This is where you’ll find all of the latest news from VODA.
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
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
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.
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
VODA’s Annual General Meeting and VCSE Awards 2025
VODA is delighted to invite members, partners, and the wider community to our Annual General Meeting (AGM) and VCSE Awards 2025. This event celebrates the outstanding contribution of North Tyneside’s Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector. It’s a unique opportunity to: Hear about VODA’s work and impact over the past year. Celebrate local achievements. Connect with the people and organisations making a difference across the borough. Annual General Meeting
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
North Shields community projects awarded small grants to celebrate town’s 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
Celebrate North Tyneside’s VCSE Sector – VCSE Awards 2025 Nominations Now Open
Nominations are now open for the 2025 VCSE Awards, celebrating the outstanding contribution of North Tyneside’s Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector. These Awards shine a spotlight on the people and organisations who go above and beyond to support residents, strengthen communities and make a real difference across the borough. Award Categories Organisation of the Year – recognising a local group making a lasting impact. Volunteer of the Year
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
Connect with Your Community: Volunteer Fair
Volunteering offers more than just a chance to help others—it’s an opportunity to grow. On Saturday 13 September, 11am–4pm, the Connect with Your Community Volunteer Fair at the Beacon Centre, North Shields, will connect you with local charities and community groups. From gaining new skills and confidence to building friendships and networks, volunteering has real benefits for anyone who wants to contribute to their community. Flexible roles mean there’s something
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
Free High Speed Training for Volunteers & Trustees
Thanks to funding from UKSPF and the North East Combined Authority, