recognise those people, groups and businesses who are committed […]
- [Voices from Behind the Door by Alex Woolley](https://voda.org.uk/voices-from-behind-the-door-by-alex-woolley/): Local writer and director Alexandra Wolley produced this powerful spoken word piece to reflect on people’s experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic.
- [Good Neighbours Case Study: Sherrill Bacchus](https://voda.org.uk/volunteers-week-good-neighbour-sherrill-bacchus/): Sherrill moved to the North East from Cambridge four years ago. She had worked in recruitment for many years, but decided it was time for a change, as she didn’t feel like she was really living life. So, one day she decided that there had to be more to life than working too many hours hours, paying the mortgage and living for the weekend, so she put her flat up for sale, handed in her notice at work and moved up north to be closer to her best friend of 40 years! Sherrill absolutely loves living up here, she said: […]
- [Volunteers' Week: MD Hamid - be there for your community!](https://voda.org.uk/volunteers-week-md-hamid-be-there-for-your-community/): Law student, NUS delegate, asylum seeker and volunteer MD Mominul Hamid believes in following his Mother’s legacy ”Be there for your community and be there for your people and something good will happen in return” and as a result recently won The Extra Mile Award in the National Societies & Volunteering Awards. Alongside his other volunteering and trustee roles, MD has regularly volunteered at the local COVID-19 vaccination centres and along with fellow volunteers brings a sense of community and fun to the sessions they attend, with their enthusiasm and dedication to helping others. MD has also joined in with […]
- [Volunteers' Week: Kevin Dickinson and his hats!](https://voda.org.uk/volunteers-week-kevin-dickinson-and-his-hats/): Volunteer Kevin Dickinson has become a bit of a celebrity at North Tyneside’s GP-led vaccination clinics with his collection of silly hats. From what started out of necessity on a cold December’s day needing to keep warm, Kevin soon realised that his hats were a useful distraction to people who may be feeling anxious and brought a bit of cheer to their experience. Kevin spoke to us about his experiences as a volunteer. Why did you sign up to volunteer? I was made redundant from the NHS in 2018 and decided to take early retirement. As my retirement hadn’t been […]
- [The Queen’s Awards for Voluntary Service 2021 announced in North Tyneside](https://voda.org.uk/the-queens-awards-for-voluntary-service-2021-announced-in-north-tyneside/): Two organisations in North Tyneside have been honoured with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK. They are among 241 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups across the country who are celebrating after winning the prestigious award this year, with five of them being in Tyne and Wear. The two North Tyneside recipients are:   Remembering the Past Remembering the Past is a volunteer-led charity that collects and manages a digital collection of stories, sound recordings and memorabilia which reflects every aspect of local life in North Tyneside since the […]
- [Volunteers' Week 2021](https://voda.org.uk/volunteers-week-2021/): Volunteers’ Week is a time to say thanks for the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering. Join VODA this year to recognise the fantastic contribution volunteers in North Tyneside make. After a year like no other, this year’s Volunteer’s Week on 1 to 7 June is an opportunity to recognise and thank all volunteers who supported our communities throughout this pandemic and all those who usually volunteer but have not been able to because of coronavirus. VODA will be sharing volunteer stories throughout the week and we are encouraging other local VCS organisations to join in with the local hashtag #VolunteersWeekNT […]
- [The Northern Guide to Happiness featuring VODA](https://voda.org.uk/the-northern-guide-to-happiness-featuring-voda/): Episode 2 of the Northern Guide to Happiness podcast features our Robin Fry, CEO of VODA, talking about his love of film and music making as well as VODA’s response to the Covid pandemic, supporting volunteers and the local communities over the last 12 months, including helping people with food and prescription deliveries and befriending opportunities. You can listen to the podcast here: The Northern Guide to Happiness would love to hear from you! The Northern Guide to Happiness is a podcast funded by the National Lottery Community Fund that aims to put a smile on the faces of people […]
- [Why be a Trustee, what’s in it for me?](https://voda.org.uk/why-be-a-trustee-whats-in-it-for-me/): Becoming a Charity Trustee: Benefits for Young Professionals While many may assume that becoming a charity trustee is solely for established professionals, the reality is that individuals at all stages of their careers can reap significant benefits from this fulfilling role. In fact, for young professionals eager to advance their careers, becoming a trustee can be a strategic and impactful move. Across the UK, charities of all sizes face a crucial challenge: attracting enough trustees. One in four smaller charities and one in five larger ones struggle to recruit individuals with the skills and experience needed to effectively guide and […]
- [Charity Trustee 5-min guides](https://voda.org.uk/charity-trustee-5-min-guides/):         As a trustee, your charity relies on your leadership to help it fulfil its purpose and its legal responsibilities. But could there be better ways of doing things? In these challenging and uncertain times, charities need to feel confident they’re getting things right. That’s why the Charity Commission has launched a set of simple, 5-minute guides, designed to help trustees provide the best possible oversight to their charity. These guides cover five key aspects of charity management. Brushing up on your knowledge of these areas is a simple, practical way to ensure the time you devote […]
- [VODA's Robin Fry Highly Commended CEO of the Year](https://voda.org.uk/vodas-robin-fry-highly-commended-ceo-of-the-year/): VODA’s Chief Executive Robin Fry was Highly Commended in the CEO of the Year category at NAVCA’s Heart of the Community Awards in December. The Heart of the Community Awards celebrates the vital work of local infrastructure and NAVCA members were invited to submit nominations in eight categories. After an unprecedented year, the team at VODA was keen to recognise the amazing work of our Chief Executive, so decided to nominate him for the award (without him knowing). You can watch our nomination in the video below (watch from 5.10) and hear from just a few of us about why […]
- [Children's Isolation Hampers](https://voda.org.uk/childrens-isolation-hampers/): Students from Newcastle University’s Geography school teamed up with VODA to create isolation activity packs for children in North Tyneside who have been shielding at home and unable to return to school. The students, with a little help from a local schoolgirl who gave up her afternoon to volunteer, spent a busy afternoon putting together almost 200 eco bags filled with sweets, arts and crafts, bath bombs and more. The students also included a letter to each child, signed by them all. The finished bags were then kindly delivered by volunteers from local business such as Angela and Dave from Carney […]
- [Andy Burtenshaw: Good Neighbours Volunteer](https://voda.org.uk/andy-burtenshaw-good-neighbours-volunteer/): Andy is an ‘ex Southerner’ who has lived in the North East for more than 20 years. He has more than 30 plus years’ experience of working in HR, most recently at Teesside University and Gateshead Council. Lockdown came and Andy wanted to do something to help and keep busy. He didn’t feel he knew his local area that well having worked in different localities so it was an opportunity to engage with where he lives. Andy had always enjoyed meeting people as part of his job. Initially, Andy looked on North Tyneside Council’s website to try and help with […]
- [Kerry: Good Neighbours Beneficiary & Volunteer](https://voda.org.uk/kerry-good-neighbours-beneficiary-volunteer/): Kerry is one of our amazing Good Neighbours walking buddies, who has been working hard to help her fellow North Tynesiders during the pandemic. However, she did not start out as a volunteer, but instead she herself was on the receiving end of support from another of the Good Neighbours’ team. Her experiences of receiving this support inspired Kerry to sign up to help others once she was able to. In 2017 Kerry caught the flu which developed into a chest infection. She went from having cold symptoms to seizing in a short space of time and ended up on […]
- [VODA shortlisted for North East Charity of the Year](https://voda.org.uk/voda-shortlisted-for-north-east-charity-of-the-year/): We are delighted to announce that VODA has been shortlisted for North East Charity of the Year at the North East Charity Awards 2020. The Awards are designed to recognise and celebrate the hard work and creative thinking by our local charities and individual fundraisers, whilst also highlighting the local businesses and employees who help to support the work of our charities. Go to reachplcevents.com/charity for more information about the awards. Speaking of the nominations, VODA’s Chief Executive Robin Fry said: “We are honoured and humbled to have made the shortlist for North East Charity of the Year. It has […]
- [Animal Assisted Therapy Service available for partnership working](https://voda.org.uk/animal-assisted-therapy-service-available-for-partnership-working/): Ever wondered how a Therapy Animal might support your work? Northern Animal Assisted Therapies & Activities (NAATA) is pleased to introduce their team, which includes Heidi, the Therapy Dog and NAATA’s own flock of Therapy Hens. They’re eager to meet and greet North Tyneside residents and support the vital work of our third sector during COVID-19 recovery and beyond. NAATA supports young children’s development with an emphasis upon fostering wellbeing and communication skills. It is led by a specialist Speech and Language Therapist Lesley Forrester. She specialises in working with young children with communication difficulties, and the adults who support […]
- [How a small idea made a big difference to North Tyneside residents](https://voda.org.uk/how-a-small-idea-made-a-big-difference-to-north-tyneside-residents/): How do you safely get cash from vulnerable residents to volunteers during a pandemic lockdown? This was the issue faced by the COVID-19 Support Hub during the early days of the COVID-19 crisis. Beneficiaries were shielding at home, with no access to cash, the Click and Collect slots at the supermarkets were full up for weeks and handing over a credit or debit card to someone you don’t know is not something that should even be considered. Plus, the pandemic added in the extra risk of having to deal face to face with another person, which is not ideal when […]
- [Preparing for a new Trustee](https://voda.org.uk/preparing-for-a-new-trustee/): You’ve successfully recruited a new trustee, but have you prepared to induct them into your organisation? Creating a trustee induction pack for your organisation and taking the time to ensure each new trustee is given a comprehensive induction will enable them to get to grips with their new role and responsibilities, the organisation and its aims and objectives, as well as getting to know the staff and volunteers. What should an induction include?  Firstly, the board should decide who will be responsible for delivering the induction and consider whether there are any training requirements for this. The ideal induction consists […]
- [Cancer survivor hits fundraising target by hand making rainbows](https://voda.org.uk/cancer-survivor-hits-fundraising-target-by-hand-making-rainbows/): Dawn Jamieson, a 56 year old local businesswoman, from North Tyneside has raised over £1,300 during quarantine for local cancer charity Live Well With Cancer. Dawn crocheted over 150 rainbows for people to hang in their windows to help brighten their homes. As a special gift to donors, Dawns’ 10 year old granddaughter Bobbi Jo also drew a picture of a rainbow with a message of support to everyone who donated to the charity. Dawn initially set out to raise £200, however demand for the rainbows quickly increased when people started seeing them hanging in windows. Dawn was diagnosed with […]
- [Case Study: Michael Wood: Linskill Trust](https://voda.org.uk/case-study-michael-wood-linskill-trust/): Michael Wood has been a Trustee at Linskill and North Tyneside Community Development Trust for over four years and has brought 40 years of Senior Manager experience within the NHS and Civil Service to the Board. “Being part of the North Shields community, everyone should think about how they can add to its strength and vitality. We all have something valuable to give and a responsibility to contribute. Volunteering as a Trustee at the Linskill and North Tyneside Community Development Trust, a charity at the heart of our community, is my way of making a contribution. Trustees are accountable to […]
- [Case Study: Leanne Wallwork: Out of Sight](https://voda.org.uk/case-study-leanne-wallwork-out-of-sight/): “I’ve done a few roles within the charity – I was secretary, then became Chairperson, which is a role I love. I feel like I’m part of a family and it’s rewarding to know that the decisions we make at meetings really matter and it’s always with the children and families in mind. It’s an important role being the Chairperson of Out of Sight and it’s also an enjoyable one because, although everything we do is all about the children, there is a fantastic team of parents, carers, trustees and volunteers working away in the background. I’d always encourage someone […]
- [Case Study: The Heritologists’ Young Trustee](https://voda.org.uk/case-study-the-heritologists-young-trustee/): Hannah Mather, young Trustee at the North Shields Heritology Project talks about her motivation for being a Trustee… “I had been thinking about becoming a Trustee for quite some time. Having experienced advisory board meetings for other organisations in the past, I hoped that becoming a Trustee would give me the opportunity to make a difference and share my experience of working in the museum and heritage sector. I also manage a network for Emerging Museum Professionals which encourages the professional development of early career professionals via peer support – I believe that heritage belongs to and should be accessible […]
- [Case Study: Barbara Creed: F.A.N.E](https://voda.org.uk/case-study-barbara-creed-f-a-n-e/): Barbara Creed has been a trustee for Friends Action North East for at least 7 years in the role of treasurer. This is a vital role which we are all eternally grateful, she fulfils with such competence, patience, tolerance and good humour, for some of the more erratic methods of receipt filing sometimes found lurking in the petty cash box. She also attends Friends Action North East’s AGMs, conferences and trustee meetings and volunteers providing vital input and support. Her contributions are always constructive and help anchor Friends Action North East with practical, reasonable advice. Barbara has a warm empathetic […]
- [Case Study: Judy Scott: Healthwatch North Tyneside](https://voda.org.uk/case-study-judy-scott-healthwatch-north-tyneside/): “I have really enjoyed my three years of Trusteeship – it is great to be part of a team delivering a service I am proud of. It has reacquainted me with current health and social care issues and given me a chance to use my experience and thinking skills again.”
- [Case Study: David McKenzie: Walking With](https://voda.org.uk/case-study-david-mckenzie-walking-with/): David has been the Chair at Walking With in North Tyneside for a year and a half after his wife, who was involved as a volunteer with Walking With as part of her church-based training, mentioned the trustee vacancies at Walking With. David, who has a background in teaching and has been involved in the voluntary sector for a number of years via the Scouts, realised there was a good opportunity to help a recently formed charity get all of their governance in place and ensure they were compliant with charity law, as well as help set the future direction […]
- [Reflecting on VODA's #iwill project success](https://voda.org.uk/reflecting-on-vodas-iwill-project-success/): For the last two years VODA’s #iwill project – funded by the Virgin Money Foundation and part of the national #iwill campaign – has brought digital and media volunteering to young people aged between 14 and 20 (up to 25 with additional needs or disabilities) in North Tyneside.   During the two years 54 young people contributed 1,454 volunteer hours in 20 social action projects and took part in 16 workshops from digital experts. The project gave young people chance to learn a range of digital and media skills such as photography, film-making, social media, campaigning, blogging and more, and […]
- [Trustees are volunteers too](https://voda.org.uk/trustees-are-volunteers-too/): It’s often overlooked that Trustees are by law, and by nature, volunteers. Without them, there simply wouldn’t be any charities. However, it is estimated that over half of all charities are looking for trustees at any one time. At VODA, we are receiving an increasing number of requests from North Tyneside organisations who are looking for trustees and assistance to recruit them. So in the first in a series of articles aimed at helping groups and organisations understand trusteeship, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions around trusteeship. What is a trustee? Trustees—whether referred to as a board […]
- [Five North Tyneside groups receive the Queens Award for Voluntary Service](https://voda.org.uk/five-north-tyneside-groups-receive-the-queens-award-for-voluntary-service/): This year sees a record number of groups in North Tyneside being honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK. The Queen’s Award for Voluntary service aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities.  It was created in 2002 to celebrate The Queen’s Golden Jubilee.  Recipients are announced each year on 2nd June, the anniversary of The Queen’s Coronation. VODA’s Chief Executive Robin Fry commented: “Congratulations to all of this year’s winners. I think it is important to show the vital contribution the voluntary […]
- [Leigh Culyer: Good Neighbours Volunteer](https://voda.org.uk/leigh-culyer-good-neighbours-volunteer/): After seeing a number of posts on social media about supporting the most vulnerable residents of North Tyneside during the COVID-19 lockdown, retired Head Teacher Leigh Culyer from North Shields enlisted to help by joining VODA’s Good Neighbours and the national Good Sam scheme. Leigh, who is currently studying to be a counsellor at Newcastle College was keen to help people isolating and shielding who would be unable to shop, access essential services and pick up medication. Leigh commented: “I worried that many of these people could be alone and without families or friends to support them. I felt that […]
- [A Little Box of Hope for North Tyneside](https://voda.org.uk/a-little-box-of-hope-for-north-tyneside/): NT Life Boxes of Hope from Robin on Vimeo. Participants of VODA’s NT LIFE Recovery College in North Tyneside received a special surprise at their door recently with the delivery of a Little Box of Hope to help support them through this challenging time. NT LIFE – which is funded by the North Tyneside CCG – created 200 Little Boxes of Hope, each containing a series of exercises, contacts, poems and motivational quotes and a number of small gifts, each with an explanation of why they have been included have been collated and distributed with help from a number of […]
- [Pat: Good Neighbours Volunteer](https://voda.org.uk/pat-good-neighbours-volunteer/): Pat from Whitley Bay was in Spain with her husband and dog when the Coronavirus lockdown started to happen and they quickly made their way home. As soon as she returned, Pat started thinking of what she could do to help people in her local community most affected by the crisis. Pat commented: “I was really keen to do something useful, like most of us, and researched volunteer groups on the internet. I immediately found VODA and the NHS volunteer responders’ scheme and applied for both.  Once the application process started with VODA, like all the other applicants, I became eager to […]
- [Anne: Good Neighbours Beneficiary](https://voda.org.uk/anne-good-neighbours-beneficiary/): When the realities of the coronavirus started to hit home in the UK, like many, Anne from Longbenton realised she was in an at risk group due to taking immune suppressing medication, in addition her husband is over 70. Having no immediate family nearby for support, Anne was extremely concerned about how they would cope. “I used to lie awake at night worrying about how we could get food. We’re not online, so couldn’t make any orders over the internet and neither of us drive, which made going out for shopping even more challenging,” commented Anne. Thankfully, in a regular […]
- [Kacie: Good Neighbours Volunteer](https://voda.org.uk/kacie-good-neighbours-volunteer/): Kacie was our first ever COVID-19 Good Neighbours food parcel delivery volunteer at the beginning of April and she’s still going strong! We managed to grab five minutes with her before she headed out on another delivery for Good Neighbours. Kacie commented on her Good Neighbours experience: “It’s really nice to help out and do bits for the community.”
- [Maureen and Harry: Good Neighbours Beneficiaries](https://voda.org.uk/maureen-and-harry-good-neighbours-beneficiaries/): Maureen and her husband Harry are both in their 70s and live in sheltered accommodation in West Allotment. Due to various health concerns, Maureen has been shielding at home since January, with Harry taking care of the shopping and other necessities. However, as the COVID-19 situation worsened, Harry became more and more anxious about catching it while out on his shopping trips and giving it to Maureen, who is on the NHS vulnerable list. Harry commented: “Every time I left the house I was worried that I would bring the virus back with me and make Maureen ill.” The couple […]
- [Andy Newman: Good Neighbours Volunteer](https://voda.org.uk/andy-newman-good-neighbours-volunteer/): Good Neighbours volunteer Andy talked to us about what tasks he has carried out so far during the COVID-19 crisis and why he decided to volunteer with VODA. We also received this amazing feedback from one of Andy’s beneficiaries… ” I just wanted to say a big thank you for my food package. I am extremely grateful.I have been self isolating for over 4 weeks now as I have many underlying health conditions. I live alone and this is the first bit of help I’ve received. You have brightened my week. Please thank the gentleman who delivered it.”
- [Alex Clowry: Good Neighbours Volunteer](https://voda.org.uk/alex-clowry-good-neighbours-volunteer/): My name is Alex Clowry, I’m a homeowner in Chirton and currently a local Estate Agent who’s also studying at Northumbria University as a mature student in Building Surveying. I’ve been furloughed as I’m not classed as a key worker, so the initial reason I wanted to volunteer was that I had days to fill, energy to spare and I get bored easily! I’m also a practicing Christian and the Bible certainly teaches us to help others as often as we can, I saw this as a good way to do so. Due to the busy nature of my life, […]
- [Julie Partridge: Good Neighbours Volunteer](https://voda.org.uk/julie-partridge-good-neighbours-volunteer/): My name is Julie Partridge and I’m from Whitley Bay. I have been a very, very happy primary teacher for 32 years. I planned to retire early this Easter and have a ‘gap’ year, to volunteer in my local community whilst deciding what to do next. I set up some different volunteer roles (beach wheelchairs, National Trust, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme) but they have been put on the ‘back burner’ during the Covid-19 outbreak. With safeguarding clearance already in place (through local charity DepaulUK), I decided to volunteer with VODA and Dreamshine CIC, who are providing telephone befriending at […]
- [Cath Davis: Good Neighbours Volunteer](https://voda.org.uk/cath-davis-volunteer/): “My name is Cath Davis, I live in North Shields and I’ve recently retired from my job as a social worker working in education for Northumberland County Council. Presently I’m a Councillor for North Tyneside – Preston Ward – and I’m a foster carer as well. When the COVID-19 outbreak happened, I just wanted to do something to help. The crisis is really isolating for lots of people and I wanted to do my bit to try and alleviate it in some small way, so I signed up as a Good Neighbours volunteer with VODA. So far, I’ve collected prescriptions, […]
- [How being a Good Neighbour can really make a difference](https://voda.org.uk/how-being-a-good-neighbour-can-really-make-a-difference/): As part of North Tyneside Council’s #WhoCares week, we want to share this lovely Good Neighbours case study with you to show the difference volunteering can make to both the volunteer and the beneficiary’s life… For many years Janet Ross from Forrest Hall had informally helped her local community alongside her full-time job. However, after taking early retirement, Janet took the step to sign up to volunteering through VODA as a way of keeping active in the community and meeting some new people. She joined the Good Neighbours project in early 2019 with the aim of helping someone locally with […]
- [VODA’s AGM and Awards Presentation 2019](https://voda.org.uk/vodas-agm-and-awards-presentation-2019/): Our Annual General Meeting and awards presentation took place on Wednesday 23 October at the Linskill Centre in North Shields. As well as a presentation of VODA’s latest annual report and accounts, the event featured keynote speaker Wendy Burke, Director of Public Health at North Tyneside Council, who discussed Population Health in North Tyneside and the role of the voluntary sector. We also announced the winners of VODA’s North Tyneside VCS awards. Earsdon and Wellfield Community Association was the winner of Organisation of the Year. Volunteer of the Year was Rizwan Ali, from Walking With in North Tyneside, Young Volunteer of the […]
- [VODA Award Winners 2019!](https://voda.org.uk/voda-award-winners-2019/): We are delighted to share the stories of our VODA award winners for 2019, who were presented with their prizes at our recent AGM by Wendy Burke, Director of Public Health at North Tyneside Council and Young Deputy Mayor Kody Walker. Read here to find out about our Sector Connector Community Friendly Business Award winners.  Organisation of the Year Earsdon and Wellfield Community Association The Earsdon and Wellfield Community Centre is a warm and welcoming community resource centre based in what was once the old village school. Read more…      Volunteer of the Year Rizwan Ali – Walking With in North […]
- [Organisation of the Year: Earsdon and Wellfield Community Association](https://voda.org.uk/organisation-of-the-year-earsdon-and-wellfield-community-association/):  The Earsdon and Wellfield Community Centre is a warm and welcoming community resource centre based in what was once the old village school. Many of their users come from the Earsdon and Wellfield community with others users coming from nearby Shiremoor, Blyth, New York and East and West Holywell. The centre is open six days a week and provides regular, affordable activities for all age groups, including dance (with special sprung wooden floors), craft classes for children and young people, fitness and art groups for adults. They also hire rooms out at very accessible rates and put on annual […]
- [Volunteer of the Year: Rizwan Ali](https://voda.org.uk/volunteer-of-the-year-rizwan-ali/): Rizwan Ali is a volunteer with Walking With in North Tyneside, a charity that supports refugees and asylum seekers. Rizwan came to the UK with his mother and sisters to claim asylum in the UK, the family were fleeing for their lives from the Taliban,they were beaten and threatened with violence on numerous occasion. Rizwan’s brothers disappeared and the family still don’t know what happened to them. Since coming to the UK, Rizwan’s mother has had a stroke and Rizwan  is now a carer for her as well as looking after his three younger sisters ensuring they attended school and […]
- [Young Volunteer of the Year: Bobbi-Lou Taylor](https://voda.org.uk/young-volunteer-of-the-year-bobbi-lou-taylor/): Bobbie-Lou Taylor is a bright, bubbly, enthusiastic and polite student at Tyne Metropolitan College, studying Sports Coaching and Fitness. A former student at John Spence, Bobbie Lou has made an enormous contribution to football in college and in her local community in just her first year at TyneMet. Bobbie began volunteering aged 14 alongside playing for Newcastle United WFC as she wanted to give something back to her old club North Shields Juniors AFC. Through an existing partnership between the college and NSJAFC, Bobbie gained her first football coaching experience within their FA SSE Wildcats Centre, a centre aimed at […]
- [Trustee of the Year: Anna McConville](https://voda.org.uk/trustee-of-the-year-anna-mcconville/):  Anna McConville is the parent representative Trustee at Pathways 4 All, a North East parent led charity, providing family friendly play and leisure facilities for disabled children and young people. Part of Anna’s role involved her welcoming new families and takes an questions they are not comfortable asking themselves to the board on their behalf. Anna has also set up a weekly parent coffee morning offering support to the families and introductions to like-minded families. Anna carries out all her trustee role alongside looking after her 9 year old son who has Autism and ADHD and attends a local […]
- [Sector Connector Community Friendly Business Awards 2019](https://voda.org.uk/sector-connector-community-friendly-business-awards-2019/): Sector Connector continues to attract more businesses, both big and small, who want to give something back and help the voluntary sector of North Tyneside. The help and supported offered by these businesses include pro bono services, free resources, free information volunteers and collections for community causes. These businesses often go over and above what they were originally asked to do, in their desire to help and can this can lead to long lasting relationships with the community organisations they’ve helped! To celebrate the achievements of some of these businesses, we presented three organisations with a Community Friendly Business Award […]
- [VODA Award Winners 2019 videos](https://voda.org.uk/voda-award-winners-2019-videos/): We were delighted to host the VODA Awards at our recent AGM. As part of the award ceremony, we produced a short film about each winner, to highlight why they won the award and share their story. Here are those videos. Organisation of the Year: Earsdon and Wellfield Community Association Volunteer of the Year: Rizwan Ali – Walking With in North Tyneside Young Volunteer of the Year: Bobbi-Lou Taylor – Tyne Met College Trustee of the Year: Anna McConville – Pathways 4 All  
- [There's a new kind of superhero in North Tyneside](https://voda.org.uk/theres-a-new-kind-of-superhero-in-north-tyneside/): Young people are often portrayed in a negative light in the media, but we have to disagree. We work with a range of young volunteers at VODA and see on a daily basis their hard work, passion and commitment to making North Tyneside a better place to live, work and visit. Young volunteers help out in a range of ways, such youth work, digital action, dance, sports and much more. To showcase these unsung heroes, we’ve put together this video. Youth volunteering North Tyneside from Robin on Vimeo. The young volunteers show that they are proud of the difference they […]
- [BBC Radio Newcastle features Good Neighbours](https://voda.org.uk/bbc-radio-newcastle-features-good-neighbours/): We were delighted that the BBC Radio Newcastle Breakfast Show was able to join our Good Neighours shopping trip last week. They spent the morning chatting to our shoppers and volunteers to find out more about how this wonderful project helps to support people stay in their own home and keep their independence. You can listen to the feature from last week’s show below. If you would like to get involved, please contact us for more information. Good Neighbours on BBC Radio Newcastle, 28.6.19 from Robin on Vimeo.
- [Trustee diversity](https://voda.org.uk/trustee-diversity/): Did you know that 1 in 12 trustees is called either David or John? In our June 2019 Working With the VCS event – which was held in partnership with North Tyneside Council – we looked at how to work with businesses and the VCS to improve the number and quality of charity trustees in the borough. One thing that kept cropping up was the issue of diversity and how to improve the diversity of an organisation’s board. Following on from this, we’ve put together some guidance to help you get started… Diversifying your board; can it be achieved? The […]
- [John Kirk](https://voda.org.uk/john-kirk/): Formerly a bus driver, North Shields resident John Kirk, has been making the most of his free time volunteering in several roles. After providing voluntary administration support at VODA for a few years, John has lately been involved in a number of new community programmes, including those at the Linskill Centre and Way Out in Gateshead. “I feel like I have a new lease of life,” said John. “I’ve taken part in an outdoor activities programme and tried things like kayaking, which I’ve never done before. For me, volunteering keeps me busy and active, and I’ve met some great people […]
- [Case Study: Dymphna O’Connor](https://voda.org.uk/case-study-dymphna-oconnor/): Dymphna O’Connor comes from Cork in Ireland but calls North Tyneside her part-time home. Having stumbled across the Old Low Light Centre whilst exploring North Shields Fish Quay, Dymphna noticed a poster advertising volunteering opportunities. “I collect seashells and enjoy crafts myself, so I was interested in all of the collections and memorabilia here anyway. When I saw the volunteering poster I thought ‘why not?’ and asked about it,” said Dymphna, who now volunteers in the Centre’s café on a regular basis. When asked what she enjoys most about volunteering, Dymphna said “Meeting new people – everyone who works and […]
- [VODA's Good Neighbours featured on new Government loneliness campaign](https://voda.org.uk/vodas-good-neighbours-featured-on-new-government-loneliness-campaign/): We’re delighted that our Good Neighbours shopping trip has been featured on a new blog from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. Let’s Talk Loneliness is the start of a year long campaign to tackle the stigma around loneliness. This campaign will show that feeling lonely is simply part of being human, much like being hungry, and encourage people to act through easy-to-understand messages and information. The blog features a case study about Min, one of our lovely regular Good Neighbours shoppers. Min, who is 89 this year and lives in sheltered accommodation in North Shields, has been coming […]
- [Case Study: Old Low Light Heritage Centre](https://voda.org.uk/case-study-old-low-light-heritage-centre/): The Old Low Light Heritage Centre on North Shields Fish Quay offers visitors the chance to find out all about the fishing and marine heritage of the quayside through exhibitions, events and learning opportunities. There’s also a welcoming café and fantastic views of the North Shields coastline. Guy Moody is Operations Manager at the Old Low Light and describes how volunteers are the backbone of the Centre: “The team at the Old Low Light is 90% volunteers, and when I think about how much we have going on, I can’t help be a little bit in awe of the work […]
- [Case Study: Remembering the Past](https://voda.org.uk/case-study-remembering-the-past/): The community and heritage charity – Remembering the Past, Resourcing the Future – chronicles the life and times of the 20th century in North Tyneside and its supporting areas, as told by the people who lived, worked and played there. As well as working closely with VODA on the delivery of several volunteer heritage projects, the organisation has used VODA’s financial services for a number of years. Project Manager Kath Smith said: “The team are a huge help with our accounting and compliance requirements with the Charity Commission. Their expertise makes the end of year reporting process much less stressful.”
- [Case Study: Collingwood Bowling Club](https://voda.org.uk/case-study-collingwood-bowling-club/): After taking over a disused bowling green in Heaton Park in North Shields from North Tyneside Council, Collingwood Bowling Club desperately needed to raise funds to help bring the green back into a playable state, and to attract new members to the sport. The club approached VODA early in 2015 and our Development Team has worked with the group’s trustees ever since, helping them to update their constitution, widen their membership and most recently, to become a Registered Charity. Our Funding Adviser has worked closely with the group during this period, identifying sources of funding and giving the club advice […]
- [Case Study: Wallsend Kinship Carers](https://voda.org.uk/case-study-wallsend-kinship-carers/): This group of North Tyneside grandparents who, as kinship carers, are raising their grandchildren, wanted to establish themselves as an independent, self-governed group to provide peer support, activities and information sharing on a formal basis. After helping the group to define their aims and objectives, we helped them to become constituted, delivered training on roles and responsibilities of management committees and running effective meetings, provided template agendas and supported them to develop plans for their running their group and activities. Since setting up, the Kinship Carers have also accessed our funding advice and finance services and are now running regular […]
- [New Pavillion and Queens Award for Collingwood Bowling Club](https://voda.org.uk/new-pavillion-and-queens-award-for-collingwood-bowling-club/): It was a double celebration for the North Shields bowling club this month – not only did their new and improved pavilion get its grand unveiling, but the club was also awarded the prestigious Queens Award for Voluntary Service, the highest honour given to community groups in the UK. The members of Collingwood Bowling Club have transformed their site at Heaton Terrace over recent years, since taking over the lease of the park from North Tyneside Council. They have also expanded the club’s reach in to the community, involving women players and those of all ages and backgrounds, and is […]
- [My time at VODA: Work placement blog from Nathanial](https://voda.org.uk/my-time-at-voda-work-placement-blog-from-nathanial/): We had the pleasure of hosting Prince’s Trust participant Nathaniel for two days work placement this week. Nathaniel blogs about his time with us in his own words… VODA are a charity that provides support, advice, training and information to volunteers and volunteering groups and charities across North Tyneside. They are based in Queen Alexandra College in North Shields, where they work to support and develop the voluntary and community sector by providing a wide range of support and services. They also represent the views of the sector to government and policy makers on a local and national level. Here’s […]
- [North Tyneside success at the Queen's Awards 2019](https://voda.org.uk/north-tyneside-success-at-the-queens-awards-2019/): Volunteers’ Week got off to a great start this year with the news that four North Tyneside organisations have been awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service,the highest honour for volunteer groups in the UK. Collingwood Bowling Club, The Friends of Red House Ramble, The St Bernadette Club and Walking With North Tyneside have all been recognised with this award, which recognises exceptional service within communities The number of nominations and awards has increased year on year since the awards were introduced, with 281 awarded this time round, showing that the voluntary sector is thriving and full of innovative […]
- [Celebrating Youth Social Action Day in North Tyneside](https://voda.org.uk/celebrating-youth-social-action-day-in-north-tyneside/): Today from us is a campaign created by #iwill young people to raise awareness of issues important to North Tyneside. Inspired by Jameela Jamil’s @Iweigh campaign on body positivity, Today from us has created their own images which represent what makes them individual. Jameela Jamil has recently shared their campaign to her whopping 710,000 followers on instagram. If that’s not the #powerofyouth then we don’t know what is. Thanks to all our wonderful young people who volunteer their time every week to create digital and media content on behalf of the local voluntary sector in North Tyneside!
- [Free guide to improve trustee recruitment](https://voda.org.uk/free-guide-to-improve-trustee-recruitment/): Getting on Board has launched the downloadable guide to help charities improve the diversity and skills of their trustee boards. A free guide has been made available online to help charities effectively recruit trustees. Community leadership charity Getting on Board has made the guide available to download via its website to provide a practical toolkit to running effective and open trustee recruitment drives. According to Getting on Board, 90% of charities say they recruit trustees by word of mouth. A more open recruitment system would help ensure charities choose from the best candidates and improve diversity, says Getting on Board. It cites latest research that […]
- [New Little Free Library at Meadow Well Connected](https://voda.org.uk/new-little-free-library-at-meadow-well-connected/): The second of our SAINT project’s Little Free Libraries is now in place outside Meadow Well Connected, in the Meadow Well Estate North Shields. The library has been lovingly constructed by volunteers from VODA’s SAINT project and from Meadow Well Connected. The volunteers have also learnt a range of carpentry and contruction skills in the planning and building of the library. A Little Free Library is a “take a book, return a book” free book exchange. They come in many shapes and sizes, but the most common version is a small wooden box of books. Anyone may take a book or bring […]
- [Little Free Library unveiling](https://voda.org.uk/little-free-library-unveiling/): This week we unveiled our Little Free Library at The Rising Sun Country Park. This project was developed and constructed with students from Longbenton High School Melrose department with support from SAINT and CAN DO volunteers. Little Free Library is a community scheme where members of the public are encouraged to take and leave their favourite books. We think The Rising Sun Country Park is a great venue for the Little Free Library and we hope that visitors to the centre will enjoy borrowing and leaving books when at the park. We had a fantastic time building the Little Free […]
- [VODA Volunteer Emma Ramshaw wins Volunteer of the Year Award](https://voda.org.uk/voda-volunteer-emma-ramshaw-wins-volunteer-of-the-year-award/): Emma Ramshaw, who volunteers for a variety of charities and organisations including VODA, The Prince’s Trust & NCS, has won the Volunteer of the Year award at the Pitman Superachievers Awards 2019. Emma was nominated by the award by VODA’s Social Action Worker Josie Robinson, who works closely with Emma when she volunteers with VODA. Josie spoke about why she nominated Emma for the award: “For over ten years, Emma has given up her free time to a variety of charities and organisations, helping to care and enabling young people to reach their potential. Despite her own uphill battle, Emma continues […]
- [Guidance for Charities with a Connection to a Non-charity](https://voda.org.uk/guidance-for-charities-with-a-connection-to-a-non-charity/): Charities are being told to ensure the close relationships some enjoy with non-charitable organisations are made clear to people outside their charity and never used to advance non-charitable agendas and interests. Amid concerns that some relationships between charities and non-charities have damaged public confidence in charity, the Charity Commission has published new guidance. The regulator recognises that many charities work successfully in close partnership with a wide variety of non-charitable organisations, such as trading subsidiaries. These relationships can be crucial in helping a charity deliver on its mission for the public benefit. The new guidance aims to help charities reap the benefits of […]
- [VODA's Sector Connector Project Scoops NAVCA Award](https://voda.org.uk/vodas-sector-connector-project-scoops-navca-award/):         On Tuesday 19 March NAVCA held their first ever national awards event in London, showcasing the brilliant achievements of their member organisations. We are delighted that North Tyneside VODA’s Sector Connector project came home with the ‘Collaboration and Partnership Working Award’. The NAVCA Awards have been designed to celebrate local third sector infrastructure – the unsung heroes of our sector – and a total of nine awards were handed out during the evening, including two for the Newcastle CVS. Robin Fry, VODA’s Chief Executive, said “We nominated our Sector Connector project in the category of Collaboration […]
- [VODA's AGM and Awards Presentation 2018](https://voda.org.uk/vodas-agm-awards-presentation-2018/):           Our Annual General Meeting and awards presentation took place on Wednesday 28 November at YMCA North Tyneside. As well as a presentation of VODA’s latest annual report and accounts, the event featured keynote speaker Kirsten Edmondson, discuss digital transformation and what it means for the third sector. Two local businesses – TSG and Turncoach – were presented with their Community Friendly Business Awards by Ian Dodds, who coordinates VODA’s Sector Connector project, and VODA’s main awards were presented by special guest, Chairman of North Tyneside Council, Cllr Tommy Mulvenna. Read more about our award winners […]
- [VODA Award Winners 2018!](https://voda.org.uk/voda-award-winners-2018/): We are delighted to share the stories of our award winners for 2018, who were presented with their prizes at our recent AGM by Chairman of North Tyneside, Cllr Tommy Mulvenna. Organisation of the Year Pathways4All Pathways4All is a parent-led charity providing a range of activities and events specifically tailored for children with disabilities and additional needs and their families. Read more… Volunteer of the Year Ryan Wright Nominated for his voluntary work with Phoenix Detached Youth Project, Ryan has been instrumental in inspiring other young people and groups to get involved in the local community and in the planning, fundraising […]
- [VODA Blog: Trustees are volunteers too](https://voda.org.uk/voda-blog-trustees-volunteers/): As part of this year’s Trustees’ Week, our Core Services Manager, Keith Hardy, blogs about the importance of the often-overlooked voluntary role: “It’s an often overlooked fact that Trustees are by law and by nature volunteers, and without them the voluntary and community sector would be greatly reduced. Over half of all charities are looking for trustees at any one time so as a trustee you will be filling a vital role in the voluntary sector or in your local community. Volunteering as a trustee can be such a rewarding and fulfilling experience and can significantly increase your skills and […]
- [Supporting Women: Volunteering that Makes a Difference](https://voda.org.uk/supporting-women-volunteering-that-makes-a-difference/): Guest blog contributed by Sophie Newman, work experience student at VODA. This blog was written by Sophie Newman, a young person who recently completed a work placement with VODA. We’re proud to share her thoughtful piece on how volunteering can support women and girls, and we’d like to thank her for her contribution. Why Supporting Women Matters “There is no greater pillar of stability than a strong, free, and educated woman and there is no more inspiring act than to stand beside her, volunteer your time, and help her get there.” Angelina Jolie  Supporting women and girls through volunteering is […]
- [New Fundraising Code: What You Need to Know Before November](https://voda.org.uk/new-fundraising-code-what-you-need-to-know-before-november/): In this edition of the Governance Blog, we’re reminding VCSE organisations that the new Code of Fundraising Practice will come into effect on 1 November 2025. The Fundraising Regulator has published a revised version of the Code, designed to be clearer, more concise, and easier to navigate. It reflects a more modern and adaptable approach to fundraising standards and is significantly shorter than the previous version. You can read the new Code here: Code of Fundraising Practice 2025 This is a great time for charities and community groups to familiarise themselves with the updated Code and ensure they’re ready for the changes ahead. To support organisations, the […]
- [The Pixel Fund](https://voda.org.uk/the-pixel-fund/): The Pixel Fund offers grants to UK-registered charities working to support the mental health and wellbeing of children and young adults aged 26 and under. Grants of between £2,500 and £5,000 are available for clearly defined projects that aim to make a measurable difference to the lives of young people experiencing mental health challenges. To apply, charities must first attend an informal Q&A Drop-in Meeting with the Pixel Fund team. Access to the application process is only given after attending one of these sessions. There are no fixed deadlines, and applications can be made at any time following a drop-in […]
- [Ironmongers’ Company: STEM Grants](https://voda.org.uk/ironmongers-company-stem-grants/): The Ironmongers’ Company is offering grants to support UK-registered charities and state schools working with young people under the age of 25. The focus is on projects that deliver hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) education in ways that are both practical and engaging. Funding is available for activities that: Encourage young people to develop skills in STEM subjects Involve creative, problem-solving approaches Have a clear educational benefit and a lasting impact Priority is given to projects that work with disadvantaged or underrepresented groups and that operate in areas of high deprivation. The Foundation prefers to support smaller projects […]
- [Alpkit Foundation](https://voda.org.uk/alpkit-foundation/): Grants of up to £500 are available for individuals, community groups, schools, and other not-for-profit organisations to encourage people across the UK to get involved with outdoor activities and experiences. The funding is provided by the Alpkit Foundation, which aims to break down barriers to outdoor participation by supporting projects that promote diversity and inclusion in the outdoors, as well as participation, education, conservation and protection of the natural environment, and health and wellbeing. The grants aim to provide some level of support rather than fully funding projects. Applications can be submitted at any time and are reviewed every two […]
- [Supporting LGBTQ+ Communities: Volunteer Opportunities in the North East](https://voda.org.uk/supporting-lgbtq-communities-volunteer-opportunities-in-the-north-east/): June is Pride Month, a time to honour the history, achievements and ongoing struggles of LGBTQ+ communities. While parades and celebrations are important, Pride is also a call to action—a reminder that lasting change comes from everyday acts of solidarity and support. One meaningful way to be an ally is through volunteering. Across the North East and beyond, charities and community groups work year-round to support LGBTQ+ people, and many rely on volunteers to help make their work possible. Whether you can give a few hours each week or just now and then, your time can make a real difference. […]
- [Celebrating the Unsung Heroes Behind Local Charities](https://voda.org.uk/celebrating-the-unsung-heroes-behind-local-charities/): As we head into summer, we wanted to spread a short, good news story in this issue of our governance blog! The Interim Chair of the Charity Commission, Mark Simms OBE, has recently released a statement on the Charity Commission Blog to say a big “Thank You” to all the trustees and other volunteers across England and Wales. In his article, which you can read in full here, Mark points out that there are around 700,000 charity trustees who serve in the UK. While most are volunteers, their roles come with significant duties and responsibilities. These include setting strategic direction […]
- [Discounted Gas Safety and Boiler Services & Free Energy Audit](https://voda.org.uk/discounted-gas-safety-and-boiler-services-for-voda-members/): Following the success of their free Gas Safety and Boiler Checks in May 2025, Pulse Controls is now offering exclusive discounted rates for VODA members across the VCSE sector. Discounted Services CP17 Gas Safety Checks (Commercial) – £100 + VAT CP12 Gas Safety Checks (Residential) – £40 + VAT Commercial Boiler Servicing – £100 + VAT Domestic Boiler Servicing – £40 + VAT These prices represent a minimum 50% discount on standard rates. Please note: Additional charges may apply for large or bespoke heating systems, LPG, or where access equipment (e.g. cherry pickers) is required. Free Virtual Energy Audit for VCSE Organisations Pulse Controls understands the financial pressures facing the […]
- [Happy Days Children’s Charity](https://voda.org.uk/happy-days-childrens-charity/): The Happy Days Children’s Charity is inviting applications for funding towards trips, respite breaks and group activity holidays for disadvantaged children and young people with additional needs. The charity awards funding for different types of activities to support families with children aged 3-17 who have a disability, an additional need or have been abused. Family Activities: Activities include family day trips and family holiday breaks. Applications can be submitted by parents, guardians, grandparents or siblings, as well as GPs, consultants, nurses or social workers. Group Activities: Groups that work with children with a disability, including SEN schools and women’s refuges, are […]
- [EE and BT Support Local Charities Through Community Challenge 2025](https://voda.org.uk/ee-and-bt-support-local-charities-through-community-challenge-2025/): We’re delighted to announce that EE and BT have chosen two outstanding local charities to support as part of their 2025 Community Challenge initiative. This year’s programme will see significant investment of time and resources, with thousands of volunteer hours pledged by employees to help transform community spaces and services. This exciting initiative has been developed through our Sector Connector project, which brings together the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector with local businesses to create meaningful partnerships and lasting impact. As part of this year’s challenge: EE Tyneside will be partnering with Whitley Bay Young People’s Centre BT […]
- [Local Charity Saves £350 Thanks to Sector Connector Offer](https://voda.org.uk/local-charity-saves-350-thanks-to-sector-connector-offer/): When Pulse Controls offered free gas safety checks and boiler servicing to North East-based charities through Sector Connector, we knew it could be helpful — but it’s always great to hear the real impact. Jayne from Westmoor Community Centre got in touch after reading about the offer in the VODA ebulletin. Like many busy charity managers, she doesn’t always have time to read every item. But one word caught her eye: FREE. Knowing that the centre’s boilers were due for a service and gas checks were needed, Jayne decided to take up the offer. With the reassurance of VODA and […]
- [Refugee Week and Beyond: Ways to Support People Seeking Sanctuary](https://voda.org.uk/refugee-week-and-beyond-ways-to-support-people-seeking-sanctuary/): “We can begin the process of making community wherever we are. We can begin by sharing a smile, a warm greeting, a bit of conversation; by doing a kind deed or by acknowledging kindness offered to us.” – bell hooks Refugee Week (16–22 June) is the world’s largest arts and culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. This year’s theme is Community as a Superpower, and there are many ways to take part. The Refugee Week website offers a wide range of ideas and resources, from hosting film screenings to taking part in […]
- [Trustee Recruitment: Updated Advice from the Charity Commission](https://voda.org.uk/trustee-recruitment-updated-advice-from-the-charity-commission/): The Charity Commission has refreshed its trustee recruitment guidance (CC30) to help charities connect with a wider range of candidates and remove common barriers to becoming a trustee. This update follows research by the regulator and think tank Pro Bono Economics, which revealed that only 6% of trustees applied for their role via an advert. In contrast, over half of charities relied on personal contacts to recruit new trustees, potentially limiting diversity and missing out on valuable skills. Key Takeaways for Charities: Undertake a skills audit to identify what your board needs now and in the future. Develop a clear […]
- [Ford Britain Trust](https://voda.org.uk/ford-britain-trust/): Ford is committed to supporting the communities in which it operates. To help deliver on this commitment, the Ford Britain Trust was established in April 1975. Since then, it has provided funding to support the education and advancement of individuals and groups in areas close to Ford’s UK locations. The Trust places particular focus on projects related to education, the environment, children, people with disabilities, youth activities, and initiatives that provide clear benefits to local communities. While applications supported by Ford employees are encouraged, the Trust is open to all organisations that meet its selection criteria. Grant donations are awarded […]
- [Victoria Wood Foundation](https://voda.org.uk/victoria-wood-foundation/): The foundation was set up after the death of Victoria Wood in April 2016. The fund will support all aspects of the arts, particularly in and around London and in the north of England. The trustees meet twice a year in July and December. Read more and apply here.
- [NT LIFE Update: A New Chapter Begins](https://voda.org.uk/nt-life-update-a-new-chapter-begins/): We’re proud to share some fantastic news from NT LIFE Recovery College – with guidance and support from VODA, we’ve reached two major milestones: we are now a registered charity, and we’re moving into a brand-new, more accessible premises in North Shields.  Becoming a charity is a big step forward for NT LIFE. It means greater sustainability, more opportunities to grow, and stronger partnerships across the community. It’s also a recognition of the incredible impact NT LIFE has had on mental health recovery and wellbeing in North Tyneside. But that’s not all — we’re moving into brand-new premises, offering a […]
- [Celebrating Volunteers’ Week: Tips for Organisations](https://voda.org.uk/celebrating-volunteers-week-tips-for-organisations/): Volunteers’ Week (2-8 June) is a time to celebrate and promote volunteering. It’s a great opportunity for organisations to engage with communities, recognise volunteers, and encourage new involvement.  How to get involved 1. Download Volunteers’ Week Resources Access a free social media launch pack, certificates, thank-you cards, and event planning tips at volunteersweek.org.  Resources include a tip sheet on planning an event on a budget, printable bunting and tips for hosting an event. 2. Offer Flexible or Virtual Volunteering Opportunities With many people leading busy lives, flexible volunteering options can be very appealing. During Volunteers’ Week, offer opportunities for virtual […]
- [5 Top Tips on  Welcoming a New Trustee](https://voda.org.uk/5-top-tips-on-welcoming-a-new-trustee/): The prospect of joining a new organisation as a trustee can be nerve-wracking, especially for those stepping into the role for the first time. However, as the recruiting organisation, you are in a powerful position to make this experience a positive one and set your new trustee up for success in their hugely important role. Here are 5 top tips to help you achieve this: Tailor your induction to the trustee: What do they need as an individual? Ask- is there anything we can do as a Board so you can take part fully? Provide a standard induction pack in […]
- [Joseph Rank Trust](https://voda.org.uk/joseph-rank-trust/): Grants are available across two main areas of interest: Projects that demonstrate a Christian approach to the practical, educational and spiritual needs of people of all ages The adaptation of Church properties with a view to providing improved facilities for use by the church and its work in the community in which it is based (please note, there are additional restrictions and guidelines for Methodist Church applications). Grants can either be one-off grants for capital expenditure or three-year grants for core costs or project funding. Each grant application is considered on its own merits. Applicants must ensure that they have […]
- [North East Flexible Social Finance Fund](https://voda.org.uk/north-east-flexible-social-finance-fund/): Are you a community business or socially trading organisation in the North East? Big Issue Invest, in partnership with The North East Combined Authority and Power to Change, has launched a new Flexible Social Finance fund. The fund is specifically designed to address the challenges socially trading organisations face in delivering significant social impact. This includes organisations struggling to secure loans from traditional sources, i.e.. organisations that other lenders have previously rejected. The fund aims to: Provide affordable and flexible repayable finance for social trading organisations Support organisations looking to grow their social impacts and improve self-sustainability Promote the socio-economic […]
- [CLA Charitable Trust](https://voda.org.uk/cla-charitable-trust/): The CLA Charitable Trust is dedicated to helping those who are disabled or disadvantaged to visit and participate in learning experiences about the countryside. Funding from CLA supports projects that improve the physical and mental health and wellbeing of people who are disabled or disadvantaged by helping them to connect with nature through visiting and participating in recreational activities and opportunities in the countryside. Up to £5,000. Charities, schools, PTAs and not-for-profit organisations. Find out more about the CLA Charitable Trust
- [Volunteering and Wellbeing: How Giving Back Can Support You](https://voda.org.uk/volunteering-and-wellbeing-how-giving-back-can-support-you/): Many people look for ways to feel more connected, purposeful and involved in their communities. Volunteering offers more than just an opportunity to help others — it can also bring real benefits to your wellbeing. Taking part in volunteering activities can support your mental, emotional, and physical health while helping you build connections with others. Finding Purpose and Meaning Volunteering can give you a strong sense of purpose and fulfilment. Taking part in meaningful activities, particularly those that make a positive difference to others, often fosters positive feelings and a sense of achievement. Bonnie, an arts and crafts volunteer in […]
- [Football Foundation - Catering Unit Fund](https://voda.org.uk/football-foundation-catering-unit-fund/): New grants from the Football Foundation of up to £50,000 are available to allow grassroots organisations to install a Catering Unit at their site to generate income and improve the experience for players and spectators. There are some specific criteria that all clubs will meet, so please read the details carefully before applying. Find out more and apply via the Football Foundation  
- [Free Online Training for the Voluntary and Community Sector](https://voda.org.uk/free-online-training-for-the-vcse/): Are you involved in a charity, community group or voluntary organisation? Whether you’re a trustee, volunteer, or staff member, the Elements Training Portal offers a wide range of free online courses designed to support people working across the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector. Created by North Tyneside VODA, Connected Voice, and Northumberland CVA, these high-quality courses are flexible, accessible and tailored to meet the needs of the sector. Learn at Your Own Pace, Anywhere, Anytime All Elements courses are delivered online and can be completed in under an hour. Once finished, you’ll receive a certificate to recognise your […]
- [Lidl Community Fund ](https://voda.org.uk/lidl-community-fund/): The Lidl Community Fund is a £500,000 fund dedicated to supporting their Feed it Back partners to support those experiencing poverty. Grants are available to charities in two tiers: Standard grants of up to £500 to address immediate issues like demand for food parcels. Large grants of up to £5,000 for the creation of long-term benefits like refurbishment of food preparation areas of premises. Organisations can apply for one grant per quarter and funds must be used within the next three months. Read more and apply Please note: you will have to create an account/provide all details via the Get […]
- [Charity Mergers: What Are They, and When Should You Consider One?](https://voda.org.uk/charity-mergers-what-are-they-and-when-should-you-consider-one/): With growing interest in mergers across the voluntary sector, this issue of our Governance Blog explores what a charity merger involves and why it might be the right step for your organisation. What is a Charity Merger? The Charity Commission states that a merger of charities usually means two or more legally separate charities coming together to form one charity under one governing document and one body of trustees. In most cases, charities can only merge with others that have the same or closely aligned charitable purposes. Why Might Charities Choose to Merge? The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) […]
- [Sported Launches Grassroots Sport Lottery](https://voda.org.uk/sported-launches-grassroots-sport-lottery/): Founded by charity Sported, The Grassroots Lottery raises funds to support local clubs and organisations in communities across Great Britain and remove barriers to access. Every ticket sold will help transform lives through the power of sport and allow Sported to champion the local heroes who selflessly give up their time to make it happen. Through The Grassroots Sport Lottery, clubs or groups can set up their own fundraising lottery – or you can help Sported in its mission to give the next one million young people a sporting chance. For every £1 ticket you sell, you get 50p back […]
- [Friends of the Elderly](https://voda.org.uk/friends-of-the-elderly/): Small grants are available for older people living on low incomes. They can only be accessed via a third-party “Referral Agent” (such as a local charity or community organisation). The person must also have no more than £5k in savings and must not have served in the UK Armed Forces. Grants can be put towards: home essentials digital connection financial support essential living costs. Up to £500. Individuals via third party. No deadline. Read more and apply
- [There’s a New Kind of Superhero in North Tyneside! Why Not Grab Your Cape and Join Them?](https://voda.org.uk/theres-a-new-kind-of-superhero-in-north-tyneside-why-not-grab-your-cape-and-join-them/): Are you aged 18 or under? Are you ready to make an impact, learn new skills, and meet amazing people? Volunteering is your chance to help your local community and perhaps change the world while changing your life for the better! There are many volunteering roles across North Tyneside suitable for under-18s. The team from the North Tyneside Volunteer Centre has put together this blog highlighting what is out there, as well as showing the benefits of getting involved and how you can get started on your volunteering journey, including access to our free online training course ‘An Introduction To Volunteering’. […]
- [Community Action for Social Change](https://voda.org.uk/community-action-for-social-change/): “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead Community action plays a vital role in driving social change, bringing together individuals to address shared issues and improve their collective wellbeing. At its core, community action is about empowering local people to identify problems, develop solutions and take action. It is rooted in the belief that communities, when united, possess the strength to challenge injustices and create meaningful transformations.  Grassroots Action – Making Change Happen One of the most powerful ways to drive change is […]
- [New Right to Neonatal Care Leave and Pay – What You Need to Know](https://voda.org.uk/new-right-to-neonatal-care-leave-and-pay-what-you-need-to-know/): From 6 April 2025, a new workplace right will allow parents of babies in neonatal care to take extra time off work. Eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of neonatal care leave on top of their existing parental leave if their baby is admitted to the hospital within the first 28 days of birth and stays for at least seven full days. This right follows the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 and aims to support families during a challenging time. Who is Eligible? Neonatal Care Leave will be available from the first day of employment, meaning […]
- [The Benefits of Community Garden Volunteering ](https://voda.org.uk/the-benefits-of-community-garden-volunteering/): “The one who plants trees, knowing that he will never sit in their shade, has at least started to understand the meaning of life.”  ― Rabindranath Tagore  Community garden volunteering offers a unique opportunity to contribute to both the environment and your local neighbourhood. These shared green spaces not only beautify urban areas but also foster a sense of connection and collaboration among residents. Whether you’re planting vegetables, tending flowers, or maintaining common spaces, volunteering in a community garden can provide numerous benefits.  A Volunteer’s Perspective  Millie, a volunteer at The Meadows in North Shields, shares her experience:  ‘I came […]
- [What is the Charity Governance Code?](https://voda.org.uk/what-is-the-charity-governance-code/): Charity Governance Code: Ongoing Review and Updates In this issue of our Governance Blog, we discuss the ongoing review of the Charity Governance Code following public consultation and input from the Charity Law Association’s working group. The updated Code is expected to be published soon, with changes aimed at making it more accessible for small and medium-sized charities. What is the Charity Governance Code? The Code is a practical tool designed to help charities and trustees develop high standards of governance. Good governance is essential for a charity’s success, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations while fostering a culture focused […]
- [Utilita Football Rebooted - Grassroots Fund](https://voda.org.uk/utilita-football-rebooted-grassroots-fund/): The Grassroots Fund, launched in partnership with the Utilita Football Rebooted movement, provides no-nonsense support for grassroots football. Open to clubs, leagues, and volunteers, the fund offers quick, easy-to-access help for projects and emergencies or to recognise dedicated individuals. Applications are simple, with decisions made swiftly. In return, recipients agree to share their stories to inspire others. All funding is discretionary and multiple grants or gifts may be awarded. Applications must come from an FA-accredited club or league and be connected to individuals or projects involved in grassroots football. Cash funding must be paid into a bank account registered to […]
- [Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust](https://voda.org.uk/catherine-cookson-charitable-trust/): The Catherine Cookson Trust supports a wide range of activities, including education and training, environment and conservation, arts and culture as well as general charitable purposes. The Trust’s principal aim is to identify and meet the local needs of the area in which Dame Catherine was brought up and resided. In particular, the Trust supports work with young or disadvantaged people. Grants are generally awarded between £100 and £100,000 but occasionally larger sums where there are exceptional circumstances. Today the Catherine Cookson Trust continues to make donations to worthy causes in the UK, especially to young or disadvantaged people in […]
- [Discounted Services from Richard the North East Handyman](https://voda.org.uk/discounted-services-from-richard-the-north-east-handyman/): Richard The North East Handyman is offering a 25% discount to businesses and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) who quote “Sector Connector” when enquiring about his services. With over 20 years of experience, Richard provides a wide range of handyman services across the North East of England. His work includes garden clean-ups, landscaping, tiling, joinery (including door hanging and skirting boards), stud walls, bathroom renovations, hanging shelves and pictures, replacing light fittings, flat-pack furniture assembly, and fence repairs. To book, contact Richard by email at richardthenortheasthandyman@gmail.com or call +44 7743 849174. Follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
- [Discounted PAT Testing Services](https://voda.org.uk/discounted-pat-testing-services/): Pat Test North East is offering a 20% discount to VCSEs (voluntary, community, and social enterprises) and businesses who quote “Sector Connector” when booking their Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) services. Pat Test North East provides reliable and thorough PAT testing with qualified engineers using up-to-date equipment. They carry out a full inspection and test of each appliance, providing clients with clear records and any necessary recommendations. What is PAT Testing? PAT Testing is required under the Electricity at Work Regulations, 1989 to ensure the safety of electrical appliances such as kettles, computers, and extension leads. All electrical items, whether in […]
- [Trusthouse Charitable Foundation: Small Grants](https://voda.org.uk/trusthouse-charitable-foundation-small-grants/): funding opportunity is available for small charities and community organisations delivering frontline support. The Small Grants programme offers one-year grants between £2,000 and £10,000 to cover core costs, salaries, running expenses, and project costs. Who Can Apply? Organisations must meet the following criteria: Be located in an area of high deprivation (bottom 15% in urban areas or bottom 50% in rural areas on the Indices of Multiple Deprivation). Have a community support focus. Have an annual income of £250,000 or less. Secure 50% of total project costs from other sources. Provide their most recent annual accounts. Be embedded in their […]
- [New Skills, New Friends: The Hidden Benefits of Volunteering](https://voda.org.uk/new-skills-new-friends-the-hidden-benefits-of-volunteering/): Have you ever thought about volunteering but weren’t sure if it was for you? Volunteering isn’t just about helping others (though that’s brilliant too), it offers opportunities that can benefit you. If you’re looking to build your confidence, learn new skills or grow as an individual, volunteering offers a platform that can help you achieve these goals. From getting your hands dirty in community gardens to helping people navigate technology, volunteering opens doors to experiences you might never encounter elsewhere. But it’s not just about what you give – it’s about what you gain too. Beyond the obvious feel-good factor, […]
- [Trusthouse Charitable Foundation: Major Grants](https://voda.org.uk/trusthouse-charitable-foundation/): Charities and voluntary organisations working with families in need can apply for funding through the Trusthouse Charitable Foundation Major Grants programme. Grants are available for core costs, salaries, running expenses, and project costs. Funding Available Single-year grants: Between £10,000 and £50,000. Multi-year grants: Up to £100,000 over three years (maximum £50,000 per year). Who Can Apply? Organisations must: Focus on family support, which may include early intervention, support for families coping with addiction, or work with prisoners’ families. Be a voluntary sector organisation with an annual turnover of £500,000 or less. Be located in or delivering projects within the most […]
- [Reflecting on North of Tyne Volunteering: Achievements and Future Plans](https://voda.org.uk/reflecting-on-north-of-tyne-volunteering-achievements-and-future-plans/): This week, we gathered with partners and volunteers to celebrate the North of Tyne Volunteering Project, reflecting on its successes and looking ahead to 2025. The North of Tyne Volunteering Project, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, was set up in 2021 by North Tyneside VODA, Connected Voice, North Tyneside Volunteer Centre, Volunteer Centre Newcastle and Northumberland Community and Voluntary Action, to improve support for volunteers and volunteer-involving organisations across Newcastle, North Tyneside, and Northumberland. Since then, we have worked to create a more connected, accessible, and impactful volunteering system. Inspiring Volunteer Stories At the event, we heard from volunteers and organisations who […]
- [Community Grant to the Rescue for Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter](https://voda.org.uk/community-grant-to-the-rescue-for-newcastle-dog-and-cat-shelter/): Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter in Longbenton has a brand new roof on its main admin building, as well as a new purpose-built volunteer hub, thanks to a grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The shelter’s team of staff had been working with a gaping hole in the roof and no suitable space where they could base their volunteers. Now they have a pristine new roof complete with new guttering. A new volunteer hub has been built, with lockers to safely store belongings, an area for training, a kitchenette, new tables and chairs. North Tyneside Council is partnering […]
- [Greenhall Foundation](https://voda.org.uk/greenhall-foundation/): The Greenhall Foundation supports UK registered charities working to improve lives among people who are sick, older people, disabled, or disadvantaged. Funding Available Grants typically range from £1,000 to £10,000 for special projects or specific items of equipment. Funding Priorities The Foundation prefers to support: Special projects or specific items of equipment (not general running costs or salaries) Projects benefiting a number of beneficiaries rather than just a few Applications where the grant will make a tangible difference, particularly where the Foundation can meet a significant proportion of funding needed Who Can Apply Only UK registered charities are eligible. Individual […]
- [Governance Blog: New Workplace Recycling Laws](https://voda.org.uk/governance-blog-new-workplace-recycling-laws/): In this issue of our Governance Blog, we are going to discuss the new laws regarding workplace recycling and how they will apply to your organisation. The new rules From 31 March 2025 (or 31 March 2027 for micro-firms), all workplaces (businesses and non-domestic premises, including charities) in England have a legal duty to present the following wastes separated in accordance with the arrangements with their waste collector: dry recyclable materials – plastic, metal, glass, paper and card (this may also need to be separated further depending on the requirements of your waste collector (see finding a waste collector below)); […]
- [Case Study: Terence McDermott North Shields Fishermen’s Heritage Project](https://voda.org.uk/case-study-terence-mcdermott-north-shields-fishermens-heritage-project/): Terence (Terry) is the Chair of the North Shields Fishermen’s Heritage Project. The organisation was founded in 2015 by Terry, to raise funds to commission a statue to remember the men who fished from North Shields and those who lost their lives. The organisation goes from strength to strength with various new projects, led by its committed team of trustees. Initially, Terry became a trustee because he wanted to promote his ideas for the Fishing Heritage of North Shields. Of his experience as a trustee, Terry says his best moment was the time when a child at the unveiling of […]
- [Salute Her: Workshops & Activities for Female Veterans](https://voda.org.uk/salute-her-workshops-activities-for-female-veterans/): Female veterans living in the North West of North Tyneside are benefiting from wellness workshops, friendship activities, community meals, and a cold water swimming and sauna session at the beach. All this is thanks to a grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, awarded to the charity Salute Her, which works to improve the lives of UK women in the armed forces during and after service. North Tyneside Council is partnering with North Tyneside VODA to deliver the UKSPF programme, which is funded by the UK Government with the North East Combined Authority as the lead authority. Through UKSPF, North Tyneside […]
- [Congregational & General Charitable Trust](https://voda.org.uk/congregational-general-charitable-trust/): The Trust give grants for all sorts of building projects to all sorts of churches of the Protestant tradition. The Trust awards grants ranging from a minimum of £1,000 to a maximum of £25,000. All grants are directly linked to the cost of the project involved. Within the above limits, the maximum percentage is 25% of the total project cost, to the nearest £100. The level of grant awarded is at the Trustees discretion and will depend on the denomination of the Church, the type of work being undertaken and the overall aim of the project. All arrangements are subject […]
- [Free High Kicks Cooking & Activity for Families in Wideopen](https://voda.org.uk/free-high-kicks-cooking-activity-for-families-in-wideopen/): Families have been enjoying free High Kicks cooking and activity sessions at Greenfields school in Wideopen, thanks to a grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The after-school sessions are designed to bring families together to make a healthy dish from scratch, and join in some fun physical activities while the food is cooking. North Tyneside Council is partnering with North Tyneside VODA to deliver the UKSPF programme, which is funded by the UK Government with the North East Combined Authority as the lead authority. Through UKSPF, North Tyneside Council has invested over £1.2 million through a range of grants in the […]
- [North Tyneside Mental Health Alliance Celebratory and Networking Event](https://voda.org.uk/north-tyneside-mental-health-alliance-celebratory-and-networking-event/): The North Tyneside Mental Health Alliance was established in 2022 to build a place-based alliance of voluntary, community and social enterprise sector organisations (VCSE), ready for partnership working and procurement. Managed by VODA, it is funded by North Tyneside Integrated Care Board as part of its Community Mental Health Transformation Plan. The Alliance currently has 47 member organisations. In November 2024, the Alliance organised a Celebratory and Networking event for 74 delegates from the VCSE sector and statutory services. Gathered at Wallsend Memorial Hall, the were able to network, celebrate achievements and forge relationships that would impact on the support […]
- [Governance Blog: Converting from a CIC to a CIO](https://voda.org.uk/governance-blog-converting-from-a-cic-to-a-cio/): Did you know that it is possible to convert from a Community Interest Company (CIC) to a form of charity known as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)? Read on to learn why you might consider making the switch and what the process involves. Background CICs are simpler to set up than charities, with less rigid rules on trading and distributing profits. For example, directors can be paid, and dividends can be distributed. Reporting and regulatory requirements are also less demanding for CICs than for charities. However, one of the main challenges CICs face is accessing funding. CICs are expected to […]
- [Embracing Home-Based Volunteering: A New Era of Community Involvement](https://voda.org.uk/embracing-home-based-volunteering/): As the world changes, so does the way we volunteer. The rise of remote work and digital connectivity has made home-based volunteering a powerful way to contribute without leaving your home. This modern approach offers flexibility while meeting the diverse needs and interests of volunteers. Here’s everything you need to know about home-based volunteering, its benefits, and how you can get started. What is Home-Based Volunteering? Home-based volunteering includes a wide range of activities you can do from your own home. Whether it’s tutoring online, assisting charities with administrative tasks, mentoring, creating content, or joining advocacy campaigns, there’s something for […]
- [Case Study: BELS](https://voda.org.uk/case-study-bels/): About BELS The Baby Equipment Loan Service and Toy Library (BELS & TL) is a charitable incorporated organisation based in Wallsend, North Tyneside. The charity provides a loan service for essential baby and safety equipment to families in need across North Tyneside as well as facilitating toddler groups, stay and play sessions and a fantastic Toy Library which allows families across North Tyneside to join for a small fee and access over 4000 toys and games. A Long Relationship of Support The charity (in its previous and current form) is over 30 years old and has benefitted from VODA’s support […]
- [Case Study: North Shields Fishermen’s Heritage Project](https://voda.org.uk/case-study-north-shields-fishermens-heritage-project/): About North Shields Fishermen’s Heritage Project North Shields Fishermen’s Heritage Project (“NSFHP”) are a Registered Charity established in 2015. The charity was established with the aim to raise funds to commission a statue to remember the men who fished from North Shields and those who lost their lives. Known as ‘The Fisherman’, he now sits proudly looking out to sea from the site known as Fiddlers Green on the banks of the Tyne at North Shields. Following the huge success of this project, the NSFHP continued to fundraise to commission a handmade book of remembrance to record the names of […]
- [Case Study: Every Man for Each Other](https://voda.org.uk/case-study-every-man-for-each-other/): About Every Man for Each Other Every Man for Each Other is a non-judgemental free service for those who are male and have been impacted by domestic abuse. The organisation provides a safe space for men to discuss their difficulties relating to abuse and help them on their journey to recovery. Every Man for Each Other hope their groups can provide those impacted with reassurance that they are not alone in being a male victim of domestic abuse. VODA’s Development Support Every Man for Each Other’s Chair, Jonny Larman, got in touch with VODA when the group were struggling to […]
- [Support & Activities for SEND families in North West of North Tyneside](https://voda.org.uk/support-activities-for-send-families-in-north-west-of-north-tyneside/): Families of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in the North West of North Tyneside are benefiting from an exciting package of activities and one-to-one support sessions thanks to grants from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). North Tyneside Parent Carer Forum was awarded UKSPF grants to host sessions at community venues in Camperdown, Weetslade and Longbenton wards until March 2025. These include The Oxford Centre in Longbenton, the John Willie Sams Centre in Dudley, and the White Swan Centre in Killingworth. SEND Families Together is a programme of activities for families of young people with SEND aged between 11 […]
- [Home Energy Advice: North East](https://voda.org.uk/home-energy-advice-north-east/): Home Energy Advice North East is available to households across the North East to help them reduce their energy bills through installing energy saving home improvements. The website offers advice and information and links to local installers, grants and funding. Plus, you can create a home energy action plan tailored to your home. All the support is impartial and delivered by the experts at Energy Saving Trust, with expert advice available over the phone. You may also be eligible to have a visit from an expert advisor, who can create a tailored report and support you in applying for grants […]
- [Friends of Fordley Planta Protect Wetland Wildlife Haven](https://voda.org.uk/friends-of-fordley-planta-protect-wetland-wildlife-haven/): A community grant is providing essential equipment for a team of volunteers who work to protect a valuable wetland habitat in North Tyneside. The Friends of Fordley Planta received a small grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) which they have used to buy landscaping equipment, educational display boards and wildlife cameras. The Planta is a centuries-old marsh that dates back at least to the 1600s, with the Seaton Burn River running through it. Over the years it fell into a poor state and became a hotspot for fly-tipping and antisocial behaviour. Since early 2022, The Friends have been […]
- [Live Well with Cancer's Unique Journals for Better Living and Sleeping](https://voda.org.uk/live-well-with-cancers-unique-journals-for-better-living-and-sleeping/): Live Well with Cancer empowers anyone affected by cancer in North Tyneside and the surrounding areas to improve their health and wellbeing. At their Wellbeing Centre in the heart of North Shields, they offer workshops, events, support groups and 1-2-1 support to anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis, including family, friends, carers and healthcare professionals. Recognising the importance of developing educational resources that leave a positive legacy in the community, the charity has partnered up with learning resource providers Transformational Learning to create two unique wellness journals that help people live well during the day and sleep better at night. […]
- [Celebrating Excellence at the VODA VCSE Awards 2024](https://voda.org.uk/celebrating-excellence-at-the-voda-vcse-awards-2024/): This year’s VODA AGM saw the welcome return of the VODA VCSE Awards, a time to celebrate the outstanding contributions of North Tyneside’s volunteers, trustees, voluntary organisations and community-friendly businesses. With many nominations this year, these awards recognise the hard work and dedication of individuals and groups who make a difference in our communities. Here is a look at this year’s deserving award recipients Trustee of the Year: Terry McDermott, North Shields Fishermen’s Heritage Project As the awards took place during Trustees’ Week, it was only fitting that the first award presented was for Trustee of the Year, to highlight […]
- [Burradon & Camperdown Pensioners’ Groups Celebrate New Community Kitchen Equipment](https://voda.org.uk/burradon-camperdown-pensioners-groups-celebrate-new-community-kitchen-equipment/): Pensioners’ groups in Burradon and Camperdown have got a brand new set of kitchen appliances thanks to a community grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The funding has paid for a kettle, microwave, dishwasher, fridge, oven, water boiler and new tables at the Festival Cottages recreation room in Camperdown. The money was applied for by two separate groups who share the Rec Room kitchen, as well as having many members in common. They worked together to apply for the grants. Burradon and Camperdown Pensioners Bingo meets on a Thursday and Burradon and Camperdown Pensioners Coffee Morning meets on […]
- [Dudley Youth Room Launched](https://voda.org.uk/dudley-youth-room-launched/): A youth room has been launched at John Willie Sams Centre in Dudley, thanks to a capital grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). One of the groups based there is the Inspire project for girls aged 11-19 who live in Weetslade, Camperdown or Longbenton wards. With their newly-refurbished room, they have a safe space to chill out, access to free wifi, refreshments, and a choice of activities every Tuesday evening. The girls take the lead on the activities they want and get life skills workshops and employment support. This includes access to fully-funded certified courses on food hygiene, […]
- [Connecting Communities in the North West](https://voda.org.uk/connecting-communities-in-the-north-west/): On Wednesday October 16, over 60 organisations from the North West of the Borough, that have benefitted from UKSPF funding gathered at the White Swan Centre, Killingworth for the North West Community Connector event. To celebrate the success of the project and to come together to look at further investment into the area. Attended by representatives of lead partner, North Tyneside Council as well as VODA and the North East Combined Authority, the networking event was designed to give groups an opportunity to establish lasting links with other grantees in the North West that will allow the programme’s legacy to […]
- [NT LIFE Recovery College Wellbeing Session with Independent Advocacy North East (IANE)](https://voda.org.uk/nt-life-recovery-college-wellbeing-session-with-independent-advocacy-north-east-iane/): NT LIFE Recovery College Wellbeing Session with Independent Advocacy North East (IANE) – 11th September 2024 by Ali Donkin I had the pleasure of delivering a lunchtime wellbeing session to the fantastic team at Independent Advocacy North East (IANE). For those unfamiliar, IANE ensures the voices of vulnerable people are heard, providing vital advocacy services tailored to individual needs. They help people express their views, explore options, and engage in decision-making processes, all while promoting health and self-determination. It was wonderful to see this ethos of well-being extended to their staff. After a warm welcome, we began by discussing various […]
- [Flexible Volunteering: Make Your Time Count](https://voda.org.uk/flexible-volunteering-make-your-time-count/): Are you looking for a volunteering role that fits around your busy schedule? Whether you can only spare an odd hour here and there or need something outside of typical daytime commitments, there are plenty of flexible volunteering opportunities available. Volunteering is a fantastic way to give back to your community, learn new skills, and meet incredible people, all on your own time. “There’s a volunteering role for everyone. Volunteers are needed with a range of skills and attributes, such as IT, gardening, befriending and more!” Lynne, Community Volunteer Why Volunteer? Help others: Support local causes, assist those in need, and […]
- [Charity Commission Launches New My Charity Commission Account (MCCA)](https://voda.org.uk/charity-commission-launches-new-my-charity-commission-account-mcca/): Charity Commission Launches New My Charity Commission Account (MCCA): What Trustees Need to Know The Charity Commission has recently reminded all registered charities about the new way to log in to the Charity Commission portal. Last year, to enhance efficiency and comply with data protection legislation, the Charity Commission launched the My Charity Commission Account (MCCA). This new system allows charities to access their online services, offering each trustee or authorised employee an individual login. Previously, there was just one set of login details that was shared across organisations. This change makes it easier for those who are trustees of […]
- [Projects in the North West receive major funding boost](https://voda.org.uk/major-funding-boost-for-north-west/): North Tyneside Council Press Release – first published 2 October 2024 here. Exciting developments are underway in the North West of the borough as several local projects receive a share of £396,039 Capital Grant funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). UKSPF was made available to any voluntary and community sector organisations, including individual resident’s groups or youth organisations that provide services in Camperdown, Weetslade and Longbenton. Funding has now been fully awarded, and work is set to begin soon on a range of initiatives that will greatly benefit communities. The Capital Grant fund supports established community organisations and […]
- [Updated Guidance: Improving Your Charity's Finance](https://voda.org.uk/updated-guidance-improving-your-charitys-finance/): The Charity Commission has recently refreshed its guidance called Improving your Charity’s Finances (also known as CC12). The Commission is urging all trustees, even if they are very experienced, to read the updated guidance. The main change has been to write the document in plainer English and a more accessible format so that it can benefit as many trustees as possible. The Commission has also split the content into three separate pieces, making it easier for trustees to find the information they need. This also means it takes much less time to read the guidance. As a general point, the […]
- [10 Tips for Nominating for the VODA Awards](https://voda.org.uk/10-tips-for-nominating-for-the-voda-awards/): 10 Top Tips for Nominating for the VODA Awards Each year, the VCSE Awards shine a light on the people and organisations who make North Tyneside a better place. We know there are many inspiring stories out there – but sometimes the nominations don’t capture the full picture. Here are our 10 top tips to help you write a strong nomination: Read the category description carefully. Make sure your nomination clearly shows how your nominee fits the criteria. Be clear about who and why. The judging panel may not know your nominee, so tell their story in a way that […]
- [Charity Meetings Guidance Update](https://voda.org.uk/charity-meetings-guidance-update/): The Charity Commission has recently updated its guidance CC48 Charity Meetings now that an increasing number of charities are using virtual or hybrid formats for their trustees and members meetings. During the COVID-19 pandemic, special dispensation was granted to charities to hold online meetings where their governing document didn’t specifically permit them to do so. This dispensation expired some time ago, but many organisations continue to hold online meetings where their governing document may not permit such an approach. The guidance sets out that Trustees are advised to review their governing document to ensure that it addresses arrangements for meetings, […]
- [Organisational Health Checks: A How-to Guide](https://voda.org.uk/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 an MOT an annual health check makes sure your organisation is firing on all cylinders.    Carrying out a health check will enable your trustees to identify how your organisation really […]
- [Staying Safe and Useful Resources](https://voda.org.uk/staying-safe-and-useful-resources/): Please find below a range of useful resources for charities, groups and individuals, with advice and support in response to the violence and social unrest taking place at the moment. Thank you to Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency (MVDA) an NCVO for collating this information.
- [Where are all the Young Trustees?](https://voda.org.uk/where-are-all-the-young-trustees/): Taken on Trust research published by the Charity Commission shows that 92% of trustees in England and Wales have an average age of 55-64 rising to 65-74 in smaller charities. A huge swathe of the population (and potentially your organisation’s beneficiaries) is simply not being represented on Boards nationwide. If you are looking to diversify your Charity Board (and many charities are or should be considering this), then trying to attract younger trustees should be at the top of your priorities. Younger trustees can provide fresh perspectives, including different lived experiences, complementary skills and, in many cases, bucketloads of enthusiasm! […]
- [North Shields 800: Everyone together for a year of celebration in 2025](https://voda.org.uk/north-shields-800-everyone-together-for-a-year-of-celebration-in-2025/): North Tyneside Council News Release The vibrant community of North Shields is coming together to host a year of celebrations for the town’s 800th anniversary in 2025. North Shields 800 will bring everyone together to enjoy a calendar of exciting events, exhibitions and performances that celebrate North Shields’s past, present and future. It will include a spectacular parade of sail and a blessing of the fishing fleet, a parade along the Fish Quay, exhibitions, street art murals, heritage projects and creative collaborations. North Shields 800 will bring performing arts to the streets, stage events at local venues and capture and […]
- [Good Neighbours Case Study: Penny](https://voda.org.uk/good-neighbours-case-study-penny/): Penny has volunteered for Good Neighbours for almost two years. She is married with three grown-up children and recently retired from running her own business. Penny began volunteering before she retired and needed voluntary work that was flexible. She came across the Good Neighbours project while researching local volunteer opportunities. In Penny’s words: “The way VODA/Good Neighbours scheme works is ideal for me. It means that I can fit volunteering around our volunteering plans and care commitments for my father.” Penny undertakes a variety of tasks for Good Neighbours, including gardening, shopping, collecting prescriptions, buddying, and DIY/odd jobs, often accompanied […]
- [NTLIFE Support Info](https://voda.org.uk/ntlife-support-info/): If you are worried about your mental health, or someone else, here are some useful contacts. Call or Text The Samaritans: 24-hour support, call – 116 123. CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably Open 5pm-midnight 356 days a year, Call – 0800 58 58 58. SHOUT Text ‘SHOUT’ to ‘85258’. Free service, available 24/7 24Hr. Universal Mental Health Crisis Lines North Tyneside or Northumberland – 08006522861. Newcastle or Gateshead – 08006522863 In an Emergency Call 999 Websites For information about support in your local area visit: www.hubofhope.co.uk www.livingwellnorthtyneside.co.uk For information about support if you are struggling with thoughts of suicide […]
- [Good Neighbours Case Study: Pam](https://voda.org.uk/good-neighbours-case-study-pam/): Pam, a retired secretary who has lived in her home in North Tyneside for 56 years, faced many challenges after being diagnosed with cancer in March 2022. Pam, who has lived on her own since the passing of her husband, has limited mobility and multiple health conditions, and while her neighbours have been a big help, Pam has struggled to manage everyday tasks, especially her weekly shopping needs. After her GP recommended the Good Neighbours service, Pam found a lifeline in volunteer Allison, who has been instrumental in helping her with shopping. Pam’s dependence on her neighbours reduced significantly, and […]
- [Good Neighbours FAQ's](https://voda.org.uk/good-neighbours-faqs/): Do you have a question about Good Neighbours? We’ve put together a list of the most frequently asked questions to help. If you still have further questions, drop us an email at admin@voda.org.uk or call 0191 6342626 during office hours. 1. Who does the Good Neighbours scheme help? The scheme is open to anyone aged 18 or over who is a resident of North Tyneside and unable to complete the task themselves due to health, age or disability and has no one else they can call on for help. 2. How can I refer to Good Neighbours for help? To […]
- [Charities Act 2022: Further Changes Come into Force](https://voda.org.uk/charities-act-2022-further-changes-come-into-force/): Charities Act 2022: further changes came into force on 7 March 2024 – What do they mean for you? The Charities Act 2022 has been implemented in stages with the latest changes having just come into force on 7 March 2024. This post looks at some key changes and what they might mean for your organisation: Sections 1-3 Amending Governing Documents The Act introduces new statutory powers for trusts and unincorporated associations to amend their governing documents. This will make it easier for these charities to update their structure and administration. However, the Charity Commission’s authority will be needed for certain […]
- [Whitley Bay Financial Services Boost Whitley Bay Big Local with Volunteer Support](https://voda.org.uk/whitley-bay-financial-services-boost-whitley-bay-big-local-with-volunteer-support/): Whitley Bay Big Local (WBBL) is a community-driven charity that aims to reduce loneliness, address financial exclusion, and encourage action on global climate concerns. Established 10 years ago as part of the Big Local initiative, WBBL became an independent charity in 2017. In 2021 the charity bought the former Job Centre building on Whitley Road and have spent the last couple of years transforming it into a fit-for-purpose community hub. Whitley Bay Financial Services is a newly established accountancy service directed by Lee Thomson, a former Finance Director of an international finance corporation. As funding from the Big Local programme […]
- [Building a Brilliant Board](https://voda.org.uk/building-a-brilliant-board/): Finding and keeping trustees is a vital but demanding task for voluntary and community organisations. Put simply, there are always more Trustee vacancies than there are available people to fill these extremely important posts. Some of your trustees may have left or are intending to leave soon. Or maybe you feel your board needs reinvigorating. This should be seen as an opportunity to bring in new skills, experiences, and perspectives to your board. Follow these steps to build a brilliant Board. Step 1: Prepare your existing Board As a committee, ask yourselves the following questions: • Are we ready and willing to involve […]
- [Tesco Stronger Starts](https://voda.org.uk/tesco-stronger-starts/): Tesco Stronger Starts will fund local causes whose focus is on supporting children and families across the UK. It is a rolling programme, where community groups or charities can apply for funding all year round. Applications are open to all local causes, but the current priority is to help projects that support children’s food security and health, including food banks, breakfast clubs, play areas, counselling and support services and equipment to support young people’s health. Up to £1,500. Voluntary or community organisations, schools, health bodies, local authorities and social housing providers. Apply for the Tesco Stronger Starts grant here
- [North East Child Poverty Commission publishes 'No Time to Wait'](https://voda.org.uk/north-east-child-poverty-publishes-no-time-to-wait/): The North East Child Poverty Commission has published a major new report published which calls for regional leaders to take a ‘public health approach’ to tackling child poverty, based on the findings of wide-ranging research undertaken over the last year throughout the region. More than one-third of all babies, children and young people in the North East (35%) are living in poverty, with our region having experienced the steepest increases in child poverty over much of the last decade. The new report – ‘No time to wait: An ambitious blueprint for tackling child poverty in the North East’ – warns […]
- [Charity Commission aiming to open the doors to charity trusteeship](https://voda.org.uk/charity-commission-aiming-to-open-the-doors-to-charity-trusteeship/): Following Trustees Week in Autumn 2023, the Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, Helen Stephenson, has recently provided feedback on the discussions which she held with Trustees during this time. She has said that the Charity Commission are aware that work still needs to be done to open the doors to trusteeship and that one of the common misconceptions was that trusteeship isn’t suitable for the average person. Helen recounts one trustee saying to her, ‘you can’t be, what you can’t see’. The Charity Commission have provided useful recommendations which an organisation can consider implementing to tackle the problems of […]
- [VODA gains The Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation (VCQA)](https://voda.org.uk/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 provides a high quality and effective local service. Accreditation takes place via a peer assessment and is valid for three years. We’d like to express our thanks to all Staff, […]
- [Case Study: Peer Supporter Hannah](https://voda.org.uk/case-study-peer-supporter-hannah/): Read on to learn how peer supporter Hannah co-created NT LIFE’s new Neuro-divergence Group… As a peer supporter, the idea of a neurodiversity group came very early to me. I recognised that I had the opportunity to create a group that could help neurodiverse people find a safe place to be themselves. It is particularly important to me as I am neurodivergent myself. I first came to understand what it means for me to be neurodivergent whilst studying clinical psychology at the University of Sunderland. My lecturer/personal tutor initiated the idea of my being autistic, after she had become aware […]
- [The Non-Party Campaigner Code and what this means for Charities](https://voda.org.uk/the-non-party-campaigner-code-and-what-this-means-for-charities/): The chair of the Charity Commission has advised that Charities need to be aware of the implications of the new Non-Party Campaigner Code which came into effect on 1 December 2023. This Code will introduce some important changes to electoral law which will be relevant to many charities whose leaders and trustees will see this as a critical moment to speak up for beneficiaries and highlight causes.  This continues to be entirely legitimate but doing so consistently within the legal framework is crucial.  Key Changes  By way of summary, in addition to a charity’s continuing obligations under normal charity law, […]
- [Bring joy to someone this New Year](https://voda.org.uk/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 themselves due to age, health, disability or for any other underlying reason and they have no one else who they can call on for help. Good Neighbours is looking for […]
- [Using AI as a Charity](https://voda.org.uk/using-ai-as-a-charity/): What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? AI is a part of our everyday lives. It can have great benefits in terms of efficiency and social good but there are ethical requirements which it is important to be aware of.   The Information Commissioner’s Office definition of AI is:   “…an umbrella term for a range of algorithm-based technologies that solve complex tasks by carrying out functions that previously required human thinking. Decisions made using AI are either fully automated, or with a ‘human in the loop’.”   How can you use AI within your organisation? There are many ways to use AI but some examples are […]
- [Trustee Training at VODA](https://voda.org.uk/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?   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.  If you would like your team of trustees to benefit from this training, please contact VODA’s Core Services Team by telephone on 0191 643 2626 or by email at development@voda.org.uk to […]
- [Understanding Social Enterprises](https://voda.org.uk/understanding-social-enterprises/): What is a Social Enterprise?  Social enterprises are businesses that put the interests of people and planet ahead of shareholder gain. These businesses are driven by a social/environmental mission and reinvest profits into creating positive social change. They aim to get most of the income they need from trade rather than from funding or donations.   How are they structured legally?   Social enterprises can take on many different legal structures. Some charities operate as social enterprises, so social enterprises can have a charity legal structure.  A common legal structure for a non-charitable social enterprise is a Community Interest Company (CIC). A […]
- [VODA 2023 VCSE Award Winners](https://voda.org.uk/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 but he has played a key role in governance of the organisation and ensuring that safeguarding is in place. He is committed to supporting not only Phoenix’s staff but also […]
- [Trustee Expenses and Payments](https://voda.org.uk/trustee-expenses-and-payments/): The concept of unpaid trusteeship has been one of the defining characteristics of the charitable sector, contributing greatly to public confidence in charities. The basic principle is that trustees must not put themselves in a position where their personal interests conflict with their duty to act in the interests of the charity unless authorised to do so. Key areas to consider are: Expenses: However, trustees are entitled to have their expenses met from the funds of the charity. Expenses can include a wide range of costs including, for example, travel and other costs of attending meetings, specific telephone and broadband […]
- [Is setting up a charity the best option?](https://voda.org.uk/is-setting-up-a-charity-the-best-option/): Sometimes people assume that setting up a charity is the best or only option when they are setting up a new organisation which aims to help. However, sometimes this isn’t the case. Consider these points below to see whether a charity is the best option for you and your organisation.  Who you will help and how you will help them: If your organisation benefits the community, it does not mean that you can automatically set up a charity. This is because not everything that benefits the community is charitable. You must have specific aims (known as ‘charitable purposes’) to set up a […]
- [Social Media Guidance for Charities](https://voda.org.uk/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 to engage with or debate the work of charities. However, the Charity Commission’s casework suggests that some trustees have limited oversight of their charities’ use of social media compared to […]
- [Trusteeship Good for Business?](https://voda.org.uk/trusteeship-good-for-business/): How trusteeship can help provide great experience for junior staff members looking to build their leadership skills There is a myth that becoming a charity trustee is just for those people who’ve been there, and done that. A retired professional or businessperson comes to mind as an ideal candidate. Whilst it’s true that a Board of Trustees will benefit immensely from trustees with this type of background, younger trustees are in high demand as they are integral to the diversity offering of a Board, bringing different skills, experience and perspectives. But what’s in it for any young would-be trustee, and […]
- [Northumbria University Business Clinic](https://voda.org.uk/northumbria-university-business-clinic/): Northumbria University’s Business Clinic uses undergraduate and postgraduate business students to provide a range of consultancy advice, including: review of IT systems and recommendations, strategic marketing reviews; brand audits and reviews feasibility studies on strategic decisions or expansion etc. There is some free of charge consultancy advice for charities, so if there is a challenge within your organisation that you would like the Business Clinic to explore you can email businessclinic@northumbria.ac.uk
- [Charity Commission produces knowledge test quiz for Trustees](https://voda.org.uk/charity-commission-produces-knowledge-test-quiz-for-trustees/): The Charity Commission has launched a new quiz which tests Trustee’s knowledge of their duties and responsibilities and aims to increase awareness of the Commission’s 5-minute guides. There are 10 multiple choice questions on topics such as conflicts of interest and a charity’s reserves policy. There is a feedback section for each question and links to further guidance on each topic. This is a really useful resource to help Trustees identify the areas where they may need to increase their knowledge base. The quiz can be found here: Take the trustee quiz here. If you require further information on your […]
- [Knowledge Update: Legal Costs of a Lease Renewal-Who should pay?](https://voda.org.uk/knowledge-update-legal-costs-of-a-lease-renewal-who-should-pay/): Background If you rent or lease the place where your organisation conducts their work, then you are a business tenant. The Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (Part 2) gives business tenants an important legal protection, called ‘security of tenure’ – the right to renew the tenancy when it comes to an end. This right to renew will be applicable if the tenant has not ‘contracted out’ which means they have effectively agreed that they will not benefit from the automatic right. In addition, Landlords can oppose renewal of the tenancy for certain limited, specific reasons. Some are to do with the […]
- [Celebrating the revitalisation of North Shields](https://voda.org.uk/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 HAZ also tapped into the rich heritage and culture of the town, through the Cultural Consortium that saw local voluntary sector organisations working together to provide a programme of arts […]
- [Boardroom Behaviour: A Recipe for Success](https://voda.org.uk/boardroom-behaviour-a-recipe-for-success/): How your board works together as a group is vital and improving this is often a key development need for boards. Some of the things that you can do to help to ensure ideal behaviour in meetings include: Effective chairing: A chair should spend their time listening, moving the discussion on, and then summarising. At the end of each agenda item the chair should ensure that everyone is clear about the outcome reached. A good chair will encourage everyone to have some input. Making sure that the meeting does not get bogged down in formalities: Whilst meetings should be conducted […]
- [HDH Wills 1965 Charitable Trust](https://voda.org.uk/hdh-wills-1965-charitable-trust/): The HDH Wills General Fund offers grants of £500 to £2,000 to small charities and modest projects across England, Wales, and Scotland. Who Can Apply The fund supports registered charities, exempt charities, and excepted charities that are small enough in size, or working on projects where a grant will make a meaningful difference. Grants of £1,000 to £2,000 are also available for charities focused on wildlife and environmental conservation. What They Fund Grants can be used for revenue costs, capital expenditure, or specific projects. Important Information The fund does not normally support organisations it has funded within the previous 24 […]
- [Community Foundation: REEDS Grassroots Fund](https://voda.org.uk/community-foundation-reeds-grassroots-fund/): The Reeds Grassroots Fund supports projects in Tyne and Wear and Northumberland that improve mental health and tackle disadvantage and inequalities limiting life chances, particularly for children and disadvantaged communities. Funding Available Grants of up to £3,000 are available for projects in areas of high deprivation. Priority Areas Mental Health Support Activities focusing on improved mental health for children, young people, and disadvantaged adults Projects that build children’s confidence, develop social skills, build resilience, and promote mental health and wellbeing Welfare and Employment Support Activities providing welfare benefits and employment-related advice to disadvantaged individuals and families experiencing poverty, aiming to: […]
- [BBC Children in Need – Emergency Essentials Programme](https://voda.org.uk/bbc-children-in-need-emergency-essentials-programme/): The Emergency Essentials Programme provides critical items that meet the most basic needs of children and young people in the UK experiencing crisis or emergency situations. Who Can Benefit Children and young people up to and including age 17 who are: Experiencing a crisis or emergency Living in the UK Living with financial, health, and social difficulties Limit: One application per household within a 12-month period Not eligible: Adults aged 18 and over Children not living in the UK Care leavers with access to specific statutory provision Those not meeting the programme’s residence criteria What They Provide Critical items including: […]
- [Esmée Fairbairn Foundation](https://voda.org.uk/esmee-fairbairn-foundation/): The Esmee Fairbairn Foundation provides substantial grants to UK organisations seeking to create long‑term impact and drive systemic change. Funding supports core costs or projects that align with the Foundation’s strategic priorities, including social justice, community wellbeing and environmental sustainability. Grants start at £30,000 with no upper limit, and most are awarded for three to five years. The Foundation does not set deadlines for general applications; expressions of interest can be submitted at any time, and decisions are made on a rolling basis. The Foundation funds constituted organisations with an annual turnover of at least £100,000. It seeks work that […]
- [Sport England Movement Fund](https://voda.org.uk/sport-england-movement-fund/): The Movement Fund provides grants of £300 to £15,000 for community physical activity projects that support people facing barriers to being active. What They Fund Projects that get more people active, including: New Activity Sessions – Setting up new experiences or activity sessions for people to get involved Spaces and Equipment – Improving or creating new spaces for people to be active, or providing equipment needed for activities Environmental Sustainability – Projects that combine environmental sustainability with physical activity opportunities Capacity Building – Supporting organisations to build their capacity and capability to help their community be active Emergency Response – […]
- [Schroder Charity Trust](https://voda.org.uk/schroder-charity-trust-2/): The Schroder Charity Trust provides one‑off grants of up to £5,000 to UK‑registered charities. Its funding aims to support disadvantaged children and young adults, and strengthen communities by improving wellbeing, education, employment prospects and life outcomes for vulnerable groups. Who can applyEligible applicants are UK‑registered charities that operate within the Trust’s income guidelines. Grants are awarded to organisations whose projects align with the Trust’s focus on supporting young people, vulnerable adults, and community development initiatives. What the funding supportsGrants may be used for: Education and learning programmes that improve literacy, numeracy or employability skills for children and young people Projects […]
- [The Brian Roycroft Fund](https://voda.org.uk/the-brian-roycroft-fund-2/): The Brian Roycroft Fund The Brian Roycroft Fund provides financial support to care leavers aged 18-25 from or living in Tyne and Wear and Northumberland, helping them achieve their aspirations as they transition to adult life. Funding Available Grants of up to £1,000 (though most grants are smaller) to help care leavers with exceptional or difficult costs. What the Fund Supports Grants help care leavers to: Move into settled, safe accommodation Enter further or higher education Find satisfying employment Achieve good health and positive wellbeing Previous grants have helped young people: Take driving lessons and tests to become more independent […]
- [Clothworkers Foundation](https://voda.org.uk/clothworkers-foundation/): The Clothworkers’ Foundation offers ongoing capital grants to UK‑registered charities, community interest companies and other not‑for‑profit organisations to support projects that benefit disadvantaged or marginalised people and communities. Who can applyUK charities, CICs and other registered not‑for‑profits (including special schools) with an annual income under £10 million may apply. Projects must benefit people within one or more of the Foundation’s priority areas, such as disability and mental health, racial inequalities, homelessness, economic disadvantage, young people facing disadvantage, older people, domestic abuse, LGBT+ communities, substance misuse and prison rehabilitation. At least 50 per cent of those benefiting from the project must […]
- [Sector Connector Offer – Organise & Thrive](https://voda.org.uk/sector-connector-offer-organise-thrive/): Sector Connector offer: 15% off Organise & Thrive support for VCSE organisations We’re pleased to share an exclusive Sector Connector offer from Organise & Thrive, following a highly rated workshop delivered by founder Tracey Hindmarch at VODA. Organise & Thrive supports individuals and organisations to create calm, clutter-free spaces that boost clarity, productivity and confidence. Their work focuses on practical, achievable solutions that make everyday systems easier to manage and sustain. What Organise & Thrive offers Support is tailored to your needs and can include: Office organisation and workspace decluttering Creating simple, effective systems and processes Support with moves and […]
- [Volunteer in Wallsend!](https://voda.org.uk/volunteer-in-wallsend/): Volunteering is a fantastic way to get involved in your local community. By giving your time, you’ll make a real difference to others while developing new skills, meeting people, and building a strong sense of belonging. From supporting local families to caring for the environment, every act of volunteering helps strengthen community ties and creates a friendlier, more connected Wallsend. If you’re thinking about giving volunteering a try, here are some great places to start: Wallsend Memorial Hall – Known locally as The Mem, this community hub has various volunteering roles, including helping on reception and supporting community projects. Anxious Minds – Support […]
- [New Climate Action Fund Opens to Support UK Food Systems](https://voda.org.uk/new-climate-action-fund-opens-to-support-uk-food-systems/): The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) has opened applications to its Climate Action Fund – Food Systems programme. The fund supports long-term, partnership-led projects that aim to change how food systems work across the UK. Grants of £2.5 million to £7 million are available. Projects must run for five to seven years. Up to 10 projects are expected to be funded in the first year. The programme focuses on systems change. This includes work that strengthens food systems, tackles the root causes of food insecurity and works with nature to create lasting change. Projects must focus on at least one […]
- [Groundwork Grassroots Grants](https://voda.org.uk/groundwork-grassroots-grants/): Flexible funding for small community organisations The Grassroots Grants programme offers unrestricted grants of £500–£2,000 to small, local organisations in England. Funding is open to voluntary and community groups, small charities, and eligible Community Interest Companies with an annual income of £25,000 or less. This funding is designed to support organisations making a real difference in their neighbourhoods, especially those working with communities experiencing deprivation or supporting marginalised or vulnerable people. Who Can Apply? This programme is for small organisations that: Have an annual turnover of £25,000 or less Are voluntary or community groups, small charities, or qualifying CICs with […]
- [Barchester Charitable Foundation](https://voda.org.uk/barchester-charitable-foundation/): Barchester’s Charitable Foundation supports projects that combat isolation and loneliness by connecting or reconnecting older people and adults with disabilities or mental health problems to their local communities. Funding Available Individual Grants – Up to £1,000 For purchasing or adapting mobility equipment for outdoor use (£100-£1,000). Applications must be completed by a third party who knows the individual in a professional or community-based capacity. Group Grants – Up to £2,500 For community groups and local charities to fund activities, outings, equipment, and materials for members or service users (£100-£2,500). Who Can Apply Community health professionals (for individual applications) Community groups […]
- [The True Colours Trust - UK Small Grants programme](https://voda.org.uk/the-true-colours-trust-uk-small-grants-programme/): The True Colours Trust UK Small Grants programme supports local organisations that improve the lives of disabled children, young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families. Grants help charities provide activities, family support, bereavement services, and specialist equipment or facilities. Grant amountsGrants are awarded up to £10,000, though many are smaller. Who can applyUK-registered charities and community interest companies delivering projects in the UK can apply. Grants are aimed at organisations working with children and young people aged 0–25, including their siblings and families. To reach as many groups as possible, the Trust usually does not fund the same organisation […]
- [Sector Connector NE Display 25% VCSE Discount](https://voda.org.uk/sector-connector-ne-display-25-vcse-discount/): NE Display is offering an exclusive 25% discount to charities, voluntary groups, community organisations, and social enterprises (VCSEs). Simply quote “Sector Connector” when enquiring. Established in 2005, NE Display specialise in producing high quality graphics and promotional display materials for businesses across the UK. From exhibition stands and promotional graphics to outdoor signage and vehicle livery. With their own large format printing and laminating machinery, they manage every stage of production in house ensuring excellent quality from concept to delivery. As a community driven company with strong people focused values, they are committed to supporting organisations that are making a positive impact. www.nedisplay.co.uk/ 01912893459 SALES@NEDISPLAY.CO.UK
- [BlueSpark Foundation Grants for Children & Young People](https://voda.org.uk/bluespark-foundation/): BlueSpark funds small projects that support the education and development of children and young people aged 5–22 through educational, cultural, sporting and other enrichment activities. The focus is on projects that build confidence, teamwork and future employability. Who Can Apply Applicants must be based in England, and projects must be specific, not general running costs. Schools, community groups, clubs, not‑for‑profits and individuals may apply. What They Don’t Fund BlueSpark does not fund: Work for under‑5s or over‑22s Mentoring, counselling, holiday clubs or playgroups Building or maintenance work Training for adults Student fees or maintenance Services delivered by an organisation to […]
- [Wooden Spoon Society Grants](https://voda.org.uk/wooden-spoon-societys-grants/): Wooden Spoon supports projects across the UK and Ireland that make a positive impact on the lives of children and young people who are disadvantaged physically, mentally, or socially. Vision “Through the power of rugby, every child and young person has access to the best life opportunities.” Who Can Apply Organisations with legal status including schools, charities, and clubs in the UK or Ireland. Partnership applications are accepted with one organisation taking the lead. Cannot apply if: You have received a Wooden Spoon grant within the past five years You have an application currently being considered Your organisation has large […]
- [Aviva Community Fund (Match Funding)](https://voda.org.uk/aviva-community-fund-match-funding/): The Aviva Communities Fund supports small charities and non-profit organisations through a combination of crowdfunding and match funding, helping communities drive meaningful change. Funding Focus The Fund prioritises projects that: Support Financial Wellbeing – Helping people feel more secure and in control of their finances through budgeting support, debt advice, money management education, access to food banks and essential items, and building key life skills. Support Climate Action – Helping communities prevent, prepare for, and adapt to climate change through creating green spaces, restoring nature, supporting biodiversity, climate education and engagement, and installing renewable energy or energy-saving measures. How It […]
- [Sir James Knott Trust](https://voda.org.uk/sir-james-knott-trust/): The Sir James Knott Trust supports charitable activity across Tyne & Wear, Northumberland, County Durham and Hartlepool, aiming to improve the lives of people living and working in the North East. What the Trust Funds The Trust offers a range of flexible grants, including small grants, capital funding, project support and longer‑term unrestricted core funding. Typical multi‑year grants include £5,000 per year for three years, with occasional larger awards up to £15,000 per year. Grants are designed to be light‑touch, trusting organisations to use the funding where it is most effective. Special consideration is given to areas historically important to […]
- [Swire Charitable Trust](https://voda.org.uk/swire-charitable-trust/): The Swire Charitable Trust makes grants to charities supporting some of the UK’s most vulnerable people to overcome barriers and realise their potential, and to charities protecting our precious environment and heritage. Grants are available across three funding programmes: Opportunity – improving life chances, realising potential Environment – connecting people to the environment/supporting the UK’s biodiversity Heritage – regeneration through restoration/safeguarding endangered skills Across all programmes priority is given to charities that operate in some of the most disadvantaged parts of the UK and try to engage the most marginalised and vulnerable in their work. Up to £25,000 (considered at monthly […]
- [CRASH](https://voda.org.uk/crash/): CRASH supports homelessness charities and hospices with construction projects by providing free or discounted professional expertise, construction products, and grants. Who Can Apply Homelessness Charities Must meet the following criteria: Use the building to deliver services to single homeless adults at least four days a week Have a legal interest in the building (unless seeking professional advice about a building they wish to lease or buy) Own the freehold or hold a lease with at least five years remaining Hospice Charities Must meet the following criteria: Use the building to deliver in-patient or day services to people in need of […]
- [Blog: Stronger Together - The Voluntary Sector’s Role in Health and Wellbeing](https://voda.org.uk/blog-stronger-together-the-voluntary-sectors-role-in-health-and-wellbeing/): The voluntary and community sector is at the heart of healthier, more connected communities. In this new blog, Birju Bartoli, Chief Executive of Northumbria NHS Foundation Trust, shares how local charities and groups are helping tackle inequalities, inspire young people, and support local jobs. These partnerships show the power of working together to create lasting change. Stronger Together: The value of the voluntary sector to the health and wellbeing of our communities As Chief Executive of one of the largest NHS Trusts in the country geographically, embedded in our diverse urban and rural communities across North Tyneside and Northumberland, I […]
- [Mental Health Alliance Networking Event Highlights Collaborative Working](https://voda.org.uk/mental-health-alliance-networking-event-highlights-collaborative-working/): The North Tyneside Mental Health Alliance welcomed more than 50 attendees to its annual Networking Event, held in November at The Exchange in North Shields. Despite snowy weather conditions, the event brought together Alliance members, partners and stakeholders for a positive and engaging day focused on collaboration, learning and shared progress. Strengthening Connections Across the Alliance The event included a lively speed networking session, giving attendees the opportunity to connect with a range of Alliance members and learn more about the collective work taking place to support mental health and wellbeing across North Tyneside. Attendees also heard updates on the […]
- [National Deaf Children's Society Community Grants](https://voda.org.uk/national-deaf-childrens-society-community-grants/): The National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) is currently accepting applications to its Community Grants programme, offering funding to organisations that support deaf children and their families across the UK. Groups can apply for grants ranging from £1,000 to £10,000 to deliver projects that help build strong, connected communities for families with deaf children. About the Community Grants Programme The Community Grants programme aims to strengthen local communities by bringing together families of deaf children. For parents, particularly in the early years after diagnosis, having access to a supportive community can make a significant difference as they learn more about their […]
- [Did you miss our Countdown to Kindness?](https://voda.org.uk/did-you-miss-our-countdown-to-kindness/): Did you miss our Countdown to Kindness? There’s still time to get involved. Article by VODA volunteer, Ellie Avery Why not make volunteering your New Year’s resolution for 2026? Each day between Christmas and New Year, we shared a range of volunteering opportunities as part of our Countdown to Kindness on the North Tyneside Volunteer Centre Facebook page – highlighting roles to suit different interests, skills and availability. Below is a round-up of the opportunities we featured across the week. Day One: Community Volunteering Volunteering in your local community is a great way to see positive change happen around you. […]
- [Welcoming New Trustees: Five Practical Tips for a Strong Start](https://voda.org.uk/welcoming-new-trustees-five-practical-tips-for-a-strong-start/): As the new year gets underway, our latest Governance Blog focuses on an important but sometimes overlooked aspect of good governance: giving new trustees a genuinely warm and supportive welcome. Why does this matter? Trustees who feel valued and well supported from the outset are far more likely to stay engaged and contribute effectively. Putting the same care into welcome and induction as into recruitment helps organisations get the best from their board, right from the start. So how can this be done simply and effectively? Here are five practical tips. Match them with a buddyPair each new trustee with […]
- [Children in Need Core Costs Funding](https://voda.org.uk/children-in-need-core-costs-funding/): BBC Children in Need’s Core Costs stream supports the essential day‑to‑day running costs that help charities operate effectively. This includes management, HR, office expenses, finance, governance, communications, and monitoring. Who Can Apply? Not‑for‑profit organisations working with children and young people aged 18 and under Based in the UK, Isle of Man or Channel Islands Annual turnover under £1 million One grant at a time per organisation Grants up to three years, maximum £40,000 per year (most grants are smaller) Applications over £15,000 per year require registration with the appropriate regulator BBC Children in Need does not fund statutory services, educational […]
- [The Shears Foundation](https://voda.org.uk/the-shears-foundation/): The Shears Foundation The Shears Foundation offers grants of £3,000 to £6,000 to charitable organisations with an income under £1.5 million working in their priority areas. Priority Areas Development of culture and the arts Educational opportunities for adults and/or children Protection, preservation, or enhancement of the natural environment Creating stronger, better, or more sustainable communities Promoting health and medicine, with emphasis on research or education (not currently accepting hospice applications) Geographic Focus Primary focus (55-60% of grants): Tyne & Wear and Northumberland Also supporting: Former Harrogate District & City of York, City of Bradford, and Greater Manchester Due to high […]
- [The Wellbank Foundation](https://voda.org.uk/the-wellbank-foundation/): The Wellbank Foundation is a family-run charity that offers grants to support registered charities in North East England. The foundation aims to fund initiatives that improve lives and help individuals reach their full potential, with grants ranging from £500 to £25,000. The foundation welcomes applications from organisations assisting disadvantaged people, whether due to financial hardship, health issues, or other challenges. While it focuses on educational, sporting, and environmental projects, it will consider other initiatives that align with its goals. Eligibility criteria include: Based in the North East with a turnover under £1m. Benefits multiple North East residents disadvantaged by youth, […]
- [Big Issue Invest (Loan)](https://voda.org.uk/big-issue-invest-loan/): Big Issue Invest is offering loan finance for energy efficiency and renewable energy insulation to help organisations save money during the unprecedented cost-of-living crisis. You can apply for a Big Energy saving Loan if: Your organisation is a social enterprise or charity* There is a clear energy saving case in the works proposed You can demonstrate an ability to repay finance You are a well-managed organisation with good governance You are based in England £20,000 – £200,000. Social enterprises and charities. Big Energy Saving Loans – Big Issue
- [Cosaraf Charitable Foundation’s Hardship Grants](https://voda.org.uk/cosaraf-charitable-foundations-hardship-grants-2/): Grants to Support Individuals & Families in Need. Grants are available to charities, housing associations, schools and social services providing support for individuals and families across the UK who are in financial need. The Hardship Fund offers grants to those living in the UK only.  Grants of up to £2,000 are available for eligible individuals and families, but only in exceptional circumstances will individual grants exceed £500. The Cosaraf Charitable Foundation’s Hardship Grants will support individuals and families who have exhausted all other sources of funding and are struggling with everyday costs, such as basic living expenses, household items and utilities, […]
- [Garfield Weston Foundation](https://voda.org.uk/garfield-weston-foundation/): The Garfield Weston Foundation is a family‑founded grant maker supporting charities across the UK. Each year it donates around £100 million to organisations delivering vital work in their communities. What They Fund The Foundation supports a wide range of charitable activity across sectors including welfare, youth, community, environment, education, health, arts, heritage and faith. Grants can be made for core costs, specific projects, or capital needs such as building works or essential equipment. Who Can Apply Charities of all sizes can apply, from small local groups to large national organisations. Applicants do not need to have applied before, and the […]
- [Small Charities Under Pressure: What the Third Sector Trends Report Tells Us, and How Training Helps](https://voda.org.uk/small-charities-under-pressure-what-the-third-sector-trends-report-tells-us-and-how-training-helps/): The latest research from the Third Sector Trends report show a clear challenge for the voluntary and community sector. Small charities are seeing the biggest drops in trustee and volunteer numbers. Organisations working with very limited budgets now face real risks to governance, service delivery and long-term stability. While larger charities may be seeing some recovery, many grassroots groups continue to struggle to recruit and retain the people they rely on.  Reduced Investment in Training The report also highlights a fall in organisations investing in training for staff, volunteers and trustees. When capacity is tight, development is often pushed aside. However, […]
- [Free Unrestricted Funding from easyfundraising](https://voda.org.uk/free-unrestricted-funding-from-easyfundraising/): Raise Money for Your Community—Just by Shopping Online Easyfundraising provides a simple way for community groups, charities and local organisations to generate free donations whenever supporters shop online. Over 8,000 retailers donate a percentage of each purchase to your cause, at no extra cost to the shopper. How It Works Register your organisation – setup takes only a few minutes. Share your page using the free marketing resources provided. Collect donations automatically every time supporters shop through Easyfundraising. Retailers send the donations directly to your group as a thank‑you for their purchase. Who It’s For Easyfundraising supports a wide range […]
- [Karbon Homes Community Funding](https://voda.org.uk/karbon-homes-community-funding/): Karbon Homes Community Funding Karbon Homes Community Investment fund supports not-for-profit organisations, voluntary groups, and local schools delivering projects that make a real difference to people’s lives and wellbeing in the communities where Karbon Homes works. Funding Themes Projects must fall under one of the following key themes: Cost of living – Supporting people with financial pressures Bringing people together – Creating strong relationships in communities Health and wellbeing – Improving physical and mental health Improving places – Enhancing local environments Grant Amount Maximum award: £4,000 per year Maximum project length: 2 years Assessment Process Applications of £1,500 or less: […]
- [The Joicey Trust](https://voda.org.uk/the-joicey-trust/): The Joicey Trust The Joicey Trust supports registered and statutory charities across the North East of England and Scottish Borders with grants for revenue (including core funding) and capital expenditure. Geographic Area All NE and SR postcodes Postcodes DH1-DH9 Scottish Borders Who Can Apply Registered or statutory charities Unregistered charitable organisations (with a letter from a Local Infrastructure Organisation confirming they will receive the award on behalf of the organisation) Not eligible: Charities not registered within the beneficiary area with gross incoming resources exceeding £1 million Individuals (except those sponsored by an international development charity) Research projects or research costs […]
- [Charity Governance Code: Key Updates for 2025](https://voda.org.uk/charity-governance-code-key-updates-for-2025/): The Charity Governance Code has been refreshed for 2025, introducing clearer principles, updated indicators of success and strengthened guidance for trustees and chairs. Our Governance Advisor outlines the most important changes and what they mean for organisations moving forward. Read the full summary and access the updated Code.
- [Driving Gnome for Christmas – A Sector Connector and NT LIFE Collaboration](https://voda.org.uk/driving-gnome-for-christmas-a-sector-connector-and-nt-life-collaboration/): Sector Connector has coordinated a creative festive volunteering project that brought three organisations together in support of NT LIFE, North Tyneside’s Recovery College. Volunteers from BT, EE and North Tyneside Council took part in micro-volunteering days designed to offer both practical help and positive wellbeing activities. Across three sessions, 17 staff from BT and EE and two members of staff from the council produced 58 handmade Driving Gnomes for Christmas. The project provided a relaxed, friendly space where volunteers could switch off, get creative and contribute to a local wellbeing initiative. Many spoke about the impact of the sessions: “Making […]
- [National Lottery Guidance: Using AI in Funding Applications](https://voda.org.uk/national-lottery-guidance-using-ai-in-funding-applications/): The National Lottery Community Fund has released new guidance to help applicants understand how to use artificial intelligence tools appropriately when preparing funding bids. The Fund notes that AI can support early idea development or help draft initial text. However, applicants are reminded that funding decisions are based on the clarity, accuracy and authenticity of the information provided. Applications must reflect the organisation’s own work, community need and intended outcomes, rather than generic content generated by a tool. The guidance also explains that AI can sometimes produce inaccurate or misleading information, so applicants should review every section carefully before submitting. […]
- [Welfare Grants Programme - Family Action](https://voda.org.uk/welfare-grants-programme-family-action/): Families facing financial hardship can receive small grants to help purchase essential household items. The grants typically range from £200 to £300 for items such as beds, cookers, and fridge-freezers. Applicants must be referred by recognised agencies and belong to priority groups, including those affected by mental health issues, domestic abuse, or old age. The programme supports individuals receiving means-tested benefits who are under exceptional pressure, and there is no deadline for applications. The initiative is delivered by the national charity Family Action through its Welfare Grants Programme – Family Action
- [British Legion Everyday Needs Cost-of-Living Grants](https://voda.org.uk/british-legion-everyday-needs-cost-of-living-grants/): Grants of up to £2,400 are being made available to help UK Armed Forces veterans and their families who are struggling to pay their bills due to the cost-of-living crisis. The funding is being made available through the Royal British Legion’s Everyday Needs Grants Programme to support people who need help with everyday essentials such as kitchen appliances, clothes, and energy costs. The initiative will provide non-repayable emergency grants of up to £200 a month for up to twelve months. Applications can be made at any time and should be assessed within five days of submission. *Check eligibility here. £2,400. […]
- [Community Foundation: The 1989 Willan Charitable Trust](https://voda.org.uk/community-foundation-1989-willan-charitable-trust/): The fund supports charities whose activities benefit residents, with priority being given to those working to ease social deprivation and/or enrich the fabric of the local community and the quality of life of individuals within that community. Grants are available to support core and project costs, and applications where the grant will represent a significant contribution to delivery of the work will be given preference. The fund tends to favour supporting local registered charities, including those operating as branches of national charities, with expenditure of less than £1m. Rolling grants programme.  Read more and apply here.
- [Warm Welcome Venues Open Across North Tyneside](https://voda.org.uk/warm-welcome-venues-open-across-north-tyneside/): North Tyneside Council’s Warm Welcome scheme is now live, providing residents with free, comfortable spaces to relax, connect with others and access support throughout the colder months. The programme forms part of the Council’s Household Support Fund and offers warm, safe locations where people can enjoy hot drinks, activities and company without any need for referral or assessment. A full list of venues and opening times is available on the Council’s website: Warm Welcome venues. Libraries, Community Hubs and a wide range of voluntary and community organisations are taking part, each offering their own mix of facilities and activities. Most […]
- [Safeguarding Adults Week 2025: Building Safer Organisations Across North Tyneside](https://voda.org.uk/safeguarding-adults-week-2025-building-safer-organisations-across-north-tyneside/): Safeguarding Adults Week runs from Monday 17 to Friday 21 November 2025, and this year’s theme – prevention – is particularly relevant for the North Tyneside VCSE. Why Safeguarding Matters in the Charity Sector  Every organisation that delivers charitable activities has a duty to safeguard volunteers, staff members, participants and donors. This isn’t just about compliance – it’s about creating organisations where everyone feels safe and protected.  The Charity Commission has made clear that safeguarding is important for all charities, not just those working with groups traditionally considered at risk such as children and vulnerable adults. Safeguarding is about protecting everyone – beneficiaries, volunteers and employees, and those […]
- [Children in Need Project Costs Funding Stream](https://voda.org.uk/children-in-need-project-costs-funding-stream/): The Children in Need Project Costs funding stream is for charities and non-profit organisations working with children and young people aged 18 or under. They are looking for projects to support the aims and delivery of a specific piece of work, which is usually time-limited and based on a defined set of activities. Applicants to this programme can apply for grants for up to three years and they aim to give quicker decisions for grants of £15,000 or less per year. The Project Costs stream has no application deadlines, and you can apply at any time. They will not fund […]
- [Construction Workers Charitable Trust](https://voda.org.uk/construction-workers-charitable-trust/): Grants are available to not-for-profit organisations supporting people with education and training in construction and construction industry related Occupational Health and Safety initiatives. B&CE’s Charitable Trust provides the following grants: Grants for organisations for delivery of education and training projects leading to qualifications in construction. Grants supporting occupational health and safety initiatives in construction. Up to £15,000. Not-for-profit organisations. No deadline. Read more here.
- [VODA's Telephone Number Has Changed](https://voda.org.uk/vodas-telephone-number-has-changed/): From 17 November 2025, VODA’s telephone number has changed. You can now contact us on 0191 323 2040.
- [The Allen Lane Foundation](https://voda.org.uk/the-allen-lane-foundation/): Allen Lane Foundation The Allen Lane Foundation supports small registered charities, voluntary groups, and charitable organisations across the UK working to make a lasting difference to people’s lives. Funding Aims The Foundation funds work that: Makes a lasting difference to people’s lives rather than simply alleviating current problems Reduces isolation, stigma, and discrimination Encourages or enables groups experiencing marginalisation and/or discrimination to share in community life Funding Available Grants of up to £15,000, which can be spread over three years, two years, or as a single grant. However, most grants are much smaller, with an average grant size of £5,000-£6,000. […]
- [Third Sector Trends 2025: Challenges and Positives](https://voda.org.uk/third-sector-trends-2025-challenges-and-positives/): The first report of Third Sector Trends 2025, facilitated and co-funded by Community Foundation North East, shows important shifts in how voluntary and community organisations work together and with the public sector.  Key concerns include a drop in formal partnership working (now at 27.6%) and a reduced sense of being informed or involved by the public sector. The research also shows a fall in interest in public sector contracts, particularly among larger organisations.  There are, however, positive signs. Informal collaboration remains widespread (72%) and most organisations (87%) say they feel valued by the public sector. Notably, the North East bucks […]
- [VODA AGM & Awards 2025: Celebrating our Local VCSE Champions](https://voda.org.uk/voda-agm-awards-2025-celebrating-our-local-vcse-champions/): VODA’s Annual General Meeting and Awards took place on Tuesday 11 November 2025, bringing together volunteers, community groups, partners and supporters for a morning of reflection, recognition and connection. Hosted at the Spirit of North Tyneside, the event offered a chance to look back on another year of impact and to celebrate the dedication of North Tyneside’s voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector. Highlights From the Day The morning began with a warm welcome from VODA Chief Executive, Vicky Smith, who shared updates on the organisation’s work and thanked everyone for their continued support. Attendees also heard from Jackie […]
- [National Churches Trust Grants](https://voda.org.uk/national-churches-trust-grants/): The National Churches Trust supports repair, maintenance and development projects in churches, chapels and meeting houses across the UK that are open for regular worship. Their grants help ensure these buildings remain open and able to serve their communities. Large Grants Grants of up to £50,000 are available for major urgent structural repair projects costing more than £80,000 (including VAT). Medium Grants Grants of £3,000–£10,000 support project development (up to RIBA Stage 1), local church trusts, and urgent repair projects costing £20,000–£80,000. Small Grants Small, urgent maintenance or investigative works can receive grants usually ranging from £500–£5,000 (occasionally up to […]
- [Community Foundation: Funding and Support Grants](https://voda.org.uk/community-foundation-funding-and-support-grants-2/): The Community Foundation awards support grants to support causes in Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, and across North East England, from nearly 300 different funds set up by its donors. The Foundation aims to make it as straightforward as possible to apply. Please read the information pages on its website carefully before starting an application. Read more about applying for a grant with the Community Foundation here.
- [Community Foundation: Funding and Support Grants](https://voda.org.uk/community-foundation-funding-and-support-grants/): The Community Foundation awards support grants to support causes in Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, and across North East England, from nearly 300 different funds set up by its donors. The Foundation aims to make it as straightforward as possible to apply. Please read the information pages on its website carefully before starting an application. Read more about applying for a grant with the Community Foundation here.
- [National Lottery Community Fund – Reaching Communities England](https://voda.org.uk/national-lottery-community-fund-reaching-communities-england/): We recommend you wait until 1 April 2025 to apply to Reaching Communities. TNCL is updating some of the criteria and application form questions then. From April, Reaching Communities will also include the current Partnerships fund. Funding starts at £20,001 This fund is to support projects and organisations to make positive changes in their community. By community they mean people living in the same area, or people with similar interests or life experiences. National Lottery Community Fund – Reaching Communities England will find projects or organisations that will do at least one of the following: Bring people together to build strong […]
- [Expert pro-bono support available for your organisation](https://voda.org.uk/expert-pro-bono-support-available-for-your-organisation/): The Community Foundation has connections with a number of businesses and individuals with a range of expertise and experience, that are willing to help support local charities and voluntary groups on a pro-bono basis.  Many organisations attend their webinars and workshops and they encourage you to get in touch if you would value one-to-one support on a particular theme.  Through the Sector Support programme, the Community Foundation is able to connect you with consultancy support on topics including business planning, HR and making the most of digital platforms to tell your charity’s story.   To find out more, please contact […]
- [Baily Thomas General Grants Programme](https://voda.org.uk/baily-thomas-general-grants-programme/): UK charities, parent-teacher Associations, and schools can apply for grants to help children and adults suffering severe learning difficulties, including autism.  The funding is being made available through the Baily Thomas General grants programme and can be used to purchase equipment, support capital works, and cover project and core costs. Previous grants have been used to support: capital building/renovation/refurbishment works for residential, nursing and respite care, and schools employment schemes including woodwork, crafts, printing and horticulture play schemes and play therapy schemes day and social activities centres including building costs and running costs support for families, including respite schemes independent […]
- [The Benefits of Volunteering as a Befriender ](https://voda.org.uk/the-benefits-of-volunteering-as-a-befriender/): Befriending Week (1–7 November) celebrates the positive impact that befriending has on individuals and communities across the UK.  What is befriending?  Befriending Networks, the largest network of befriending organisations in the world, defines befriending as “a relationship supported by an organisation to enable meaningful connections.” While schemes vary, they all share a common aim — to build nurturing, enriching and trusting relationships within clear boundaries, supporting positive outcomes for everyone involved.  Why volunteer as a befriender  Volunteering as a befriender offers both personal and community-wide benefits. Befrienders provide companionship to people who may be new to the area, face barriers to getting out and about, or are […]
- [Celebrating Trustees Week 2025](https://voda.org.uk/celebrating-trustees-week-2025/): In our latest Governance Blog, we are flying the flag for trustees this Trustees’ Week 2025. Trustees’ Week is an annual celebration of the work of trustees across the UK and each year the theme is to celebrate, support and inspire. Without trustees volunteering their time and expertise, most voluntary organisations simply couldn’t operate. They provide the strategic leadership, governance oversight and commitment that keeps charities focused on their mission and operating effectively. This year, VODA organised a bespoke networking brunch for Trustees across North Tyneside here at VODA on Wednesday 5 November. This was a wonderful opportunity for trustees […]
- [The Ladbroke Coral Trust](https://voda.org.uk/the-ladbroke-coral-trust/): The Ladbrokes Coral Trust supports a wide range of charitable causes in which the shops and businesses of Ladbrokes Coral Group Plc operate. Ladbrokes has around 3,500 outlets across the UK. The categories most commonly given grants are as follows: Healthcare – medical research/treatment, hospice services, support/treatment for the physically challenged and impaired and mental health (the majority of the Trust’s grant-making is made in this area). Education – research/support services for those with learning difficulties, specialist support in deprived areas, sports facilities for the physically challenged and impaired, and Community – projects for people experiencing homelessness and aged, social […]
- [The New Allotment Site Fund](https://voda.org.uk/the-new-allotment-site-fund/): Green Allotments is offering funding to help create new community allotment sites across England, with up to £50,000 available per acre of land. The charity aims to promote community-led management and environmental stewardship, ensuring allotments are protected and sustainable for the future. Who can apply: Permanent residents in England, aged 18 or over Individuals or groups passionate about allotments and willing to collaborate with Green Allotments Not open to councils or statutory organisations What’s involved:Applicants are encouraged to identify suitable land for a potential allotment site before getting in touch. Green Allotments will purchase and retain ownership of the land, […]
- [The Access Foundation Grants](https://voda.org.uk/the-access-foundation-grants/): The Access Foundation provides grants to help reduce the digital divide by supporting charities and community interest companies (CICs) that make IT access, training, and support available to disadvantaged or vulnerable people across the UK. Funding available: Grants typically range from £10,000 to £50,000 and usually support 12-month projects. Applications must outline specific activities and measurable outcomes, such as the number of people supported, training hours delivered, and the expected impact (for example, entry into education or employment). Who can apply: UK charities and CICs delivering targeted digital inclusion projects. Exclusions: The Foundation does not fund individuals, general running costs, […]
- [Historic Houses Foundation](https://voda.org.uk/historic-houses-foundation/): The Historic Houses Foundation offers grants to support the repair and conservation of rural historic buildings and structures, including gardens, grounds, and outbuildings. Funding is also available for the restoration and conservation of works of art housed in historic collections that are open to the public. The Foundation focuses on projects that fall outside mainstream funding sources or have received only partial support. It may also provide initial funding to help start a project, with the expectation that additional funds will be secured within one to two years. Find out more and apply via the Historic Houses Foundation website.
- [The William Leech Charity](https://voda.org.uk/the-william-leech-charity/): The William Leech Charity provides grants to support innovative and effective charitable activities that make a real difference to people and communities across the North East of England. Grants are available to registered charities, with the amount awarded varying according to the scale and needs of each project. The Trustees prioritise initiatives where their funding will have a significant and measurable impact, helping projects that deliver clear community benefit. The charity is known for its flexible and responsive approach, with Trustees able to make quick decisions and provide support where other funders may be reluctant to do so. Further details […]
- [Football Foundation – Lionesses HERe to Play Fund](https://voda.org.uk/football-foundation-lionesses-here-to-play-fund/): The Lionesses HERe to Play Fund supports the creation of safe, welcoming and inclusive grassroots football facilities for women and girls across England. Backed by the Lionesses, The FA, the Premier League and the UK Government, the fund aims to grow female access and participation in the sport. What the Fund Supports Funding can be used for improvements such as: Changing rooms, toilets, showers, breastfeeding and baby‑change areas Covered outdoor spaces, lighting, signage and CCTV Facilities designed to help women and girls feel safe, welcome and able to thrive Grant Size & Match Funding Grants range from £1,500 to £25,000 […]
- [William and Jane Morris Church Conservation Grants](https://voda.org.uk/william-and-jane-morris-church-conservation-grants/): Grants of between £500 and £5,000 are available to churches, chapels and other places of worship built before 1896 to carry out small programmes of conservation work to decorative features and monuments. Eligible work includes but is not limited to, stained glass windows, sculpture, furniture, internal monuments, tombs, and wall paintings. All work funded must be directed by a professional architect or established conservator and completed according to the principles of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB). You can apply at any time but the deadlines for the two rounds each year are: 31 March (applicants notified […]
- [VODA CEO Vlog October 2025](https://voda.org.uk/voda-ceo-vlog-october-2025/): October 2025. In the third edition of our CEO Vlog, Vicky highlights some of the fantastic events coming up at VODA over the next couple of months.
- [VODA CEO Vlog September 2025](https://voda.org.uk/voda-ceo-vlog-september-2025/): September 2025. In the second edition of our CEO Vlog, we reflect on our recent experience representing the sector at the Community Wealth Building Summer 2025 event in Manchester, hosted by CLES (Centre for Local Economic Strategies). Our CEO, Vicky Smith, shares insights from the day, including key discussions around policy change, the challenges facing VCS organisations in North Tyneside, and the importance of recognising the third sector as a powerhouse of expertise.
- [Make a Difference Through Campaigning on Social Issues](https://voda.org.uk/make-a-difference-through-campaigning-on-social-issues/): Campaigning on social issues is one of the most effective ways to spark change and raise awareness. Whether it is advocating for climate justice, gender equality, mental health, racial equity, or education reform, campaigns help bring urgent issues to light and push for real action. At the heart of every successful campaign is a desire to create a fairer, better world. Through public events, social media, petitions, and community organising, campaigners work to inform, inspire, and mobilise others. They give voice to those often unheard and challenge systems that need to change. You don’t need to be an expert or […]
- [Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants](https://voda.org.uk/arts-council-national-lottery-project-grants/): Arts Council England’s National Lottery Project Grants is a continuous, open-access funding programme supporting a wide range of arts, museums, and libraries projects across England. Organisations, individuals, and community groups can apply at any time, with no fixed deadlines. However, applicants should allow sufficient time for assessment and planning. Arts Council England Funding Details Eligible Projects: Projects that involve arts, museums, or libraries, including exhibitions, performances, events, and community engagement activities. Funding Amounts: Grants range from £1,000 to £100,000, with specific strands available for different funding levels. Application Process: Applications can be submitted through the Arts Council’s online portal. Guidance […]
- [Bear & Co – Organisational Support Packages](https://voda.org.uk/bear-co-organisational-support-packages/): Bear & Co helps communities thrive by providing property development and funding support for charities, social enterprises, and community groups. Combining expertise with purpose, the business specialises in supporting organisations to navigate construction, funding, and development projects. The company began after assisting a local charity that had experienced poor workmanship on a development project. Stepping in to put things right, Bear & Co quickly realised how vital trusted support is for charities and community organisations. From that initial project, referrals followed, and the business has grown organically across multiple sectors. Bear & Co’s mission is to make high-quality development accessible, […]
- [Data Use and Access Act 2025: What It Means for Your Organisation](https://voda.org.uk/data-use-and-access-act-2025-what-it-means-for-your-organisation/): The Data Use and Access Act 2025 (DUAA) updates UK data protection law. It is designed to help organisations use personal data responsibly while protecting people’s rights. Most of the changes give organisations more flexibility, rather than adding new legal duties. The Act updates the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. It does not replace them. Key changes at a glance ‘Soft opt-in’ for charitiesCharities can send electronic marketing to people who have supported them or shown interest in their work, unless the person says no. This makes it easier to keep supporters informed while still respecting their […]
- [Paul Hamlyn Foundation – Art Based Learning](https://voda.org.uk/paul-hamlyn-foundation-art-based-learning/): The Paul Hamlyn Foundation is offering grants of £30,000 to £300,000 to arts organisations and charities working with schools, colleges, and other formal education settings across the UK. The fund aims to ensure that high-quality arts-based learning becomes a central part of every child’s education. The fund supports projects that: Foster partnerships between arts organisations and education settings, creating opportunities for mutual learning and expertise sharing. Support pupils facing inequity, helping them overcome barriers and make progress in their learning. Promote inclusion and diversity, including addressing racism in education. Expand access to arts-based learning, especially in schools or colleges that […]
- [Making a Difference Locally](https://voda.org.uk/making-a-difference-locally/): MADL is the charity of Co-op Wholesale and Nisa. The charity helps independent retailers raise money that can then be donated to local charities and good causes. This is done through the sale of selected products in store, including all Co-op own brand items and those from own-label Heritage range. Every time an item included in the scheme is purchased, a proportion of the price is added to the store’s MADL fund and this is then donated to good causes in that store’s local area. Round 12 will prioritise helping people through the colder months by providing services like warm […]
- [National Lottery Awards for All](https://voda.org.uk/national-lottery-awards-for-all-is-changing/): Social connections and community activities are at the heart of creating healthier, happier lives and a flourishing society. That’s why the National Lottery Awards for All fund supports amazing community-led projects. With funding from £300 to £20,000, for up to two years. You can apply for funding to deliver a new or existing activity or to support your organisation to change and adapt to new and future challenges. Awards for All funds projects that’ll do at least one of these things: bring people together to build strong relationships in and across communities improve the places and spaces that matter to […]
- [Discounted Life-Saving Training from TyneHealth](https://voda.org.uk/discounted-life-saving-training-from-tynehealth/): TyneHealth is offering an exclusive 20% discount on its Basic Life Support and Anaphylaxis Training for charities, community groups, and voluntary organisations through the Sector Connector Programme. This essential training equips staff and volunteers with the confidence and skills to respond effectively in an emergency. The two-hour session covers: Adult and paediatric resuscitation Safe use of an AED (defibrillator) Recognition and treatment of anaphylaxis Pricing: Standard rate: £220 for up to 12 people Discounted rate: £176 when quoting Sector Connector Training can be delivered at your venue or in TyneHealth’s training room in North Shields. To book or find out […]
- [Friends of the Elderly - Grants Programme](https://voda.org.uk/grants-for-older-people/): Small grants of up to £500 are available to support vulnerable older people living on low incomes in England and Wales. The funding which is being made available through the charity Friends of the Elderly assists individuals and couples who are of or over the state pension age, have savings of less than £5,000, and do not meet the criteria for other funders. The funding aims to assist with various needs such as purchasing a new fridge, paying unexpected bills, obtaining food and clothing, or covering gas and electricity costs. To apply for these grants, individuals must submit their applications […]
- [Yapp Charitable Trust](https://voda.org.uk/yapp-charitable-trust/): The Trust make grants to small registered charities with a total annual expenditure of less than £50,000 to sustain their existing work within the following areas: Older people Children and young people aged 5 to 25 People with disabilities or mental health problems Moral welfare – people trying to overcome life-limiting problems of a social, rather than medical, origin (such as addiction, relationship difficulties, abuse, offending) Education and learning (with a particular interest in people who are educationally disadvantaged, whether adults or children) Grants are for core funding and are only awarded to registered charities that have been formally established […]
- [Good Neighbours Gardening – Season Complete!](https://voda.org.uk/good-neighbours-gardening-season-complete/): Our Good Neighbours project has completed another successful garden tidy-up season, running from 1 April to 30 September. This year, 11 gardens across North Tyneside received a full service, helping residents enjoy safe, tidy, and welcoming outdoor spaces. A special thank you goes to all our volunteers, including the Explorer Scouts, who contributed over 32 hours of their time. Their commitment has supported neighbours who needed a helping hand and strengthened our sense of community. The Good Neighbours project wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and generosity of our volunteers. From rolling up sleeves to planting, pruning, and tidying, everyone […]
- [Why September is the Sweet Spot for Charity Christmas Campaigns](https://voda.org.uk/why-september-is-the-sweet-spot-for-charity-christmas-campaigns/): It might feel early to be thinking about Christmas, but for charities and community groups, this is exactly the right time to start preparing. The festive season is consistently the UK’s busiest period for charitable giving, with research showing that almost a third of all annual donations are made in December (Charities Aid Foundation, 2024). That means now is the moment to get organised, so your campaign is ready to stand out when supporters are at their most generous.  Why Start Early?  Everyone’s preparing at once. As fundraising specialists Forward Action note, December is when “everyone is asking at once” […]
- [Supporting Grassroots Music](https://voda.org.uk/supporting-grassroots-music/): The Supporting Grassroots Music (SGM) programme, jointly funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Arts Council England, is designed to strengthen the sustainability of England’s grassroots music sector. This sector – encompassing venues, festivals, promoters, rehearsal and recording studios, and sector bodies – is crucial for developing local and national talent, supporting musicians and music professionals, and growing audiences. SGM funding supports projects that help artists, bands, and industry professionals transition to sustainable careers, while also supporting audience development and the wider grassroots music ecosystem. Sector bodies working to develop and support the sector are also […]
- [Pat Test North East Supporting Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter](https://voda.org.uk/pat-test-north-east-supporting-newcastle-dog-cat-shelter/): Before electrical items donated to Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter charity shops can be sold, they must be PAT tested—a process that can be costly and divert funds from the shelter’s vital work. That’s where Carl and the team from Pat Test North East step in. Volunteering their time and expertise, they regularly visit the shelter’s shops to PAT test donated equipment. Their support ensures items are safe for resale and helps the shelter maximise its fundraising potential. What began as a practical solution has blossomed into a valued partnership. Built on trust, generosity, and a shared commitment to making […]
- [The Social Side of Volunteering](https://voda.org.uk/the-social-side-of-volunteering/): Are you new to North Tyneside, experiencing a change in circumstances, or just looking to meet new people? Volunteering could be the perfect way to connect with others. Volunteering is not just about giving your time and skills. It is also about building relationships. Many volunteers find that the connections they make are meaningful and supportive because they share a common goal. Building Community Volunteering brings together people from different backgrounds, ages and experiences. This creates opportunities to learn from others, make friends and feel part of a community. Voices from our volunteers: Carlos, who volunteers with a Good Neighbours […]
- [Understanding the New Civil Society Covenant](https://voda.org.uk/understanding-the-new-civil-society-covenant/): The UK Government’s Civil Society Covenant, published this summer, sets out principles to guide stronger partnerships between government and civil society. For charities, social enterprises, faith groups, unions, funders and community organisations, it’s a reminder of the vital role they play in society and how government can work alongside them rather than expect them to fill gaps. The government emphasises that: Britain’s civil society is an integral part of the nation’s identity. A strong, independent civil society working in partnership with government can help create a fairer future for all. Civil society is a source of innovation and new ideas. […]
- [North Shields community projects awarded small grants to celebrate town’s 800th anniversary](https://voda.org.uk/north-shields-community-projects-awarded-small-grants-to-celebrate-towns-800th-anniversary/): Twelve community projects have received a total of over £11,500 in small grants to celebrate the 800th anniversary of North Shields in creative, inclusive and inspiring ways. They are part of the North Shields 800 celebrations, bringing people together through heritage, arts, and community events to honour the town’s past, present and future. The grants are managed by North Tyneside Voluntary Organisations Development Agency (VODA), with nine projects funded by community grants through the National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players, and three supported by generous donations from local businesses. Grants of £500 to £1,000 are helping local organisations and […]
- [50% Discount for Charities on Health & Wellbeing Resources](https://voda.org.uk/50-discount-for-charities-on-health-wellbeing-resources/): Transformational Learning specialises in creating physical and digital educational resources, and delivering workshops and events that promote positive change in health and wellbeing. In partnership with Live Well with Cancer, they developed Live Well with Healthy Habits, supporting anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis to improve their wellbeing. They have also collaborated with NHS partners to produce resources such as NENC Prehab and eLearning courses on Sleep, Fatigue, and Menopause, available via their Learning Suite. Through Sector Connector, charities and social enterprises can now access a 50% discount on resources or workshops that help people improve their quality and quantity […]
- [Governance Training Spotlight](https://voda.org.uk/governance-training-spotlight/): Strengthen your organisation’s governance with free online training Good governance is at the heart of every strong organisation. To support local charities and community groups, VODA offers a range of free, on-demand training sessions via our Elements Portal. Available 24/7, these courses are designed to help trustees and leaders build the knowledge and confidence they need to guide their organisations effectively. Here are three courses you can access right now: An Introduction to the Roles of Chair, Secretary and TreasurerThis beginner-friendly course explores the responsibilities of key officer roles, including Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, Patron and President. It also provides a […]
- [Nineveh Charitable Trust](https://voda.org.uk/nineveh-charitable-trust/): UK based schools and not for profit organisations can apply for funding to the Nineveh Charitable Trust for a broad range of projects and activities that promote a better understanding of the environment and countryside, whilst facilitating improved access, education and research. Whilst the Trust does not specify a minimum or maximum grant amount that can be applied for, an analysis of previous grants would suggest a maximum of £5,000 per year for up to three years. Previous projects supported include St Joseph’s Specialist School & College, which received a grant of £4,000 towards a community garden expansion. Applications can […]
- [Business Grants for Young Entrepreneurs Programme](https://voda.org.uk/business-grants-for-young-entrepreneurs-programme/): Grants of up to £2,000 are available for young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30 to start or expand their own businesses. Provided by SWEF through the Business Grants for Young Entrepreneurs programme, this funding supports young people needing assistance with business investments they could not otherwise afford, especially those not in education, employment, or training. The grants cover essential costs for new businesses, including equipment, marketing materials, training, website creation, and product development. Mentoring and network support are also provided. The funding is delivered via regional Community Foundations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Find out more here.
- [The British Gas Energy Trust Individual and Families Fund](https://voda.org.uk/the-british-gas-energy-trust-individual-and-families-fund/): The British Gas Energy Trust has reopened its Individual and Families Fund, offering grants of up to £1,700 to help households in England, Scotland, and Wales clear energy debt. Open to both British Gas customers and those with other suppliers lacking hardship schemes or whose applications were declined, the fund requires debt between £50–£1,700 (prepayment) or £250–£1,700 (credit accounts). Applicants must have an annual income under £18,723 or meet vulnerability criteria, such as disability, Carer’s Allowance, or three or more children, and must have received money or energy advice within the past six months. No grant is available to those […]
- [North Tyneside community groups dig in to help Dudley gardening projects thrive](https://voda.org.uk/north-tyneside-community-groups-dig-in-to-help-dudley-gardening-projects-thrive/): First published by North Tyneside Council on 28 August 2025 Two community gardening projects have grown into a blooming success at the John Willie Sams Centre in Dudley. Dudley Youth Group’s gardening project and John Willie Sams men’s group have taken over raised beds in the grounds of the community centre. Their hard work has transformed the beds from an overgrown state into a thriving garden of fruit, vegetables and wildflowers. Dudley Youth Group is run by local charity Out of Sight, and is part of the North Tyneside Council and VODA’s Community and Place programme. The gardening has financial […]
- [Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust: Ann Rylands Small Donations](https://voda.org.uk/sir-jules-thorn-charitable-trust/): The Ann Rylands Small Donations programme provides rolling grants of up to £5,000 to UK‑registered charities improving health and care services for people with ill health, disability, or related challenges. Who can applyUK charities whose work supports people with physical or mental ill health, disabilities, older people, or their families and carers. Only one application per charity is allowed per 12 months. What we fundGrants can cover core costs or service delivery, including practical or emotional support, care for carers, or programmes improving quality of life. How to applyComplete the online application form and submit supporting documents via the Trust’s […]
- [Co-operative Bank Customer Donation Fund](https://voda.org.uk/co-operative-bank-customer-donation-fund/): Organisations with a Community Directplus account at the Co-operative Bank, such as registered charities, co-operatives, and credit unions, can apply for grants of up to £1,000 from the Customer Donation Fund. Since 2003, the Co-operative Bank Donation Fund has donated over £1,000,000 to more than 1,100 local causes. The funds can support special projects and fundraising activities and all Community Directplus account holders are eligible to apply. Previous projects supported include Digital Life Skills CIC which works to give children and young people a better digital future by empowering them to navigate the growing online world: and funding for a […]
- [VODA CEO Vlog July 2025](https://voda.org.uk/voda-ceo-update-july-2025/): July 2025: In this edition, Vicky introduces the new VODA Values, which were developed by the VODA Trustees and Staff. Find out more about the values here.
- [Barchester Charitable Foundation – Tackling Loneliness Grants](https://voda.org.uk/barchester-charitable-foundation-tackling-loneliness-grants/): The Barchester Charitable Foundation has launched grants to support projects that tackle loneliness among older people and adults with disabilities. The foundation offers grants of up to £2,500 to charitable organisations and community groups working to connect or reconnect people with others in their local community. Funding can support activity projects, equipment and materials, member transport, and day trips, outings and group holidays. The foundation prioritises innovative projects that help older people and those with disabilities to get active, meet new people and reduce isolation. Applications that combat loneliness and enable people to be active and engaged receive the highest […]
- [Get Active for Food Justice](https://voda.org.uk/get-active-for-food-justice/): “Food justice is not just about feeding the hungry; it’s about empowering communities and lasting change.”— Leah Penniman Food justice means ensuring everyone has access to nutritious, affordable food – no matter their income or where they live. Across the UK, communities are working together to create a fairer food system. You can get involved in a range of practical, local actions to help make this happen. Get Involved in Local Food Projects Food Co-ops Food co-operatives are run by members who work together to choose what food to buy and how it’s distributed. These not-for-profit projects are designed to […]
- [Why Reviewing Your Charity’s Policies Matters](https://voda.org.uk/why-reviewing-your-charitys-policies-matters/): In this issue of the Governance Blog, we’re focusing on a vital area for every voluntary and community organisation: policies. A clear set of up-to-date policies is essential for the smooth and safe running of any group, no matter its size. At a minimum, all voluntary organisations should have Safeguarding and Finance policies in place. As organisations grow, so too should their policy framework — with Health and Safety and Data Protection among the next priorities. Importantly, policies should not just be written and forgotten. Regular reviews are key to ensuring policies remain effective and compliant. Safeguarding policies should be […]
- [Anton Jurgens Charitable Trust](https://voda.org.uk/anton-jurgens-charitable-trust/): The Anton Jurgens Charitable Trust (AJCT) offers grants of up to £10K to UK charities who have been registered for over three years, and have an annual income of less than £500,000. ACJT offers grants to charities supporting socially disadvantaged and disabled people of all ages. Applications can be made online at any time and will be considered in committee meetings which take place in May and November. Read more and apply
- [Case Study: Autism Better Together](https://voda.org.uk/case-study-autism-better-together/): Who are Autism Better Together? Autism Better Together is a peer-led support and friendship group for autistic adults living in North Tyneside. The group was founded in 2022 by Wayne Taylor and Alison Tombs from North Tyneside Council, with the aim of creating a safe, welcoming space for autistic adults to connect and socialise. They run drop-in sessions at the Oxford Centre, Longbenton, Wallsend Library and the Linskill Centre, North Shields. Find details of all of their sessions on the Autism Better Together Facebook Page. Each session typically welcomes over 30 attendees. Getting Started – Help from VODA The group […]
- [Case Study: Panama Swimming Club](https://voda.org.uk/case-study-panama-swimming-club/): Who are Panama Swimming Club? Panama Swimming Club (PSC) has been part of Whitley Bay’s coastal community since 1930. Based on the Promenade, the club celebrates the North Sea as its heart and home. PSC is a non-competitive, non-selective club that welcomes swimmers of all abilities – from occasional dippers to regular sea swimmers. Organised swims take place four times a week, with members ranging in age from their 30s to over 90. VODA’s Support Di Fisher Naylor, Chair of PSC’s Funding Group, shared: “Debby was very knowledgeable and responsive. I was impressed with the support and advice provided. Her […]
- [Albert Hunt Trust](https://voda.org.uk/albert-hunt-trust/): The Albert Hunt Trust supports organisations that provide hospice care provide support for the homeless promote health and well-being. No deadline – applications are considered monthly. Read more and apply here. 
- [Good Neighbours Case Study: Brian](https://voda.org.uk/good-neighbours-case-study-brian/): How Good Neighbours Helps Brian Stay Independent Brian* has always led an active life. A retired chef, he worked in hotels across several countries before finishing his career in industrial catering. He was also a keen walker and a member of the Ramblers Association for more than 30 years. In 2019, Brian began experiencing mobility problems after a nerve blockage was discovered in his spine. As his condition worsened, everyday tasks became more challenging, including doing his weekly shop. Living alone in Wallsend, Brian was finding it increasingly difficult to get to the shops and manage the practicalities of shopping […]
- [Arnold Clark Community Fund](https://voda.org.uk/arnold-clark-community-fund-2/): UK-registered charities and community groups that provide services that are widely accessible to their local community and are located within a 50-mile radius of an Arnold Clark branch can apply now for a Community Support grant of up to £1,000. There is particular interest in applications from smaller voluntary and community organisations who are working within Arnold Clark local communities. The August 2026 round is focused on two specific areas: Arts and culture – music, books, art and theatre groups looking for money for transport, resources, venue hire, and special licences. Animal welfare – pet welfare. This could be, for […]
- [Aldi Sports Fund](https://voda.org.uk/aldi-sports-fund/): Grassroots sports clubs across England and Wales can apply for funding through the Aldi Sports Fund, helping community organisations cover essential costs including equipment, team kits, coaching, training programmes and facility hire. Aldi is offering 39 grants, with Gold Awards of £3,000, Silver Awards of £1,250 and Bronze Awards of £750 available to eligible clubs. Funding can also support projects that increase participation, improve member experiences and help clubs reach more people in their local communities. Deadline for applications: 11.59pm on 31 August 2026. Clubs must submit an application of no more than 200 words explaining what makes their club […]
- [North East Economic Inactivity Trailblazer VCSE Small Grants programme](https://voda.org.uk/north-east-economic-inactivity-trailblazer-vcse-small-grants-programme/): Groundwork has partnered with the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (North East MSA) to deliver the North East Economic Inactivity Trailblazer VCSE Small Grants Programme. With a total fund of £800,000, the scheme offers grants of £40,000 to £70,000 to local Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations. The funding aims to support community-led initiatives that engage economically inactive residents, address core barriers, and create pathways toward employment, education, skills, and training. Key Details & Deadlines Grants available: £40,000 – £70,000 Deadline: 11:59 PM on Thursday 20 August 2026 Project completion deadline: 31 March 2027 Online Info Session: Friday 7 […]
- [Family Volunteering Guide Helps Children Give Back This Summer](https://voda.org.uk/family-volunteering-guide-helps-children-give-back-this-summer/): Looking for ways to keep children entertained over the summer holidays while making a positive difference? VODA volunteer Ellie Avery has created a free Family Volunteering Guide packed with simple ideas to help families support their local community and environment together. The guide includes activities such as making cards for people who may be feeling isolated, creating wildflower seed balls, completing random acts of kindness, donating unwanted books and toys, exploring wildlife activities, and taking part in community beach cleans. Most activities can be done at home or outdoors with minimal cost, making them a great way to enjoy quality […]
- [Woodroffe Benton Foundation](https://voda.org.uk/woodroffe-benton-foundation/): Woodroffe Benton Foundation – Funding to Improve Quality of Life for People with Physical or Learning Disabilities (UK) UK registered charities with an annual income of less than £750,000, who have been operating for at least two years, can apply for a one-off grant of between £500 and £2,500 for projects that improve the quality of life and social engagement for people with severe physical and/or learning disabilities within the UK. This round is focused on projects that support people, particularly those with physical or learning disabilities, to access the natural world and spend time outdoors. The funding is primarily […]
- [The Mayor's Small Venues Fund](https://voda.org.uk/the-mayors-small-venues-fund/): The North East Mayoral Strategic Authority has announced the Mayor’s Small Venues Fund, delivered as part of the Mayor’s wider investment work for culture, creative industries and sport. The fund is intended to support grassroots creative venues across the North East. Its aims include improving venue sustainability, enhancing facilities, developing audiences and strengthening contributions to the local cultural economy. The support is also designed to protect and develop small venues as cultural infrastructure for artists, performers and communities. Grants will be available from £3,000 to £100,000. Support will be offered through both revenue and capital awards, depending on the purpose […]
- [Hilden Charitable Fund](https://voda.org.uk/hilden-charitable-fund/): The Hilden Charitable Fund aims to address disadvantage by supporting causes which are less likely to raise funds from public subscription or statutory services. It is keen to support small organisations with a preference to fund those already established rather than new ones. This year, a total of £400,000 is being made available with grants of between £5,000 and £7,000 per year for up to two years. The funding is for projects taking place in the UK that address one of the following: Asylum Seekers and Refugees – for organisations working to provide essential services which help meet the needs of […]
- [B&Q Foundation](https://voda.org.uk/bq-foundation/): Grants of up to £10,000 are available to UK-registered charities for projects that improve homes and accommodation, or provide home-starter kits, for people in need. The funding is provided by the B&Q Foundation to help individuals and families facing homelessness, domestic abuse, disability, illness, or financial hardship feel safer, more settled, and better supported. Two funds are available. The Home Improvement Fund can support essential repairs, decorating, and other indoor and outdoor improvements. The Home-Starter Kits Fund helps charities purchase and distribute essential household items, with a maximum of £500 per kit. Eligible items include white goods, small electrical goods, […]
- [Youth Endowment Fund: VAWG Prevention Programme](https://voda.org.uk/youth-endowment-fund-vawg-prevention-programme/): Youth Endowment Fund – Objective 2: Responding to Inappropriate and Problematic Attitudes and Behaviours on Gender Norms and Relationships in Educational Settings. Organisations in England can apply for funding to deliver targeted early interventions for children and young people aged 10 to 18 who are showing signs of inappropriate or problematic attitudes and behaviours around gender and relationships. The Youth Endowment Fund’s Violence Against Women and Girls Prevention Programme (Objective 2) will fund and evaluate interventions delivered in educational settings that address these concerns before they escalate into more serious harm or require statutory intervention. Activities may include training and […]
- [Hinrichsen Foundation](https://voda.org.uk/hinrichsen-foundation/): Grants ranging from £500 to £3,000 are available to charities, not-for-profit organisations, and individuals across the UK for projects that focus on the performance, commissioning, or recording of contemporary and experimental music. Provided by the Hinrichsen Foundation, this funding supports initiatives that enhance the understanding and appreciation of contemporary music. Projects that take artistic risks, promote diversity, prioritise sustainability, or are led by composers or artists are especially encouraged. The Foundation also welcomes work that involves collaboration across artforms and disciplines. Applications that include a degree of matched funding are likely to be viewed more favourably. The deadline for applications […]
- [Henry Smith -Welcome for Newcomers](https://voda.org.uk/henry-smith-welcome-for-newcomers/): Grants of £200,000 over three years will soon be available to organisations and partnerships supporting newcomers to the UK to rebuild their lives, feel at home and become active members of their local communities. The Henry Smith Foundation’s Welcome for Newcomers Fund will award around 20 grants to organisations and partnerships delivering specialist support and activities that help refugees, people seeking asylum and other migrants build a sense of belonging. This could include immigration advice, housing and welfare support, health and wellbeing services, English language provision, employment support, volunteering, sports, arts and social groups. The programme is open to charities, […]
- [Charity Status: A Social Contract](https://voda.org.uk/charity-status-a-social-contract/): In our latest governance blog, we look at the first speech from the new Chair of the Charity Commission, Dame Julia Unwin. Drawing on her extensive experience in the voluntary sector and on the boards of regulatory and public bodies, Dame Julia described charity status as a social contract. She referred to it as a “kind of common treasure, not owned by any one of us, but sustained by all of us, and from which we all benefit”. She highlighted that while registered charities receive public trust, legitimacy and material privileges, they are also expected to uphold high standards in […]
- [Lloyds Bank Foundation - Good Place to Live: New Beginnings Fund](https://voda.org.uk/lloyds-bank-foundation-good-place-to-live-new-beginnings-fund/): The Lloyds Bank Foundation has launched its Good Place to Live: New Beginnings Fund, which will provide 40 to 50 unrestricted grants to charities across England, Wales and the Isle of Man. The fund supports organisations helping to prevent homelessness, particularly at key transition points when people may be at risk of losing their home. Charities do not need to provide housing or accommodation services to apply. The Foundation is keen to support organisations tackling the issues that can lead to homelessness before a crisis occurs. This may include charities working in areas such as advice and advocacy, welfare rights, […]
- [LNER Customer and Community Investment Fund](https://voda.org.uk/lner-customer-and-community-investment-fund/): London North Eastern Railway is offering grants of up to £10,000 for charities, community groups, and other not-for-profit organisations to deliver small-to-medium-sized projects that deliver a positive impact for communities within 15 miles of the East Coast mainline route. The Customer and Community Investment Fund will support projects that address one or more of the following priorities: Better for People Fostering a culture of equality that champions diversity and inclusivity. Creating a culture of positive mental health, bringing people and communities together. Better for Places Creating skilled and inclusive communities along our networks that can thrive. Better for Planet Conserve […]
- [Thomas Wall Trust](https://voda.org.uk/thomas-wall-trust/): The Thomas Wall Trust is offering grants of up to £5,000 to UK-registered charities to support projects that help disadvantaged adults develop communication skills and improve their employment prospects. Funding is available to charities with an annual turnover of £25,000 to £500,000. Projects should support people of working age, typically 18+, who face barriers to employment. Beneficiaries must achieve at least one recognised and accredited vocational qualification during the project or within two months of its completion. The Trust particularly welcomes applications supporting people experiencing multiple disadvantages, including women, disabled people, and refugees. Priority will be given to projects that […]
- [National Churches Trust Large Grants](https://voda.org.uk/national-churches-trust-large-grants/): National Churches Trust is accepting applications to its Large Grants programme. The Trust offers grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 for urgent and essential structural repair projects (costed at more than £80,000) to buildings that were originally built as churches, or the installation of kitchens and toilets (costed at more than £30,000 including VAT). Match funding of at least 50% is required. The average grant is around £21,000. Applications will be considered from listed and unlisted Christian places of worship, of any denomination, in the UK that are open for at least six services of public worship a year. Although […]
- [North Tyneside Volunteering Update](https://voda.org.uk/north-tyneside-volunteering-update/): Explore the variety of volunteering opportunities in North Tyneside. Whether you want to enhance your skills, make a community impact, or connect with like-minded individuals, there is something for everyone.     You can search for all available volunteering opportunities on our online database, or take a look at our round-up below.
- [Football Foundation: Changing Pavilions and Clubhouses Funding](https://voda.org.uk/football-foundation-changing-pavilions-and-clubhouses-funding/): Grassroots football organisations are invited to apply for Football Foundation funding to improve changing pavilions and clubhouses. Grants of up to £25,000, covering up to 75% of project costs, are available for refurbishment, modernisation, and new-build projects. Funding can support improvements to changing rooms, toilets and clubhouses that enhance facilities, improve safety, reduce operating costs and help increase participation in football. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit clubs, charities, local authorities, educational establishments with community access, and other community organisations where grassroots football is a key part of their offer. Applicants are encouraged to speak with their County FA or a Football […]
- [Case Study: Fiesta Whitley Bay](https://voda.org.uk/case-study-fiesta-whitley-bay/): Who is Fiesta Whitley Bay? Fiesta Whitley Bay is a constituted community group dedicated to bringing people together through positive, inclusive events that benefit the local community. Its seasonal events feature a variety of stalls, entertainment and activities, creating opportunities for local people to connect, share information, support local businesses, and build stronger community relationships. The events provide welcoming spaces where people of all ages can socialise, learn about local services and enjoy community-led activities. How VODA Supported Fiesta Whitley Bay As Fiesta Whitley Bay continued to grow, the management committee sought support to strengthen its organisation and explore future […]
- [Case Study: Newcastle Fighters Academy CIC](https://voda.org.uk/case-study-newcastle-fighters-academy-cic/): Who are Newcastle Fighters Academy CIC? Founded in 2018, Newcastle Fighters Academy CIC was established by Directors Connor and Marianne to create a combat sports training environment that is welcoming, inclusive and accessible to everyone. The organisation provides training opportunities for children, young people and adults, creating a safe and supportive space where people can develop skills, build confidence and feel part of a team. While many members choose to compete, participation is open to everyone, regardless of experience or ambition. At the heart of Newcastle Fighters Academy is the belief that “we are all one”. The organisation welcomes people […]
- [Case Study: Little1Stop](https://voda.org.uk/case-study-little1stop/): Who are Little1Stop? Little1Stop is a registered charity based in North Shields that provides everyday essentials for babies, children and families facing financial hardship. Founded by Dawn Jobey during the Covid-19 pandemic, the charity works to ensure that every child has access to the items they need for the best possible start in life. When Little1Stop was first established, VODA provided vital support to help the organisation become a registered charity. This guidance helped create strong foundations for the charity, enabling it to grow and continue supporting families across North Tyneside and beyond. Ongoing Governance Support As Little1Stop continued to […]
- [The Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust](https://voda.org.uk/the-jean-sainsbury-animal-welfare-trust/): The Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust is inviting applications from registered charities for grants of between £1,000 and £10,000 to support animal welfare projects in the UK and overseas. Funding is available for projects and activities that benefit and protect animals, relieve animal suffering, support wildlife conservation, or promote a greater understanding of animals. Grants can be used towards both revenue and capital costs. The programme supports a wide range of activities, including: Rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of domestic, wild and exotic animals. Direct protection of endangered species. Feeding, capturing, neutering and releasing feral cats and dogs. Veterinary and neutering […]
- [The ORBIT Project Timetable](https://voda.org.uk/the-orbit-project-timetable/): The ORBIT Project Weekly Sessions Mindful Maker Space Based in Whitley Bay Young People’s Centre, Mindful Maker Space aims to offer a variety of activities to suit your interests. Activities/projects within sessions will be decided by the group. Create something meaningful Be involved in projects that may be displayed by VODA Learn new skills: arts, crafts and music Express yourself and form connections Session takes place on Monday afternoons: Age 11-16: 4pm-5:30pm Age 16-19: 6pm-7:30pm Whitley Bay Young People’s Centre, Hillheads Rd, Whitley Bay, NE25 8HR. Not sure where to go? See our guide on how to find the Whitley […]
- [How to find the Oxford Centre in Longbenton](https://voda.org.uk/how-to-find-the-oxford-centre-in-longbenton/): How to find the session at the Oxford Centre, Longbenton Bus: 18, 54A, 62 and X7/X8 services stop right outside the centre    Metro: Longbenton Metro station is a 5-10 min walk away from the Centre   Car: parking is located right outside the centre  The Oxford Centre, West Farm Ave, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE12 8LT Download the directions here, or use the Google Map below for directions. You can also see exterior photos of the centre for reference..  
- [How to find Whitley Bay Young People's Centre](https://voda.org.uk/how-to-find-whitley-bay-young-peoples-centre/): How to find the session at Whitley Bay Young People’s Centre:   Bus: 306, 308, 309 and 54A services all stop at Whitley Bay ice rink (the closest stop to the centre)   Metro: Monkseaton and Whitley Bay stations are close to the centre   Car: The centre’s car park is accessible by following the lane which goes behind the ice rink all the way to the end (literally can’t go any further than the car park)  On foot: follow the lane next to Whitley Bay ice rink all the way to the end or take a shortcut across the Whitley Bay cricket grounds (the centre […]
- [Involving Volunteers Who Speak English as an Additional Language](https://voda.org.uk/involving-volunteers-who-speak-english-as-an-additional-language/): Involving Volunteers Who Speak English as an Additional Language – It’s Easier Than You Might Think Volunteering can be an excellent way for people to join the local community, meet people and practise English. Sometimes, organisations worry that language skills could be a barrier. In this article, Helen from North East Museums gives an overview of the North East Museums Multaka project, which ended in 2024 and aimed to help Asylum seekers and refugees into volunteering. She explains what happens after a funded project ends, and how to make small changes to build the legacy into the day-to-day volunteering programme, […]
- [The Squires Foundation](https://voda.org.uk/the-squires-foundation/): The foundation’s objectives are to support: Social welfare, particularly the relief of need, hardship and distress Community development Work which supports children, young people and the elderly, local hospitals and hospices Christian activities The arts Environmental projects Grants can be one-off or recurrent and are made primarily in Tyneside and Northumberland. You can apply in writing to info@thesquiresfoundation.com. Although there are no deadlines, the Trustees meet twice a year, usually in May and November, with applications needing to be received by the beginning of April and October.    
- [Henry Smith Foudation's New Career Ready Fund](https://voda.org.uk/henry-smith-foudations-new-career-ready-fund/): The Henry Smith Foundation has launched the Career Ready Fund, offering up to eight grants of £200,000 (£50,000 per year over four years) to charitable organisations supporting young people with learning disabilities into employment. The fund will support projects that embed trained job coaches within mainstream and SEND schools, provide structured careers education and vocational profiling, create meaningful work experience opportunities, and build clear pathways into supported internships, employment and paid work. Eligible applicants include registered charities, CIOs, not-for-profit CICs and other charitable organisations working in the UK. Organisations must have an annual income of £3 million or less and […]
- [National River Walks Programme](https://voda.org.uk/national-river-walks-programme/): The National River Walks Programme is funded by Defra and will provide new national walks in the nine regions of England. As the North West region already has a river walk delivered, new walks in four of the following areas in England will be considered in the current round of funding: North East England; Yorkshire and the Humber; East Midlands; West Midlands; East of England; London; South East; South West. The objectives of the scheme are to: Provide improved, more inclusive access to nature that is targeted to an area of higher deprivation. Increase engagement with nature through community participation and […]
- [British Council: Connections Through Culture 2026](https://voda.org.uk/british-council-connections-through-culture-2026/): The British Council’s Connections Through Culture 2026 programme is offering grants of £5,000 to £15,000 to support artistic collaboration and cultural exchange between the UK and selected countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. Funding is available for artists, creative practitioners, cultural organisations, festivals, biennials and creative hubs delivering collaborative projects across a range of art forms, including architecture, fashion, film, literature, visual arts and creative technology. Eligible activities include residencies, exchanges, workshops, research and development, exhibitions, performances and digital innovation. Deadline: 12 August 2026 Apply at Connections Through Culture 2026 | British […]
- [James Tudor Foundation – Physical Health Funding](https://voda.org.uk/james-tudor-foundation-physical-health-funding/): The James Tudor Foundation is offering flexible grants of up to £25,000 per year (typically £10,000–£15,000) to UK-registered health charities with an annual income below £20 million and at least five years of audited or independently examined accounts. Funding is available for charities delivering physical health services, including evidence-based therapies, specialist single-condition health information, healthcare for people experiencing homelessness, street sex workers and vulnerable migrants, and emergency air ambulance services. Organisations must complete the eligibility checker and submit an Expression of Interest by 5pm on 31 August 2026. Apply to Physical Health Funding | James Tudor Foundation
- [Veterans’ Foundation Small Grants](https://voda.org.uk/veterans-foundation-small-grants/): Registered charities and not-for-profit groups with an annual income of £100,000 or less can apply for £500–£5,000 to support serving personnel, veterans, operationally qualified seafarers and immediate families in need. Grants must be spent within 12 months on well-costed community-based activities; salary costs are excluded, though sessional worker costs may be considered. Applicants complete an eligibility quiz before applying and may apply once per quarter on a rolling basis, with decisions expected within eight weeks. The funding is being provided by the Veterans’ Foundation Small Grants programme. The next closing date for applications is 30 September 2026 Apply for a […]
- [The Giving Machine £250 Grants](https://voda.org.uk/the-giving-machine-250-grants/): The Giving Machine is offering simple £250 grants to UK-based non-profit organisations with an annual income of less than £1 million. Eligible organisations include charities, schools, Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs), Community Interest Companies (CICs), social enterprises and other non-profit groups. Applications are quick and straightforward, requiring only a few short sentences about your organisation, how you would use the funding and the difference it would make. There are no lengthy application forms or reporting requirements, and successful organisations are selected at random from all eligible applications, giving every applicant an equal chance of receiving funding. Deadline: Ongoing Apply via […]
- [Victor Mann Trust (Wallsend)](https://voda.org.uk/victor-mann-trust-wallsend/): Up to £5,000. Organisations, groups, individuals. The Trust awards one-off grants to individuals and groups (supporting individuals) within the Wallsend area to help residents over 60 and on a low income. Grants are available for many purposes, including, but not limited to, medical equipment, safety and security measures, and one-off payments (not general living expenses). Guidelines and application forms are available from the contact. The Trust welcomes exploratory contact from potential applicants. North Tyneside Council: Decision-making
- [Governance Blog: Updated Charity Commission Guidance on Conflicts of Interest](https://voda.org.uk/governance-blog-updated-charity-commission-guidance-on-conflicts-of-interest/): Good governance relies on trustees making decisions that are in the best interests of their charity. To support this, the Charity Commission updated its guidance on Conflicts of Interest (CC29) in April 2026. The guidance has been refreshed to make it clearer, more practical and easier to navigate. The changes follow a rise in cases involving alleged private benefit and are designed to help trustees identify and manage conflicts of interest more effectively. What is a Conflict of Interest? Trustees have a legal duty to act solely in their charity’s best interests. A conflict of interest arises when those interests […]
- [Biffa Award Main Grants Scheme](https://voda.org.uk/biffa-award-main-grants-scheme/): Projects across the North East could access funding through the Biffa Award Main Grants Scheme, which supports community-led work under four key themes. Each theme offers grants of between £10,000 and £75,000 for capital projects that improve local spaces and deliver clear community benefit. The four funding themes Nature Recovery (up to £75,000) Supports projects that protect and restore habitats and wildlife. This includes creating or improving habitats and helping species recover, with a focus on long-term environmental impact and community involvement. Community Buildings (up to £75,000) Funds improvements to buildings at the heart of communities, such as village halls […]
- [VODA CEO Vlog | June 2026](https://voda.org.uk/voda-ceo-vlog-june-2026/): June 2026: In this update, we highlight the range of support available to VCSE organisations across North Tyneside. From governance and funding advice to communications support, volunteer recruitment and free training opportunities, our experienced team is here to help your organisation grow and thrive. We also share how we represent the sector at key strategic boards and partnerships, ensuring your voice is heard in decision-making across the borough. If you would like to find out more or access support, please get in touch with the VODA team.    
- [Warburtons Community Grants](https://voda.org.uk/warburtons-community-grants/): Warburtons Community Grants offer small grants of up to £400 to support local charitable organisations delivering activities that improve health, place or skills for families in their communities. Funding is distributed locally through Warburtons bakeries and depots, with Community Champions making decisions based on applications from their area. Grants are awarded quarterly. The current round is open until 17 August 2026, with decisions expected by 30 September 2026. Projects must take place after funding is awarded. Applications are managed by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), which may contact applicants to verify details and process payments. Apply here | Charity Donations […]
- [Wise Music Foundation Grants](https://voda.org.uk/wise-music-foundation-grants/): Grants of up to £5,000 are available from the Wise Music Foundation to support small charities improving the lives of vulnerable people across the UK. The Foundation focuses on those facing hardship, illness or poverty, including children, older people, people experiencing homelessness and those with disabilities. Funding also supports a wider range of charitable activity, including education, arts and heritage, health, disability support, food banks and overseas relief. Charities with an annual turnover of up to £500,000 can apply, with the average grant around £1,500. Trustees meet quarterly to consider applications, with the next deadline on 31 August 2026. Apply […]
- [Golsoncott Foundation: Funding to Promote Excellence in the Arts](https://voda.org.uk/golsoncott-foundation-funding-to-promote-excellence-in-the-arts/): Arts organisations across the UK can apply for grants of up to £3,000 from the Golsoncott Foundation to support projects that demonstrate excellence in the arts and provide clear public benefit. The Foundation supports a range of activity including writing, theatre, music, ballet and visual arts. Funding is usually offered as a one-off grant. Applications should include a clear project description, evidence of public benefit, the amount requested, and details of any other funding. Annual accounts and supporting information should also be provided. The trustees meet quarterly, with the next deadline on 31 August 2026. Applications may close early if […]
- [Armed Forces Covenant Trust: Supporting Partners Programme](https://voda.org.uk/armed-forces-covenant-trust-supporting-partners-programme/): The Supporting Partners Programme, delivered through the Ministry of Defence’s Armed Forces Families Fund (AF3) and managed by the Armed Forces Covenant Trust, is offering grants of £10,000 to £150,000 for projects lasting up to three years. The programme aims to support partners of serving personnel, including reservists, by addressing the challenges that military life can bring. What the fund supports Projects must respond to one or more of the following outcomes: Increased skills and confidence for partners, including opportunities to explore new ways of working or change careers Improved access to employment support that reflects the realities of service […]
- [Freelands Foundation: Grants for Visual Arts Education Projects](https://voda.org.uk/freelands-foundation-grants-for-visual-arts-education-projects/): The Freelands Foundation is offering grants of up to £25,000 for UK-based visual arts education projects that engage people creatively with making and materials. The fund aims to support activity that might not otherwise take place. About the fund This funding supports exploratory and ambitious projects that focus on creativity, experimentation and collaboration. The Foundation is particularly interested in work that: Encourages open and flexible approaches Explores and challenges ideas around making and materials Supports learning through experimentation and iteration Promotes collaborative ways of working Projects do not need to have a fully defined outcome. Action-research approaches that involve testing […]
- [New Data Protection Complaints Requirement Now in Force](https://voda.org.uk/new-data-protection-complaints-requirement-now-in-force/): A new rule for organisations relating to data protection complaints, set out in the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, came into force in June 2026. The requirement is straightforward but important: all organisations must now have a process in place for handling data protection complaints. There are no exemptions. What the law now requires Data protection law states that organisations must: Give people a way to make data protection complaints Acknowledge receipt of complaints within 30 days Take appropriate steps to respond without undue delay, including making necessary enquiries and keeping people informed Inform people of the outcome of […]
- [Refugee Week 2026: Growing Your Volunteer Team by Welcoming People Seeking Sanctuary](https://voda.org.uk/growing-your-volunteer-team-by-welcoming-people-seeking-sanctuary/): Refugee Week 2026 is a timely reminder of the value people seeking sanctuary bring to our communities. This year’s theme, Courage, reflects the strength it takes to rebuild life in a new place, and the many ways people can contribute when they have the opportunity to get involved. This Refugee Week, we’re highlighting how your organisation can welcome people seeking sanctuary as volunteers. Volunteering can be a positive and rewarding experience for everyone involved. For people seeking sanctuary, it offers a chance to be part of community life, share what they can bring and make new connections. For organisations, it’s an opportunity […]
- [Working Together: The Impact of Corporate Volunteering in North Tyneside](https://voda.org.uk/working-together-the-impact-of-corporate-volunteering-in-north-tyneside/): Corporate volunteering can make a huge difference to charities and community organisations. With limited time and resources, many groups rely on volunteer support, and a team of corporate volunteers can often achieve in one day what might otherwise take weeks or months. These partnerships allow charities to focus more of their time and energy on the people and causes they support. They also benefit businesses by helping colleagues build stronger team relationships, develop skills and make a meaningful difference in their local communities. A partnership that made a real difference One example is the partnership between EE & BT and […]
- [Using Your Voice: Si’s Story and Why Trustees Matter](https://voda.org.uk/using-your-voice-sis-story-and-why-trustees-matter/): Volunteers’ Week is a time to recognise the many different ways people give their time and experience to support their communities. While many volunteering roles are visible day to day, others take place behind the scenes, helping shape organisations and ensure they can continue their work. Trustees are a vital part of this. They are volunteers who help guide charities, make decisions and support organisations to achieve their goals. Without them, many charities and community groups would simply not be able to operate. Meet Si: Creativity, access and giving back Si Beckwith is a comedian, writer and Managing Director of […]
- [One Decision. A Lifetime of Experiences. Ray’s Volunteering Story](https://voda.org.uk/one-decision-a-lifetime-of-experiences-rays-volunteering-story/): Most people who volunteer at an event expect to help out, meet people and be part of something for a short time. That’s exactly what Ray thought, too. What he didn’t expect was that one decision would take him across the world, introduce him to lifelong friends and lead to national recognition. A journey that started with one event “When I first started volunteering, I never imagined where it would take me – from local events to international and world-class events at home and abroad. I’ve met some of the world’s finest athletes.” Since then, Ray has volunteered at a […]
- [Starting Young: Building Confidence Through Volunteering](https://voda.org.uk/starting-young-building-confidence-through-volunteering/): Volunteering is often seen as something people do later in life, when they have more time or experience. But across North Tyneside, young people are already making a real difference in ways that are shaped around their needs, interests and experiences. For many young people, the barriers to volunteering can be significant. Confidence, lack of experience or simply not knowing where to start can make opportunities feel out of reach. That is why the role of organisations that understand and support young volunteers is so important. Creating the right environment Organisations like Phoenix Detached Youth Project (PDYP) and DiscoverMe are helping […]
- [Racial Diversity UK Fund](https://voda.org.uk/racial-diversity-uk-fund/): The Nuffield Foundation’s Racial Diversity UK Fund supports research that improves understanding of racial inequality and helps shape policy and practice across the UK. The fund offers grants to charities, researchers, academics and other organisations working to explore issues of racial diversity, discrimination and inclusion. It focuses on research that strengthens evidence, informs public debate and contributes to building a fairer and more inclusive society. This programme forms part of a wider commitment to invest £8 million in research between 2025 and 2029. Funding available Grants range from £15,000 to £500,000 and typically support projects lasting between six months and […]
- [Good Financial Health Starts With Good Financial Habits](https://voda.org.uk/good-financial-health-starts-with-good-financial-habits/): In this issue of the Governance Blog, we are highlighting a recent Charity Commission blog, Good financial health starts with good financial habits, which explores how charities can strengthen their financial resilience. The blog reflects the ongoing pressures facing the sector, including a challenging funding landscape, reduced donations, and rising operating costs. In this environment, strong financial management is more important than ever to support sustainability and long-term impact. The Charity Commission outlines several key elements of good financial management: Maintaining a clear budget that is regularly reviewed Having a reserves policy that is understood and actively applied Ensuring all trustees, […]
- [The Heritage Revival Fund](https://voda.org.uk/the-heritage-revival-fund/): The Heritage Revival Fund supports communities across England to rescue and repurpose neglected historic buildings, with a particular focus on town centre locations. Backed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Historic England, the fund forms part of a wider national investment in arts and culture. It aims to bring disused and underused heritage assets back into meaningful use, supporting community ownership and long-term sustainability. Projects that contribute to town centre regeneration and deliver clear social and economic benefits are prioritised, particularly in areas of higher deprivation. Funding available A total of £45 million is available, with funding […]
- [Cellnex UK Grants](https://voda.org.uk/cellnex-uk-grants/): Cellnex UK is offering grants of up to £5,000 for charities, charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs), and other not-for-profit organisations across the UK to deliver community projects that empower people, enhance local environments, and promote digital and technological inclusion. The Cellnex Community Fund will support projects that fall within one or more of the following themes: Digital Inclusion and Skills – Helping people to get online, build digital skills, or use technology with confidence. Circular Economy – Reducing waste, encouraging repair and reuse, or supporting sustainable use of materials. Biodiversity and Conservation – Improving local nature, protecting wildlife habitats, or supporting […]
- [ChurchCare Works](https://voda.org.uk/churchcare-works/): ChurchCare works with a range of grant-giving organisations to support the conservation of Anglican parish churches across England. The funding helps ensure that repair and conservation projects are carried out to a high standard, protecting important historic and cultural assets for future generations. A range of grants are available covering different aspects of church heritage, from buildings and monuments to interiors and historic objects. Available grants Funding is currently available for: Books and manuscripts Grants of up to £10,000 for conserving historic or significant books and manuscripts, including preventative measures such as conservation-grade storage. Church plate Delivered in partnership with […]
- [Big Heart, Small Commitment: The Power of Micro Volunteering](https://voda.org.uk/big-heart-small-commitment-the-power-of-micro-volunteering/): What if you could make a genuine difference to someone’s life in the time it takes to have a cup of tea? That is the idea behind micro volunteering: flexible, accessible, often short bursts of help that add up to something meaningful. No long-term commitment, no rigid schedule, and in many cases, no need to even leave home. Just a small action that makes a real impact. For many people, time is the biggest barrier to volunteering. Work, family responsibilities and other commitments can make it feel out of reach. Micro or bite-sized volunteering changes that by offering opportunities that […]
- [The John D Fund](https://voda.org.uk/the-john-d-fund/): The Community Foundation is inviting applications to The John D Fund, offering grants of up to £2,500 to support creative and artistic activities for children and young people across Tyne & Wear and Northumberland. The fund focuses on projects that take place outside of school settings and help improve mental wellbeing and emotional development for those aged 8 to 25. Activities must be informal, enjoyable, and delivered in a safe and supportive environment, with no links to exams, accreditation, or formal qualifications. Eligible organisations must be registered charities with an annual income between £150,000 and £500,000 (based on their most […]
- [North Tyneside Community Garden Crawl 20 June 2026](https://voda.org.uk/north-tyneside-community-garden-crawl-2026/): The Great Community Garden Crawl returns on Saturday, 20 June 2026, inviting people to explore North Tyneside’s community green spaces. Now in its third year, the event continues to grow and attract new visitors each summer. What Is the Community Garden Crawl? The Community Garden Crawl is an open garden day that celebrates community gardening across the borough. On the day, five local gardens will open their gates to the public. Visitors can explore each space, meet the volunteers involved and find out how to get involved. VODA’s Grow & Eat project organises the event alongside The Meadows Community Garden […]
- [VODA CEO Vlog | May 2026](https://voda.org.uk/voda-ceo-vlog-may-2026/): May 2026: In our May CEO Vlog, VODA’s Chief Executive provides an update on recent organisational changes to ensure the charity is well-positioned to meet the challenges facing the VCSE sector. The vlog explains why changes were needed, reflects on the impact on colleagues, and introduces VODA’s new, flatter and more agile structure, launched at the start of the new financial year. It also outlines how a refreshed team‑based approach will help VODA remain responsive, resilient and able to continue supporting members, funders and partners across North Tyneside. If you have any questions or would like to find out more, […]
- [VODA CEO Vlog | January 2026](https://voda.org.uk/voda-ceo-vlog-january-2026/): January 2026: Welcome to the January 2026 edition of VODA’s CEO Vlog. In this update, Vicky Smith shares a New Year’s welcome and highlights what’s coming up at VODA over the next couple of months. This includes the launch of our new membership handbook, which will be emailed to members shortly, and an overview of upcoming events for the VCSE sector.
- [VODA CEO Vlog November 2025](https://voda.org.uk/voda-ceo-vlog-november-2025/): November 2025: In the latest edition of our CEO Vlog, Vicky shares an update on our AGM and Awards and launches our Annual Report for 2024-2025. Read more about our AGM & Awards Celebration 2025 here and view our Annual Report here.
- [Tesco Fruit and Veg Grants](https://voda.org.uk/tesco-fruit-and-veg-grants/): Tesco has launched a new Fruit and Veg Grants programme to support organisations working with children and young people to improve access to healthy food across the UK. The funding is intended to help deliver activities that increase the availability of fruit and vegetables and support physical and mental wellbeing. Grants are awarded through a customer voting process in Tesco stores. Three local projects are shortlisted at a time, with awards of up to £1,500 for the project receiving the most votes, up to £1,000 for second place and up to £500 for third place. Shortlisting takes place every four […]
- [Stuff Podcasts 15% Sector Connector Discount](https://voda.org.uk/stuff-podcasts-15-sector-connector-discount/): 15% Off All Services through Sector Connector Heywood & Stuff Productions presents Stuff Podcasts, a studio dedicated to turning your ideas, expertise, and conversations into high-quality, lasting content. From audio and video podcast production (up to 4 people) to talking-head content, Heywood supports the full process from recording through to final delivery. With over 15 years of experience in social media marketing and content creation, you’ll receive professionally edited video ready for YouTube, Spotify, and all major social platforms. Book a free 30-minute discovery call or arrange a studio visit. Email: heywoodandstuff@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stuffpodcasts_studio/ Website: https://www.stuffpodcasts.co.uk WhatsApp: 07305706968 Get 15% off all services […]
- [Urgent Call For Volunteers: Could You Be A Good Neighbour?](https://voda.org.uk/urgent-call-for-volunteers-could-you-be-a-good-neighbour/): We are urgently looking for new volunteers to support the Good Neighbours Project across North Tyneside. Every day, Good Neighbours volunteers step in to help residents with tasks that have become difficult due to age, disability or changing circumstances. By giving a small amount of time, volunteers help people remain safe, independent and confident in their own homes. Importantly, volunteering with Good Neighbours is flexible, local and designed to fit around real life. You will be fully supported by the team at VODA. You choose when you help and how often. You do not need previous experience. VODA provides guidance, […]
- [Trustee Recruitment: Barriers and Opportunities](https://voda.org.uk/trustee-recruitment-barriers-and-opportunities/): Recruiting charity trustees has long been a challenge, but recent research suggests the scale of the problem may be even greater than many in the sector realised. A new survey, highlighted by Civil Society in its article Most people would not consider being a charity trustee, research finds, shows that the majority of people would not consider taking on the role at all. According to the study, just 6% of respondents said they would consider becoming a trustee. In contrast, 53% of the 1,000 people surveyed said they would definitely (30%) or probably (24%) not consider it. While trustee recruitment […]
- [Celebrating Volunteers’ Week 2026: Tips for VCSE Organisations](https://voda.org.uk/celebrating-volunteers-week-2026-tips-for-vcse-organisations/): Volunteers’ Week (1–7 June 2026) is a great time to celebrate volunteering, thank your supporters, and encourage new people to get involved. It is also a useful opportunity to raise your profile and share the impact of your volunteers.   How to get involved Download Volunteers’ Week resources Visit the Volunteers’ Week Resources page for free Canva templates, suggested social media posts, a volunteer story template, a press release template, media contact tips, event-planning guidance, and ideas for hosting an online quiz. These resources can save time and help you keep your messaging consistent across the week.   Host a volunteer open day A volunteer […]
- [Charity Commission Guidance Update](https://voda.org.uk/charity-commission-guidance-update/): The Charity Commission has updated two key pieces of guidance for trustees: CC20, which covers fundraising responsibilities, and CC40, which relates to fundraising for emergencies. The updates come at a time when many charities are facing increased demand for services while needing to work harder to secure donations, making clarity around trustee duties particularly important. The revised guidance reflects the Commission’s continued focus on maintaining public trust and confidence in charities, and aligns with wider sector developments, including updates to the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Fundraising Practice. Five key takeaways for trustees Both CC20 and CC40 have been shortened and […]
- [Hodge Foundation](https://voda.org.uk/hodge-foundation/): The Hodge Foundation provides one‑off grants to UK‑registered or exempt charities that support people who may be experiencing disadvantage or barriers to wellbeing. This includes organisations working with older people, people experiencing homelessness, disabled people, people who need additional support with learning or development, and people living with mental health challenges. The Foundation also supports charities focused on education and learning, medical treatment and research, and community‑based religious projects such as improving church facilities and offering inclusive activities. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, allowing organisations to apply at a time that suits their planning. Grants start from £2,500. […]
- [The Grocers' Charity](https://voda.org.uk/the-grocers-charity/): Please note: the deadline has been changed from 1 September to 15 August 2026! The Grocers’ Charity provides one‑off grants to UK‑registered charities working to improve the lives of people and communities facing disadvantage. Grants are typically up to £5,000, awarded at the discretion of the trustees. What the Charity Funds The Grocers’ Charity supports UK‑registered charities working in the following areas: Relief of hardship: Training, improved facilities, parenting support and services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including those affected by domestic abuse. Children and young people: Projects that build confidence, skills and wellbeing through participation, peer […]
- [Exclusive Sector Connector Offers from We Are Intertwined](https://voda.org.uk/exclusive-sector-connector-offers-from-we-are-intertwined/): We Are Intertwined provides multimedia content, workshops, and training to support underserved communities, emerging talent, and the voluntary sector in telling their stories and showcasing their social impact. It helps individuals and local businesses build brand awareness and grow sustainably through effective content strategies that improve engagement, efficiency, and overall self-sufficiency. Exclusive Sector Connector Offers from We Are Intertwined 15% off all services for charity and voluntary services referred via Sector Connector on any package offer, training session or workshop. A free 30-minute consultation. 50% off the first month for organisations that sign up to the subscription service via Sector Connector. They also […]
- [Spring Family Volunteering Challenge](https://voda.org.uk/spring-family-volunteering-challenge/): We’re pleased to share a new Spring Family Volunteering Booklet created by VODA volunteer Ellie Avery. It offers simple, enjoyable ways for families to spend time together while supporting the local community. The booklet includes a mix of indoor and outdoor ideas such as making cards, creating friendship bracelets, building bird feeders, making seed balls, litter picking, and visiting Little Libraries. Each activity is designed to be easy to follow and suitable for a range of ages, with guidance on keeping children safe during crafts and outdoor tasks. It also highlights national events and charities that welcome family involvement, including […]
- [Volunteer Story: Sadiq Rehan](https://voda.org.uk/volunteer-story-sadiq-rehan/): Volunteer, Sadiq Rehan, has volunteered with VODA’s UKSPF social action project ‘Welcome to North Tyneside’. He is a skilled photographer and video editor, and has made a number of videos showcasing local community organisations, such as this lovely video featuring Springfield Community Centre. Sadiq also photographed the project trips, supporting the project with his voluntary work and was involved in the creation of the Welcome to North Tyneside booklet, a guide for new visitors to the area. Sadiq is a student at South Tyneside College studying for an HNC in Computing, and working part-time. He moved to South Shields from […]
- [Charities and Elections: Staying Within The Rules](https://voda.org.uk/charities-and-elections-staying-within-the-rules/): With local elections approaching in May, now is a good time for charities to review what they can and can’t do when it comes to political campaigning. The Charity Commission has published clear guidance to help trustees and staff navigate this area confidently, ensuring that all campaigning activity stays within the law and in line with your charity’s purposes. Put simply, charities can take part in political activity, meaning they can campaign or engage in work that seeks to influence government policies or decisions, as long as this activity furthers their charitable objectives and is in their best interests. However, […]
- [The Veterans’ Foundation Major Grants Programme](https://voda.org.uk/the-veterans-foundation-major-grants-programme/): The Veterans’ Foundation has launched a new Major Grants Programme for 2026, designed to fund collaborative, innovative projects that support the UK armed forces community. The fund is aimed at partnerships working to improve outcomes for serving personnel, veterans, operationally qualified seafarers and their immediate families. This programme marks the VF’s 10th anniversary and focuses on sector-wide learning and partnership-driven innovation. Grants of £200,000–£500,000 are available for partnership projects lasting 12–24 months, with each award supported by an independent learning partner. About the Programme The fund is intended for projects that test new approaches, generate insights, or strengthen cross‑sector collaboration. […]
- [The Adamson Trust Disabled Children's Charity](https://voda.org.uk/the-adamson-trust-disabled-childrens-charity/): The Adamson Trust provides financial support to families, groups, schools and registered charities to help fund holidays or respite breaks for disabled children aged 3–17. Eligible children must be UK residents with physical, mental or emotional impairments, and applications must include supporting evidence from a medical or social services professional. Grants typically cover part of the holiday cost, with an average award of around £250. The Trust meets quarterly, and applications must be submitted before the cut‑off date for each meeting. Please note that applications for the May meeting closed early, so groups are strongly encouraged to apply as soon […]
- [The Solidarity Fund: The National Lottery Community Fund](https://voda.org.uk/the-solidarity-fund-the-national-lottery-community-fund/): The Solidarity Fund from The National Lottery Community Fund is now open, offering major grants of £1 million to £5 million for organisations in England working to address the root causes of poverty, disadvantage and discrimination. This fund aims to strengthen long-term, systemic change, especially work led or shaped by people with lived experience. The fund supports projects that: Are led by lived experience – with communities directly affected leading the work and shaping decisions. Create systems change – focusing on shifting power, influencing policy and embedding long‑term solutions. Work in solidarity – uniting people and groups across issues and […]
- [One Stop Community Partnership Funding](https://voda.org.uk/one-stop-community-partnership-funding/): The One Stop Community Partnership programme supports community groups working to improve the lives of local residents. Organisations based within two miles of a One Stop store can apply for up to £1,000 to help deliver projects that make a positive difference in their area. Alongside the grant, successful groups also benefit from a tailored partnership with their local One Stop store team, including volunteering, fundraising and promotional support. Funding is available for projects that: tackle food poverty support vulnerable or older people help low‑income families run youth sports teams reduce or recycle waste improve the local environment (Please note: […]
- [Crawford Park Crowned Bowls Club of the Year 2025](https://voda.org.uk/crawford-park-crowned-bowls-club-of-the-year-2025/): There was national recognition for North Tyneside this weekend as Crawford Park Lawn Bowls Club in Monkseaton, Whitley Bay was named Club of the Year 2025 at the Bowls England National Awards, held in Leicester. Chosen from more than 2,400 clubs across England, the award celebrates a club that is not only thriving on the green, but making a real difference in its community. A proud moment for the North East Collecting the award, Club Secretary Brian Bell said: “We were humbled and delighted to accept this award on behalf of the club. It is a tremendous honour for both […]
- [Governance Blog: Updated Guidance on Reporting Serious Incidents](https://voda.org.uk/governance-blog-updated-guidance-on-reporting-serious-incidents/): The Charity Commission has updated its guidance on reporting serious incidents to reflect changes under the Charities Act 2022. This updated advice is essential reading for trustees and charity leaders to ensure compliance and maintain transparency. The duty to report The Charity Commission requires charities to report serious incidents promptly, fully and honestly. If such an incident occurs, your charity must disclose what happened and explain how it is being addressed — even if you’ve already informed other authorities such as the police, donors, or another regulator. What counts as a serious incident? A serious incident is any adverse event, […]
- [Article: Practical AI and Ethics – Lessons from Our February Workshop](https://voda.org.uk/article-practical-ai-and-ethics-lessons-from-our-february-workshop/): Artificial Intelligence is changing how charities and community organisations work. Our Practical AI Implementation and Ethics workshop on 11 February 2026, led by Kate Watson of AskMrsWatson.com, helped local charities and community groups understand how to use it safely, responsibly and with confidence. The session mixed live demonstrations of tools such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot with open discussions about ethics, privacy, and digital wellbeing. Participants saw how these tools can help reduce repetitive tasks like drafting reports, bids or meeting minutes, while keeping the human voice and judgement that funders and communities trust. Top tips with practical examples Treat AI like a […]
- [Central Social and Recreational Trust](https://voda.org.uk/central-social-and-recreational-trust/): The Central Social and Recreational Trust aims to improve opportunities for young people in England by supporting sports clubs that work with those under the age of 21, particularly where poverty may limit access to recreational or leisure activities. The Trust offers grants—typically up to £1,500—to help clubs purchase shared equipment or carry out maintenance on facilities they own or hold on a long‑term lease. To be eligible, clubs must be affiliated with their relevant national governing body and able to demonstrate genuine need. Funding is not available for personal items such as clothing or individual protective equipment. All awards […]
- [Postcode Neighbourhood Trust](https://voda.org.uk/postcode-neighbourhood-trust/): The Postcode Neighbourhood Trust is offering grants of up to £50,000 to support organisations working to improve the lives of disadvantaged and marginalised people across England, Scotland and Wales. Funded by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, the Trust supports hundreds of grassroots charities contributing to poverty reduction, mental health support, arts participation, and tackling inequality. Grants are awarded over three years, with applications made through six regional Trusts, each operating its own deadlines. Priority will be given to smaller organisations with an annual income under £250,000 and those working within deprived or marginalised communities. To be eligible, organisations must […]
- [The Speech, Language and Hearing Foundation](https://voda.org.uk/the-speech-language-and-hearing-foundation/): Funding is available to small UK-registered charities that support children with speech, language, or hearing difficulties. The Speech, Language and Hearing Foundation provides grants for education, therapy, and research that improve the lives of children facing communication challenges or complex developmental needs. Previous grants have funded part-time speech and language therapists in disadvantaged schools, postgraduate study in educational audiology, improvements to classroom acoustics, research into childhood deafness, and laptops to support speech and language therapy services. While no grant amount is specified, recent awards have ranged from £500 to £15,000. Applications can be made at any time Apply to the […]
- [Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust](https://voda.org.uk/stanley-smith-horticultural-trust/): Organisations involved in horticulture, gardening, or botany can apply for grants of up to £5,000 from the Stanley Smith (UK) Horticultural Trust. Established in 1970, the Trust has awarded over £3.2 million to more than a thousand recipients, supporting projects that promote horticulture, conserve the environment through biodiversity, develop public gardens, and advance horticultural education. Eligible projects include the restoration of historic gardens, creation of new public garden spaces, horticultural research, publications, and plant study expeditions. Applications are currently open, and the next application deadline is the 15th August 2026 About | Stanley Smith (UK) Horticultural Trust
- [Welcome to North Tyneside](https://voda.org.uk/welcome-to-north-tyneside/): As part of our now complete UKSPF Social Action Project, we’re delighted to share the Welcome to North Tyneside leaflet, a community-created guide for anyone new to the area. This resource showcases North Tyneside’s community venues, areas of interest, and beautiful nature walks. While there are too many local treasures to feature in one leaflet, this guide offers a starting point for discovering the borough, highlighting hidden gems and meaningful places recommended by local people. [dflip id=”27655″][/dflip] A Collaborative Effort The leaflet was created through the collective efforts of volunteers and organizations who came together to share their knowledge and […]
- [The National Lottery Heritage Fund Grants](https://voda.org.uk/national-lottery-heritage-grants/): The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports heritage projects across the UK through its National Lottery Heritage Grants programme, offering funding from £10,000 up to £10 million. Investment Principles All funding decisions are guided by four investment principles: Saving heritage Protecting the environment Inclusion, access and participation Organisational sustainability Applications must take all four principles into account. The emphasis you place on each principle is for you to decide and demonstrate based on your project. Two Grant Levels National Lottery Heritage Grants £10,000 to £250,000 No application deadlines – apply when you’re ready Decision within eight weeks of receiving your complete […]
- [Baily Thomas Charitable Fund](https://voda.org.uk/baily-thomas-charitable-fund/): The Baily Thomas Charitable Fund provides grants to support organisations working with people with learning disabilities across the UK. Grant Programmes The Fund operates two grant streams: General Grant Programme – For applications of £9,000 and above. Applications are considered at meetings held in March, June, and November. Small Grant Programme – For applications under £9,000, with awards up to a maximum of £5,000. These are considered monthly by the Chair of Trustees outside of regular meetings. What They Fund Grants are awarded for capital and revenue costs, specific projects, and general running or core costs. Grant amounts start from […]
- [Octo Assist](https://voda.org.uk/octo-assist/): Octo Assist is a £50 million customer help fund and a collection of support schemes designed to help customers who need it most keep on top of their energy, and keep warm without worrying. Includes free electric blankets, standing charge waivers and more. If you’re an Octopus customer, fill out our quick and simple online tool to get things started. Octo Assist: Bill grants and help schemes | Octopus Energy
- [The Masonic Charitable Foundation](https://voda.org.uk/the-masonic-charitable-foundation/): The Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) supports charities in England and Wales working with disadvantaged children, young people, and vulnerable older people through its small and large grant programmes. Priority Groups The Foundation funds charities working with: Early Years (0-5 years) – Focus on poverty and neglect Children affected by Domestic Abuse – Ages 0-18 years Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) – Ages 0-25 years People with Dementia and their carers – Currently paused and closed to new applications Family or carer support may be included as long as the ultimate beneficiaries are children and young people. Two […]
- [Morrisons Foundation](https://voda.org.uk/morrisons-foundation/): The Morrisons Foundation offers grants of up to £10,000 to registered charities delivering projects across England, Scotland, and Wales. Funding Objectives The Foundation supports projects meeting one of three objectives: Tackling poverty and social deprivation Enhancing community spaces, facilities, and services Improving health and wellbeing Grant Amount Up to £10,000 for specific projects (not running costs or ongoing service delivery). Essential Criteria Applications must: Be from a registered charity Request £10,000 or less Fund a specific project meeting one of the three funding objectives Be in England, Scotland, or Wales Preferred Applications The Foundation prioritises: Smaller charities with an income […]
- [The Rayne Foundation](https://voda.org.uk/the-rayne-foundation/): The Rayne Foundation supports UK charities working to create lasting social change through innovative and collaborative approaches. Funding Priority Areas The Foundation funds work that directly benefits: Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Wellbeing – Supporting care experienced children and young people, those on the edge of care, or leaving care. The Foundation is currently funding a wide range of interventions and is no longer seeking new applications in this area. Refugees and Asylum Seekers – Creating opportunities in employability, entrepreneurship, and personal development. Using arts and creative projects to build community connections between migrants and the wider community. […]
- [Rescue Centre Grants – Pets Foundation](https://voda.org.uk/rescue-centre-grants-pets-foundation/): The Pets Foundation offers grants to UK organisations whose main focus is the rescue and rehoming of pets. Funding helps charities continue their vital work caring for animals in need. Grant amountsGrants start from £250, with larger awards also available. Last year, the largest grant supported a kennel build, totalling £180,000. What we fundWe support a wide range of costs, including: Veterinary bills Boarding fees Trap and neuter schemes Food and general animal care Equipment and vehicles Building works and utilities Application processThe grants programme runs on a rolling basis, with decisions made throughout the year. Organisations can apply once […]
- [KFC Youth Foundation grants](https://voda.org.uk/kfc-youth-foundation-grants/): The KFC Youth Foundation is offering grants to grassroots organisations helping young people thrive in areas of high deprivation. Funding supports work with young people aged 11–25 that creates safe spaces, provides positive activities and builds life skills for a more secure future. This includes programmes that develop confidence, resilience and job readiness. Grant amount Successful organisations can receive up to £6,000 over two years (£3,000 per year). Key dates Applications open: 30 January 2026 Deadline: 27 February 2026 (midday) Outcomes announced: week commencing 20 April 2026 Grant payments: May 2026 Who is eligible Organisations must: Be a registered charity, […]
- [Ballinger Charitable Trust](https://voda.org.uk/ballinger-charitable-trust/): The Ballinger Charitable Trust provides funding to charitable organisations, community interest companies, and local groups based in North‑East England. Its grants support projects that benefit young people, older people, and communities experiencing disadvantage, helping to improve wellbeing, development, and access to opportunities. Grant amountsGrants typically range from £10,000 to £20,000 per year, often awarded over two to three years. Smaller start‑up or volunteer-led groups may receive micro‑grants up to around £1,000. The Trust also considers larger grants for significant projects depending on need and impact. Funding can cover core or running costs, specific project activities, or capital needs such as […]
- [Hadrian Trust](https://voda.org.uk/hadrian-trust/): The Hadrian Trust offers grants to social welfare and charitable organisations working to improve the quality of life for people across the North East of England (the historic counties of Northumberland and Durham, including Tyne & Wear and Cleveland north of the Tees). Grants are typically £500–£2,000, supporting running costs, project costs, part salaries and basic equipment. What They Fund Projects can be funded under the following categories: Social Welfare – support for disadvantaged people, debt advice, community centres, homelessness, hospices, and work with offenders/ex‑offenders. Youth – initiatives improving young people’s skills, potential and employability. Disabled or Older people – reducing […]
- [Marsh Christian Trust](https://voda.org.uk/marsh-christian-trust-2/): The Trust focuses on providing unrestricted grants of £300 to £2,000 which could help small organisations pay for various running costs, such as volunteer expenses, training days, equipment maintenance and other core outgoings. The trust aims to build long-standing relationships with successful applicants and, subject to an annual review, continue its support over time. Funding will be considered in the following areas: arts and heritage education and training environmental causes and animal welfare healthcare social welfare. Apply for a Marsh Charitable Trust Grant
- [The Fat Beehive Foundation](https://voda.org.uk/the-fat-beehive-foundation/): The Fat Beehive Foundation provides small grants of up to £2,500 to help UK charities strengthen their digital presence. Funding supports a wide range of digital projects, including website development, online resources, and digital accessibility improvements. The fund is aimed at charities with an annual turnover under £1 million, helping them reach more people, raise more funds and deliver greater impact through improved digital tools. Grants are awarded twice a year. Priorities for Support Because funds are limited, the Foundation prioritises support for traditionally hard‑to‑fund organisations, including charities working with: Prisoners Refugees Disadvantaged young people What They Don’t Fund Grants […]
- [Skipton Building Society Charitable Foundation](https://voda.org.uk/skipton-building-society-charitable-foundation/): The Skipton Building Society Charitable Foundation supports UK registered charities helping people experiencing hardship and/or underserved groups through two focus areas: access to a place to call home and improving financial wellbeing. Grant Amount Up to £5,000 per successful application. Focus Areas A Place to Call Home Target outcomes: Access and support into a safe and secure permanent place to call home, enabling people most in need to live independently Access and support into safe and secure temporary accommodation in times of crisis (homelessness, palliative/end-of-life care, domestic abuse) Financial Wellbeing Target outcomes: Support to prevent and/or address financial difficulty through […]
- [Paul Hamlyn Foundation - Youth Fund](https://voda.org.uk/paul-hamlyn-foundation-youth-fund/): The Paul Hamlyn Foundation’s Youth Fund supports organisations working with young people aged 14–25 to create lasting systemic change. The fund prioritises efforts that tackle the root causes of inequity, build inclusive systems, and strengthen young people’s power and voice. Grant Amount Up to £50,000 per year for three years (maximum £150,000) Minimum: £30,000 per year Designed as a strategic investment in organisational growth and impact Application Process Rolling applications with no deadlines Two stages: written application followed by interview Around 20 grants awarded annually (10–12% success rate) Who Can Apply Eligible not‑for‑profit organisations must focus at least 50% of […]
- [DWF Foundation](https://voda.org.uk/dwf-foundation/): The DWF Foundation is an independent charity established by DWF to support registered charities with funds, resources and mentoring that help communities thrive. It focuses on five priority areas: homelessness, health and wellbeing, employability, education, and the environment and sustainability. Who can applyUK‑registered charities working locally to address one or more of the Foundation’s priority issues may apply. There is no set minimum grant size, though most awards are up to £5,000 and are one‑off rather than multi‑year. What they fundGrants support initiatives that strengthen local communities, such as projects that tackle specific issues, improve voluntary group effectiveness, include those […]
- [Bernard Sunley Foundation](https://voda.org.uk/bernard-sunley-foundation/): The Bernard Sunley Foundation provides one‑off capital grants to registered charities, Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs), and certain exempt groups in England and Wales. Its funding supports projects that improve quality of life and opportunities for young people, older adults, disabled people, and others facing disadvantage. Grant amountsGrants are offered at three levels: Small grants: up to £5,000 Medium grants: up to £20,000 Large grants: £20,000 and above Funding is awarded based on the scale and impact of the project. The Foundation usually contributes part of the funding rather than covering all costs. What we fundCapital grants can support: Construction, refurbishment, […]

## Pages

- [Sector Connector Businesses & Offers](https://voda.org.uk/our-projects/sector-connector/businesses-on-board/): [vc_row 0=””][vc_column 0=””][vc_column_text 0=””][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row 0=””][vc_column 0=””][vc_column_text 0=”” css=””]We are delighted that the following businesses are now a part of the Sector Connector project. Below is an outline of their offers. If you would like to know more, please contact rachel.sketheway@voda.org.uk[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text css=””] Accenture– Teams of volunteers to help with a range of community projects which use both the work skills and the leisure skills of employees.  Free IT workshops for charities as part of Tech4Good. Admin Unbound –  Offers freelance operations and administrative support to small charities and social enterprises, including setting up and improving systems and processes, grant tracking, […]
- [Sector Connector for Businesses](https://voda.org.uk/our-projects/sector-connector/for-businesses/): Get your business involved in Sector Connector How can Sector Connector help your business to make a difference in the local community? Sector Connector supports businesses to develop their Corporate Social Responsibility offer and to get more involved with the community in North Tyneside by linking them with local groups and organisations that need help. What are the benefits of engaging with Sector Connector? As a business, as well as the “feel good factor” of using your business skills to help charitable work, working through Sector Connector can bring added benefits: For businesses that are interested in delivering public service […]
- [Local News](https://voda.org.uk/news-events/local-news/)
- [VODA News](https://voda.org.uk/news-events/voda-news/): This is where you’ll find all of the latest news from VODA.
- [Sector Connector workshops](https://voda.org.uk/training/sector-connector-workshops/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Free workshops coming up” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” google_fonts=”font_family:Playfair%20Display%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]No upcoming events [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
- [Training Courses & Sector Connector Workshops](https://voda.org.uk/training/training-courses/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]VODA provides a range of practical training courses and workshops designed to support and upskill people working or volunteering in the voluntary and community sector. This includes our Sector Connector workshops, which are delivered free of charge by local businesses and organisations keen to share their expertise. Below, you’ll find our current training opportunities, with the option to book your place online. We’ve also created a Free Online Training For VCSE Organisations guide, highlighting high‑quality resources where staff and volunteers can access free online learning. In addition, you can access our free introductory online training courses via the Elements Training […]
- [Training & Events](https://voda.org.uk/training/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]VODA offers a range of quality training courses and workshops aimed at strengthening the skills of the voluntary and community sector. See below for a list of our current training courses and to book your place online. We also offer bespoke training packages for groups and organisations at competitive rates, on topics including governance, fundraising, marketing and more. [/vc_column_text][borntogive_events event_number=”20″ event_terms=”51″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
- [I Want to Volunteer](https://voda.org.uk/volunteering/i-want-to-volunteer/): An Introduction to Volunteering There are so many benefits to volunteering – it’s a great way to give some of your time and skills for the benefit of others but also a fantastic way to learn new skills, meet new people, improve your CV and to have fun. There are a huge range of volunteering opportunities available in North Tyneside – from short, one off activities such as helping out at a community event to regular voluntary roles in administration, and everything in between. You can search and register for local opportunities searching our online Volunteer Database here. No matter what […]
- [Orbit](https://voda.org.uk/our-projects/orbit/): North Tynesides young persons recovery college
- [Mental Health Alliance](https://voda.org.uk/our-projects/mentalhealthalliance/): a place-based alliance of voluntary, community and social enterprise sector organisations for mental health support
- [Employee Volunteering](https://voda.org.uk/volunteering/employee-volunteering/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Employee volunteering in North Tyneside” google_fonts=”font_family:Asap%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]Employee volunteering is when your staff give their time and skills in work time to support local charities and community projects. It’s a practical way to invest in your people, demonstrate social responsibility and strengthen your connection with North Tyneside.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”How it works” google_fonts=”font_family:Asap%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=””][vc_column_text css=””] Through our Sector Connector project, we link businesses with voluntary and community organisations that need help. This can include: One‑off team activities, like community clean‑ups, gardening or painting projects. Skills‑based support in areas such as marketing, HR, finance, legal advice or digital. [/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Find out more and get […]
- [Support for Groups](https://voda.org.uk/support-for-groups/): VODA can offer support, advice and training to your VCSE group at every stage of its development, from starting up and running well to raising money and planning for the future. In This Section   Setting up Explore what kind of group you want to set up, how you want to develop the constitution and the legal issues you need to know.   Running Your Group Everything from how to hold effective meetings and running an AGM, to writing a business plan and employing a worker.   Governing Your Group The roles of different committee members, what it means to […]
- [Our Team](https://voda.org.uk/about-us/our-team/): CEO Management Team Staff Team
- [Contact](https://voda.org.uk/contact/): [vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=””]North Tyneside Voluntary Organisations Development Agency (VODA) Spirit of North Tyneside Wing 2nd Floor, Wallsend Community Hub & Library 16 The Forum Wallsend NE28 8JR Tel: 0191 323 2040 Email: admin@voda.org.uk   Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm Friday 9am to 4.30pm   How to find us: Find our precise location here: https://goo.gl/maps/QTRtfdtuV8mxbahU8   Parking: VODA does not have any dedicated parking.  However, there is free parking for up to 2 hours at the town centre / Aldi car park to the rear of the Wallsend Community Hub & Library. You can also pay to park longer, […]
- [About Us](https://voda.org.uk/about-us/): Strengthening Communities for Over 30 Years For more than three decades, North Tyneside Voluntary Organisations Development Agency (VODA) has been the backbone of North Tyneside’s voluntary and community sector, championing volunteers, empowering organisations and amplifying the voices that matter most. As the Local Infrastructure Organisation for North Tyneside, we’re here to help your organisation thrive. Whether you need practical support, expert training or strategic advice, VODA provides the tools and connections to make a real difference in your community. As a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (1075060), we support charity and community groups based in North Tyneside or with members living and […]
- [Volunteering as a Trustee](https://voda.org.uk/volunteering/volunteering-as-a-trustee/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Behind all charities and voluntary organisations, large and small, are a group of people who are responsible for the organisation – these people are the trustees. They may also be known as the management committee, board members, or simply referred to as ‘the board’ – they all mean the same thing. The great majority of trustees serve as volunteers and receive no payment for their work.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”What does a trustee do?” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][vc_column_text]Trustees are legally and financially responsible for an organisation. They carry out a range of roles and duties to ensure that the organisation runs well. Trustees make the […]
- [Find Volunteering Roles](https://voda.org.uk/volunteering/search/): [vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Find a Local Volunteering Opportunity” google_fonts=”font_family:Asap%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]VODA’s Volunteer Centre supports charities, community groups and voluntary organisations across North Tyneside by promoting their volunteering roles. Our Volunteer Search Portal makes it easy to browse opportunities based on your interests, location and availability, start your search below. If you would like VODA to share contact details for organisations advertising roles, or if you’d like us to get in touch about your interest in volunteering, you’ll need to register your details and give consent here. Each opportunity listed on the portal is written by the organisation offering the role and […]
- [How to Support Your Volunteers](https://voda.org.uk/volunteering/how-to-support-your-volunteers/): How we support your volunteers If you already involve volunteers – or are just getting started – our Volunteer Centre can help you recruit, support and retain volunteers in your organisation or group in North Tyneside. We offer: Promotion of your volunteering roles to local people. One‑to‑one support on policies, procedures and best practice. Practical tools, training and peer support. Promote your volunteering opportunities We provide free support to promote your volunteering roles, including an online, searchable database of opportunities and regular promotion via our communications and Volunteer Centre channels. Register your organisation and roles via the buttons below.  If […]
- [Volunteering](https://voda.org.uk/volunteering/): VODA’s accredited Volunteer Centre can help with every aspect of volunteering – from finding a role to suit you and your interests, to offering extra support to volunteers who need it. We also provide advice and training to organisations that involve volunteers to help ensure that the experience is a positive one for everyone! Find out more in the sections below. In This Section   I want to Volunteer No matter how much time you can give, we can help you find a meaningful volunteering role to suit you. How to Support Your Volunteers Advice and resources for organisations that […]
- [How to Support Your Volunteers](https://voda.org.uk/support-for-groups/involving-volunteers/)
- [Finance Matters](https://voda.org.uk/support-for-groups/finance-matters/): We offer free and low-cost accountancy services to voluntary and community groups and organisations in North Tyneside and further afield. Financial health checks Support on accounting systems and developing bookkeeping systems Support with budget and cash flow production Independent Examination of Accounts and Audits Troubleshooting Information Sheets Budgets Cashflow Forecasts Accounting for Charities Independent Examinations
- [Governing Your Group](https://voda.org.uk/support-for-groups/governing-your-group/): Support and information for trustees, committee members and anyone else involved in the governance of an organisation. We can help you with everything from defining the roles and responsibilities of trustees and knowing your legal obligations, to offering training on good governance and recruiting new trustees and committee members. See our Information Sheets below or contact us for further support. 2.1: Being a charity trustee 2.2: What do Trustees do? 2.3: The Role of a Committee Member 2.4: The Role of a Chairperson 2.5: The Role of a Secretary 2.6: The Role of a Treasurer 2.7 Recruiting New Trustees 2.8: Inducting […]
- [Setting Up](https://voda.org.uk/support-for-groups/setting-up/): We can support you to set up a new community group, voluntary organisation or even charity and help to turn your ideas in to a reality. This section includes advice on getting like-minded people involved, deciding the purpose of your group, and agreeing a set of rules or principles that will govern your group. We also offer information about things you may need to do, such as open a bank account and allocate roles in the group, as well as about the different legal structures that a community group or organisation can use and how to set up different types […]
- [Welcome to North Tyneside VODA](https://voda.org.uk/): Supporting Charities and VCS groups in North Tyneside We can help with.. Support for Groups We can offer support, advice and training to your group at every stage of its development. Support for Trustees Whatever your organisation calls its governing group, we are here to support its members. Volunteering We can help find meaningful volunteering roles that suit you. I’m interested in… Search … Search Results See all results About Us | Annual Report | Meet the Team | Become a Member | Funding North Tyneside Voluntary Organisations Development Agency (VODA) is a registered charity (number 1075060) based in North […]
- [Annual Report 24/25](https://voda.org.uk/annual-report-24-25/): [dflip id=”27168″][/dflip]
- [Case Studies](https://voda.org.uk/our-projects/sector-connector/sector-connector-case-studies/): Play Video Case Studies
- [CEO Vlogs](https://voda.org.uk/news-events/ceo-vlogs/): VODA Representing the Sector Welcome to our new regular series of vlogs, where we share the latest from VODA and how we’re supporting the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in North Tyneside. In each episode, our CEO, Vicky Smith and other members of the VODA team will bring you insights, highlight important projects and keep you up to date on the work we’re doing in partnership with local organisations and communities. If you would like to discuss any of the topics raised in these blogs, please email Vicky.Smith@voda.org.uk.
- [Volunteering Blogs](https://voda.org.uk/news-events/volunteering-blogs/): Keep up to date with the latest Volunteering news and advice.
- [Volunteering Blogs](https://voda.org.uk/volunteering/volunteering-blogs/): Keep up to date with the latest Volunteering news and advice.
- [Past Projects](https://voda.org.uk/past-projects/): This archive is a record of our past projects, showcasing the work we’ve accomplished and the impact we’ve made. Please note that all the projects listed below are now closed. To find out what we are currently up to, visit our Projects menu.
- [Settle At Home](https://voda.org.uk/past-projects/settle-at-home/): As of 1 September 2025, the Settle at Home Project stopped accepting referrals following the project’s closure. The Settle at Home Project supported individuals aged 18 and over after they were discharged from hospital. While many patients were eager to return home, they often felt isolated, anxious, or unsure of how to manage on their own once back. Volunteers provided reassurance by visiting patients at home shortly after discharge, helping them to settle in with confidence. The project also offered follow-up phone calls and directed patients to other services where needed.
- [Volunteering Guides](https://voda.org.uk/support-for-groups/volunteering-guides/)
- [Volunteering Guides](https://voda.org.uk/volunteering/volunteering-guides/)
- [UK Shared Prosperity Fund -  Small Grants Fund up to £1000](https://voda.org.uk/past-projects/ukspf/ukspf-small/): This UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF) of £1,000 is available to any voluntary and community sector organisations, including individual resident’s groups or youth organisations that provide services in Camperdown Weetslade and Longbenton wards.  You could: Bring people together for events like community fun days  Set up a new informal social group  Set up an activity for the local neighbourhood  Run a project to share local history, stories and culture  Create a community space or garden  Timeline  This is an open-period grant fund running until 31 December 2024. Applications will be assessed at the end of each calendar month. All money […]
- [Community Sector Hub-new](https://voda.org.uk/community-sector-hub-new/): Community Sector Hub A dynamic hub and centre of excellence for the VCSE sector in North Tyneside Welcome to the Spirit of North Tyneside Community Hub at Wallsend Community Hub and Library, a dedicated space for supporting charities, social enterprises and community groups across the borough. The Hub offers a practical, collaborative environment with flexible workspace, meeting rooms, training facilities and a range of support services that organisations can use as and when they need them.  Our aim is to provide a well-equipped, welcoming setting that helps local voluntary and community organisations focus on their essential work in North Tyneside. […]
- [Funding Advice](https://voda.org.uk/support-for-groups/funding/): Whether you’re seeking £500 to acquire new equipment or £5,000 to cover setup costs, we can guide you through every step of the funding process. We offer comprehensive support, including: Identifying Your Funding Needs: We’ll work closely with you to understand your specific requirements and tailor our advice accordingly. Project Planning and Budgeting: Let us assist you in planning your project effectively and guide you in creating a well-structured budget that aligns with your goals. Navigating Funding Sources: Wondering where to apply for funding? We’ll provide insights into the most suitable funding bodies and grant opportunities. Crafting Winning Applications: We […]
- [Our Projects](https://voda.org.uk/our-projects/): Good Neighbours Volunteers carrying out tasks typical of a ‘good neighbour’ for vulnerable residents DiscoverME North Tyneside’s Recovery College for young people aged 16-25. Living Well Supporting our communities with support and information to help us to live well locally. Sector Connector Connecting businesses to the voluntary and community sector to make a difference. Mental Health alliance A place-based alliance of voluntary, community and social enterprise sector organisations NT LIFE Recovery College for self-management of mental health & wellbeing. Grow & Eat Supporting local groups and communities to grow their own food. Best Start Peer support project in North Tyneside […]
- [UK Shared Prosperity Funding](https://voda.org.uk/past-projects/ukspf/): North Tyneside Council secured £1.5 million of funding that organisations in the North West of the Borough were invited to bid for. The project is funded by the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund through the North of Tyne Combined Authority and is now administered by the North East Combined Authority. The UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF) was made available to any voluntary and community sector organisations, including individual resident’s groups or youth organisations that provide services in the following wards: Camperdown Weetslade Longbenton The funding on offer ranged from large-scale projects to smaller grants for individual residents and residents’ organisations. North Tyneside […]
- [Register your Organisation](https://voda.org.uk/register-your-organisation/)
- [Organisation Health Check](https://voda.org.uk/support-for-groups/organisation-health-check/): Organisation health checks are an increasingly accepted way of identifying how your organisation really works and whilst primarily aimed a smaller organisations they can be used as a starting point for larger organisations. We have designed a Health Check Tool for organisations to help you asses what your organisation is doing well and any areas for improvement. VODA can help you to complete the check and our team is available to discuss how best to support your group’s development. Download Organisation Check Here Any further queries? VODA can offer support, advice and training to your VCSE group. Please contact VODA’s Core Services Team […]
- [Governance Blogs](https://voda.org.uk/news-events/governance-blogs/): Keep up to date with the latest governance news and advice.
- [Funding News](https://voda.org.uk/news-events/funding-news/): See the relevant funding opportunities available to North Tyneside voluntary and community organisations.
- [Community Sector Hub](https://voda.org.uk/community-sector-hub/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”27048″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” css=””][vc_custom_heading text=”A Hub for VCSE Groups: Shared Space, Shared Services, Shared Growth” google_fonts=”font_family:Asap%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=””][vc_column_text css=””] Flexible workspace, meeting rooms, training & back-office services tailored for local organisations. [/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”26738,26710,26711,26712″ img_size=”250×200″ css=””][vc_separator css=””][vc_custom_heading text=”About the Hub” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” google_fonts=”font_family:Asap%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=””][vc_column_text css=””] A home for the VCSE sector in North Tyneside The Community Sector Hub is more than just office space. It’s a shared environment where charities, social enterprises and community groups can work, connect and access vital support services, all under one roof. Located in the heart of Wallsend Affordable, flexible options for every need Designed to […]
- [Sector Connector for Voluntary Organisations](https://voda.org.uk/our-projects/sector-connector/for-voluntary-organisations/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”Get Help for your organisation through Sector Connector” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Voluntary and Community groups often need to access additional resources which can make their work more sustainable, and help build skills and capacity within trustee, staff and volunteer teams.  So it makes sense to link up with businesses that have the resources to help.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text] What are the Benefits of engaging with businesses through Sector Connector? As a result of accessing support from Sector Connector, your organisation can benefit in several ways: Savings on the cost of training delivered through Sector Connector workshops or through free training offered by Sector Connector […]
- [Sector Connector](https://voda.org.uk/our-projects/sector-connector/): Collaboration between businesses, voluntary sector organisations and the public sector to share skills, volunteers and resources.
- [Accessibility Statement](https://voda.org.uk/accessibility-statement/): At VODA, we are committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying the relevant accessibility standards. Efforts to support accessibility VODA has taken the following measures to ensure accessibility: Text Size and Font Adjustments: Understanding the importance of readability, we have carefully selected fonts that are easy to read. Additionally, we provide options to change fonts and increase text size, catering to individual needs and preferences. Contrast and Visibility: We have designed our website with high contrast to enhance visibility, making content more readable for those with visual impairments. Compatibility […]
- [Grow & Eat](https://voda.org.uk/our-projects/grow-eat/): Greening your public space and growing your own food
- [Cost of Living Resources for the VCSE Sector](https://voda.org.uk/news-events/cost-of-living-resources-for-the-vcse/): [vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text css=””]The cost of living crisis is impacting individuals and organisations across the VCSE sector. To support you, we’ve compiled key resources, funding opportunities, and services that can help. If you are aware of further resources that could be added, please email victoria.logan-coulsey@voda.org.uk. If you are seeking funding for your charity or group, please visit our Funding News section.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Charity Digital Cost of Living Hub” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css=””]Charity Digital’s Cost of Living Hub offers news, insights, and resources to help charities manage the crisis.  Access the Charity Digital – Cost-of-Living Hub here.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”NCVO Cost of Giving Crisis” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text […]
- [What's On](https://voda.org.uk/our-projects/discoverme/whats-on/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=”DiscoverMe Summer Sessions” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]Beach Combing Art Monday 17 August, 2-5pm Barnardo’s, The Base, Whitley Bay Bowling at Gutterball Alley Tuesday 18 August, 4-6pm (bookings must be confirmed by Thurs 13th August) Meet at Howdon Family Hub Music & Garden Social Thursday 20 August 5-6:30pm Whitley Bay Young People’s Centre[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Book Summer Sessions Here” color=”violet” size=”lg” css=”” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fforms.office.com%2Fpages%2Fresponsepage.aspx%3Fid%3DZjZ1mSCrQUK8OXxe_EjLV7DVAWVug4JJqisZtshuu6BUMjZFMFZJSzVGNjU3U1RMOEY5WFNMSENVMi4u%26route%3Dshorturl|target:_blank”][vc_separator color=”white”][vc_custom_heading text=”DiscoverMe Weekly Sessions” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]The next block of sessions starts Monday 24 August for 5 weeks. See below for our the timetable.[/vc_column_text][vc_cta h2=”Pages of Possibility” h4=”Mondays” style=”outline” color=”violet” css=””] Join us for our brand-new creative […]
- [Online Resources](https://voda.org.uk/our-projects/discoverme/online-resources/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Sometimes you may be having a bad day and need a bit of extra support. Here are some useful online resources that may help.   [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_cta h2=”Kooth” txt_align=”center” style=”3d”]Kooth is an anonymous website that helps young people to feel safe and confident seeking professional support and exploring their concerns.  Access free digital mental health support 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, 365 days a year. Visit www.kooth.com for more information.  [/vc_cta][vc_separator color=”white”][vc_cta h2=”Lonely Not Alone” txt_align=”center” style=”3d”]Lonely not alone is a safe place for young people to share stories and join their constellation, and for people who may not […]
- [Volunteering](https://voda.org.uk/our-projects/discoverme/volunteering/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Get involved with DiscoverMe” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][vc_column_text css=””] Are you passionate about supporting other young people in North Tyneside? Do you enjoy sharing ideas, being creative, or helping others to build confidence and wellbeing? We’re looking for volunteers aged 16 to 25 to get involved with DiscoverMe, a project co-produced with young people to create supportive spaces where everyone can learn, connect and grow. As a volunteer, you’ll help shape sessions, support other young people and bring your own ideas to life. Whether you want to co-facilitate workshops, plan new activities or design posters and resources, your voice will […]
- [Safeguarding Training (North Tyneside Learning Portal)](https://voda.org.uk/safeguarding-training/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]North Tyneside Safeguarding Partnership offers safeguarding training for the voluntary and community sector, accessible via the North Tyneside Council online self-serve booking system, Learning Pool. View the North Tyneside Multi-Agency Learning and Development Offer 2026-2027 here.   If you wish to access the free Adult Safeguard Essentials online training, you can complete this via the Elements Training Portal.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
- [Help Me Be Digital](https://voda.org.uk/our-projects/help-me-be-digital/): One-to-one digital support to residents in North Tyneside
- [Create a Volunteer Profile](https://voda.org.uk/volunteering/create-a-volunteer-profile/): [vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text] Create a Volunteer Profile? Creating a volunteer profile on our Volunteer Plus database allows VODA to respond to your interest in volunteering and provide you with further information about certain roles. If you make an enquiry we will email you the contact details of your chosen role which allows you to then contact the organisation directly. It also helps us to measure and monitor our impact. If you create a profile but don’t make an enquiry we will email you to find out how we can best support you identify a potential role. Completing the profile Please complete […]
- [Best Start](https://voda.org.uk/our-projects/best-start/): Best Start for you and your baby - weekly drop-in sessions
- [DiscoverMe](https://voda.org.uk/our-projects/discoverme/): North Tynesides young persons recovery college
- [Contact Us](https://voda.org.uk/past-projects/ntlife/contact-us/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Where to find us” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text css=””]NT LIFE Recovery College 109-110 Howard Street, North Shields, NE30 1NA View travel instructions for NT LIFE What3Words ///drift.pizza.miss Email: ali.donkin@voda.org.uk alice.holliday@voda.org.uk julie.bishop@voda.org.uk jessica.shaw@voda.org.uk  Telephone: 0191 429 2125 [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_gmaps link=”#E-8_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” size=”” css=”.vc_custom_1681318397858{border-radius: 5px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text] For all the latest updates and NT LIFE news, follow our Facebook Page NT LIFE Recovery College [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
- [North Tyneside Health Inequalities Fund](https://voda.org.uk/past-projects/north-tyneside-health-inequalities-fund/): Tackle health inequalities across North Tyneside
- [Elements Training Portal](https://voda.org.uk/news-events/elements-training-portal/): The Elements Training Portal has been developed by North Tyneside VODA, Connected Voice and Northumberland CVA, who have been working together since 2019 to help VCSE organisations and groups. The partnership has now been extended to include, Community Action Northumberland, Durham Community Action, Inspire South Tyneside, Sunderland VSA. This partnership addresses challenges like limited capacity and geographic barriers by offering high-quality eLearning. Access is available anytime, anywhere with an internet connection. All courses on the portal are free, available to everyone and typically take less than an hour. If you are new to the Elements Training Portal, you’ll need to set up a personal login. After […]
- [Living Well North Tyneside](https://voda.org.uk/our-projects/living-well-north-tyneside/): local organisations working to improve access to information in North Tyneside
- [Welcome to North Tyneside VODA-homepage old](https://voda.org.uk/welcome-to-north-tyneside-voda-home/): UK Shared Prosperity Funding I’m interested in… Search Results See all results Welcome to North Tyneside VODA About Us | Annual Report | Meet the Team | Become a Member | Funding We are here to support the Charities and VCS groups in North Tyneside VODA is a registered charity (number 1075060) based in North Tyneside. We’re here to provide support, advice and training to volunteers and voluntary and community groups operating in the borough. Please explore our website to find out more about the services we provide, or contact us for further information. We can help with.. Support for […]
- [More Cobalt](https://voda.org.uk/more-cobalt/): Become a VolunteerBecome a VolunteerBecome a VolunteerBecome a VolunteerBecome a VolunteerBecome a Volunteer Previous slide Next slide Welcome to the MORE Cobalt and VODA volunteering site. With this new partnership, we aim to provide all the latest local and remote volunteering opportunities available. You will be able to filter opportunities to suit your interests and skills. You will also find case studies from previous volunteers plus a range of volunteering resources. View the Latest volunteering opportunities Search all volunteer opportunities Current Cobalt Volunteering Opportunities Join our monthly litter picks at the Silverlink Biodiversity Park. We are looking for volunteers to […]
- [North Shields Heritage Action Zone (HAZ)](https://voda.org.uk/past-projects/north-shields-heritage-action-zone-haz/): Working with local artists to unearth and share fascinating stories of life on Howard Street in North Shields
- [Trustee Training](https://voda.org.uk/trustee-training/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”What is a Trustee?”][vc_column_text]The training session by VODA’s Core Services Manager Keith Hardy has been designed to give those new to trusteeship an overview of what a trustee is.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
- [VODA Team Q&A](https://voda.org.uk/voda-team-qa/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The team at VODA has seen massive changes in their working environment and day-to-day roles as a result of COVID-19. Find out more about them in these Q&A sessions.[/vc_column_text][borntogive_post posts_post_date=”” posts_post_author=”” posts_categories=”” post_content=”2″ post_excerpt_length=”30″ post_number=”20″ post_terms=”1623″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
- [COVID-19 Volunteer Case Studies](https://voda.org.uk/covid-19-volunteer-case-studies/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Meet some of our amazing volunteers and the people they are helping throughout the COVID-19 crisis.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_basic_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”20″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1710150808146-2deb625e-a2be-8″ taxonomies=”1583, 1673″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
- [Support Information](https://voda.org.uk/past-projects/ntlife/online-resources/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Support Information” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=””]If you are worried about your mental health, or someone else, here are some useful contacts. Call or Text The Samaritans: 24-hour support, call – 116 123. CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably Open 5pm-midnight 356 days a year, Call – 0800 58 58 58. SHOUT Text ‘SHOUT’ to ‘85258’. Free service, available 24/7 24Hr. Universal Mental Health Crisis Lines If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call NHS 111 and select the ‘mental health’ option. NHS 111 is free and available 24/7. Local text numbers for Deaf people who use British Sign Language […]
- [NT Life Timetables](https://voda.org.uk/nt-life-timetables/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Please see below the timetables for NT LIFE. March 2020 April 2020 May 2020 [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
- [Search opportunities](https://voda.org.uk/search-opportunities/): [vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Start your volunteering journey here! Search VODA’s database of  volunteering opportunities in and around North Tyneside via our Volunteer Plus database. Volunteer Plus allows people to search for opportunities based on a range of factors – location, interests, activities and availability. It also allows you to find out more about roles and register your interest for more information. If you require any support to access volunteering or would like to make an appointment with one of our Volunteer Development Officers, please get in touch. Any organisations who want to advertise roles, please contact our Volunteer Centre team – we can […]
- [NT LIFE Blog](https://voda.org.uk/past-projects/ntlife/nt-life-blog/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Read the latest blogs from NT LIFE here…” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
- [NT LIFE Courses](https://voda.org.uk/past-projects/ntlife/recovery-college-courses/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text] NT Life Recovery College hosts a range of courses from DBT skills and mindfulness, to crafting, plant-based cooking to Autism Awareness, singing to confidence building – and much more in between!. You can view the latest prospectus, which contains all course outlines and booking information below. The aim of these sessions is to help people learn new positive ways to deal with the stresses of life, understand themselves better and find purpose. For more information, or to book your place please contact: julie.bishop@voda.org.uk. alice.holliday@voda.org.uk, jessica.shaw@voda.org.uk or ali.donkin@voda.org.uk, call 07598 893237, or complete the Expression of Interest form below. [/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”NT […]
- [NT LIFE Recovery College](https://voda.org.uk/past-projects/ntlife/): Recovery College for North Tyneside
- [Policies and Procedures](https://voda.org.uk/support-for-groups/policies-and-procedures/): Having the right policies and procedures in place is vital for an organisation’s development and sustainability – they ensure that things are done correctly across the organisation and help to safeguard service users, volunteers, staff and the organisation itself. Funders and commissioners require policies and procedures to be in place, and evidence that they are being implemented. Contact us to request template policies & procedures VODA can provide template policies and advice on implementing the relevant procedures on areas including: Access to and Use of ICT Policy Adult Safeguarding Strategy, Policy and Procedure Alcohol, Drug & Substance Misuse Policy AI […]
- [Policies and Procedures](https://voda.org.uk/policies-and-procedures/): [vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Having the right policies and procedures in place is vital for an organisation’s development and sustainability – they ensure that things are done correctly across the organisation and help to safeguard service users, volunteers, staff and the organisation itself. Funders and commissioners require policies and procedures to be in place, and evidence that they are being implemented. VODA can provide template policies and advice on implementing the relevant procedures on areas including:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_btn title=”Contact us to request template policies and procedures” color=”info” size=”lg” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fvoda.org.uk%2Fcontact%2F|||”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_column_text] Absence Management Policy Access to and Use of ICT Policy Adult Safeguarding Strategy, Policy […]
- [VODA's Board of Trustees](https://voda.org.uk/about-us/vodas-board-of-trustees/): VODA is governed by an elected Board of Trustees that have overall control of the charity, its property and funds. VODA’s Trustees meet on a bi-monthly basis to shape the charity’s vision, ensuring we have a clear strategy and sufficient funds to deliver our objectives. The role of Trustees within a charity is a voluntary one. Trustees are appointed at VODA’s AGM with the approval of our Members and are required to step down on a three-year rolling basis (but may re-stand as a candidate). A Trustee may step down at any time by notifying the Chair of the Board. […]
- [Current Vacancies](https://voda.org.uk/about-us/current-vacancies/): Current Vacancies at VODA Good Neighbours Project Worker  16 hours per week (must include Friday) | Funded until end of March 2027 with potential to extend | £26,213 pro rata We’re looking for a compassionate, organised and proactive Good Neighbours Project Worker to join our team. Funded by North Tyneside Council, the Good Neighbours project supports residents who may be socially isolated and need help with everyday tasks such as essential shopping, odd jobs and light gardening. Working alongside our existing Project Worker, you’ll recruit, train and support volunteers, respond to referrals, liaise with clients and partner organisations, and help make […]
- [Trustee Vacancies](https://voda.org.uk/support-for-trustees/trustee-vacancies/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Being a charity trustee is a rewarding way to give back, develop new skills, and make a real difference in your community. You’ll gain valuable experience and work with like-minded people to support causes you care about. Explore the trustee vacancies below to find an opportunity that inspires you! For more information about being a trustee, visit our Support for Trustees section. If you would like to advertise a role here, or if you need support to develop a trustee role description, contact us here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=”” el_class=”oppClass”] North Tyneside VODA Could you help strengthen communities across North Tyneside? […]
- [Trustee Case Studies](https://voda.org.uk/support-for-trustees/trustee-case-studies/): Celebrating North Tyneside’s Trustees Scroll through to discover the stories of some of North Tyneside’s incredible trustees. These case studies highlight the wide range of skills, experiences and motivations that people bring to trustee roles, and the impact they make in their communities. Whether you’re already a trustee or considering joining a board, these real examples offer insight, inspiration and practical reflections on what the role is really like.
- [FAQs for New and Existing Charity Trustees](https://voda.org.uk/support-for-trustees/trustees-faq/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Here are some of the frequently asked questions about being a trustee. If you can’t find the answer to your query here, please contact us and we will get back to you with an answer.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”What is a Trustee?” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text] Trustees, board of directors, executive committee – whatever terms you use, trustees are the people who have overall responsibility for a charity. As well as legal responsibility, trustees ensure a clear strategy, making sure work and goals are in line with the charity’s purposes. They safeguard the charity’s assets and contribute to the management of the charity.   [/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”What do Trustees do?” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text] Trustees are the […]
- [Advice and Guidance](https://voda.org.uk/support-for-trustees/advice-and-guidance/): [vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text css=””]This section contains advice and guidance for trustees, committee members and anyone involved in the governance of a voluntary or community organisation. Below you’ll find our Information Sheets, links to useful external guidance, and our Sector News section, which features the latest updates relevant to charity trustees. Contact us for more in-depth support. [/vc_column_text][vc_separator css=””][vc_custom_heading text=”Trustee Training: Roles & Responsibilities” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]We run a quarterly, free training session on Trustee Roles & Responsibilities, designed to help both new and experienced trustees feel confident in their governance role. You can view and book upcoming sessions in our training […]
- [Support for Trustees](https://voda.org.uk/support-for-trustees/): Charity trustees, committee members, management committee – whatever your organisation calls its governing group, we are here to support its members. Trustees are the backbone of charities – they are the people who share ultimate responsibility for governing and directing how it is managed and run. If you are a charity trustee, VODA can support you in a number of ways – by offering free advice and support, training, information and resources. We can also help you to advertise trustee vacancies, develop trustee roles and ensure you have all of the necessary policies and procedures in place to support you. […]
- [Opportunity](https://voda.org.uk/opportunity/)
- [Search Results](https://voda.org.uk/search-results/)
- [Reset your password](https://voda.org.uk/reset-your-password/)
- [Register as a Volunteer](https://voda.org.uk/register-as-a-volunteer/): [vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Why do I need to register? Registering your details with our Volunteer Plus database allows VODA to respond to your interest in volunteering and provide you with further information about certain roles. If you make an enquiry we will email you the contact details of your chosen role which allows you to then contact the organisation directly. It also helps us to measure and monitor our impact. If you register but don’t make an enquiry we will email you to find out how we can best support you identify a potential role. Completing the registration Please complete the information […]
- [Edit Opportunity](https://voda.org.uk/edit-opportunity/)
- [Add Opportunity](https://voda.org.uk/add-opportunity/)
- [Your Account](https://voda.org.uk/your-account/)
- [VODA Events](https://voda.org.uk/voda-events/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Throughout the year, VODA hosts a range of networking and themed events for North Tyneside’s voluntary and community sector. These events bring local organisations together to share ideas, build connections, celebrate achievements and explore key topics affecting the sector. See the calendar below for details of upcoming events and information on how to book your place.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
- [Updates](https://voda.org.uk/updates/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] VODA Annual General Meeting 2019 Working With the VCS September event North Tyneside’s Better Together Strategy VODA’s Good Neighbours featured on Government’s #LetsTalkLoneliness campaign VODA coming to a venue near you VODA’s Sector Connector Project Scoops NAVCA Award North of Tyne devolution update Working with the VCS blog [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
- [Working with the VCS](https://voda.org.uk/working-with-the-vcs/): [vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”5500″ img_size=”medium” onclick=”img_link_large”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Working With the VCS events provide an opportunity for voluntary and community organisations to come together with local authority officers (and others) on a quarterly basis. Each event focuses on a key focus topic, but there is always plenty of time to network, share opinions, provide updates and develop new ideas. Everyone is welcome. Before the COVID-19 pandemic these events ran quarterly in community venues across the borough. However the current situation means that we have had to move these events online for the time being and we are also looking to hold them more […]
- [Sector Connector News](https://voda.org.uk/sector-connector-news/): [vc_row][vc_column][borntogive_post posts_post_date=”” posts_post_author=”” posts_categories=”” post_content=”2″ post_excerpt_length=”30″ post_number=”5″ post_terms=”685″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
- [Cookie Policy](https://voda.org.uk/cookie-policy/): This site uses cookies – small text files that are placed on your machine to help the site provide a better user experience. In general, cookies are used to retain user preferences, store information for things like shopping baskets, and provide anonymised tracking data to third party applications like Google Analytics. As a rule, cookies will make your browsing experience better. However, you may prefer to disable cookies on this site and on others. The most effective way to do this is to disable cookies in your browser. We suggest consulting the Help section of your browser or taking a […]
- [How VODA uses your information](https://voda.org.uk/voda-uses-information/): The following Sections 1 to 9 explain how VODA uses the information you give to us about yourself. This is followed by Your Rights under the Data Protection Act, which briefly summarises your legal rights, and Your Right to Access Personal Data which explains how you can get a copy of all the information we hold about you. VODA keeps its data management under continuous review and we amend our procedures as necessary. Any changes to the way we use your information will be found in this document. (1) Accounts When you approach VODA for accounts advice we will ask […]
- [Newsletters](https://voda.org.uk/voda-news/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”VODA E-bulletin” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css=””]VODA produces a regular e-bulletin featuring the latest news, events, funding opportunities and updates for North Tyneside’s voluntary and community sector. You can subscribe here, or by completing the sign‑up form at the bottom of our website. Previous issues are also available to view online here. If you would like to submit copy for an upcoming issue, please contact victoria.logan-coulsey@voda.org.uk[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
- [North Tyneside Volunteer Network](https://voda.org.uk/north-tyneside-volunteer-network-2/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]North Tyneside Volunteer Network provides a friendly and supportive environment for staff and volunteers who are responsible for volunteer management in their organisation to network with other organisations who have similar responsibilities.  The Network meetings, which are facilitated by VODA, provide an opportunity to share good practice, exchange ideas and develop joint initiatives.  Regular topics include changes in volunteer policy and legislation, funding possibilities and local training available to volunteers.  There is also an opportunity for organisations to provide an overview of their work or of specific projects that may be of interest to others. Meetings take place every two […]
- [Running Your Group](https://voda.org.uk/support-for-groups/running-your-group/): Governance Support from VODA https://youtube.com/watch?v=6x47uEWytzY%3Ffeature%3Doembed We can help the day-to-day running of your group: Advice on everything from effective meetings, quality assurance and planning for the future. We run regular training courses aimed at increasing the skills and knowledge of the voluntary and community sector. We can help you to market and promote the work that your organisation does. We also have an eLearning Portal Elements where you can access free and paid-for training, which can be completed online at your own pace. See our Information Sheets below or contact us for more information. 3.1 Effective Meetings 3.2 Running an AGM 3.3 Preparing Your Annual Report […]
- [VODA Membership](https://voda.org.uk/about-us/membership/): Benefits of VODA Membership North Tyneside VODA (Voluntary Organisations Development Agency) offers membership to voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations operating in North Tyneside. As a VODA member, you gain access to a supportive network and a wide range of benefits that help your organisation to thrive: A Strong Voice: Shape local decision-making and strengthen the collective voice of the VCSE sector. Networking and Events: Free access to network meetings, forums and events to share knowledge and build partnerships. Guidance and Support: Free advice on governance, funding, volunteering, and organisational development. Funding Updates: Regular funding news and opportunities through our e-bulletin. […]
- [Office and other supplies](https://voda.org.uk/office-and-other-supplies/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]VODA can help you with a range of office, administration and promotional services, including:[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Office and admin services” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]We can offer a range of administrative services to voluntary organisations and community groups – everything from photocopying and mailshots to helping with surveys, policies, contracts and recruitment. Contact us to find out more.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Equipment for Hire” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Including display boards, laptops and projectors.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”HR Excel Tools” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]An Excel package that takes the hard work out of human resources for you.  Read more and order here.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Film Making Service” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]Film is a great promotional tool – we can offer a […]
- [Sector News](https://voda.org.uk/news-events/sector-news/)
- [Supported Volunteering](https://voda.org.uk/supported-volunteering-2/): [vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Sometimes people need a bit of extra support to volunteer and to overcome barriers such as a lack of confidence and motivation, difficulty communicating, problems completing application forms or anxiety about travelling to unfamiliar venues and meeting new people. Our Supported Volunteering service helps people who have a mental health or other long-term condition to access and sustain volunteering and to enjoy the benefits of volunteering activity, such as: Improved health and wellbeing Increased self-confidence, self- esteem and sense of worth Routine and structure Increased social interaction Improved skills, experience and CV By offering one-to-one support and volunteer training, […]
- [Supported Volunteering](https://voda.org.uk/volunteering/supported-volunteering/): [vc_row][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Sometimes people need a bit of extra support to volunteer and to overcome barriers such as a lack of confidence and motivation, difficulty communicating, problems completing application forms or anxiety about travelling to unfamiliar venues and meeting new people. Our Supported Volunteering service helps people who have a mental health or other long-term condition to access and sustain volunteering and to enjoy the benefits of volunteering activity, such as: Improved health and wellbeing Increased self-confidence, self- esteem and sense of worth Routine and structure Increased social interaction Improved skills, experience and CV By offering one-to-one support and volunteer training, […]
- [News](https://voda.org.uk/news-events/): Category Check box list Local News NT LIFE Blog Trustee Case Studies VODA News Volunteer Case Studies Sort… By title from lowest to highest By title from highest to lowest By date from lowest to highest By date from highest to lowest Remove filters
- [Privacy Policy](https://voda.org.uk/privacy-policy/): The following Sections 1 to 19 explain how VODA uses the information you give to us about yourself. This is followed by Your Rights under the Data Protection Act and the UK General Data Protection Regulation, which briefly summarises your legal rights, and Your Right to Access Personal Data, which explains how you can get a copy of all the information we hold about you. VODA keeps its approach to data management under continuous review and we amend our procedures as necessary. Any changes to the way we use your information will be found in this document.              (1) Accounts When you approach VODA for […]
- [Terms & Conditions](https://voda.org.uk/terms-conditions/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you continue to browse and use this website, you are agreeing to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions of use, which together with our Privacy Policy govern VODA’s relationship with you regarding this website. By using our website, you accept these terms and conditions in full. If you disagree with any part of these terms and conditions, do not use our website. The terms ‘North Tyneside VODA’ ‘North Tyneside Voluntary Organisations Developmental Agency’ and ‘VODA’ refer to the owner of this site. The term ‘you’ refers to the user or viewer of our website. […]
- [Good Neighbours](https://voda.org.uk/our-projects/good-neighbours/): Support volunteers to carry out tasks typical of a ‘good neighbour’ for vulnerable residents  
- [Current Offers](https://voda.org.uk/our-projects/sector-connector/current-offers/): Sector Connector aims to bring the business community of North Tyneside and local voluntary and community organisations closer together. This page details some of the current offers made by local businesses for the support of voluntary and community sector organisations. If you would like more information about these offers and how to access them, please contact our Sector Connector Coordinator rachel.sketheway@voda.org.uk.
- [Workshops](https://voda.org.uk/our-projects/sector-connector/workshops/): [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]A number of businesses choose to help community groups by delivering free, two-hour workshops on their area of expertise. Places are free for members of the voluntary and community sector in North Tyneside and VODA provides the venue, administration and promotion of workshops. Upcoming workshops: [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you are interested in delivering a workshop as part of Sector Connector, we’d love to hear from you.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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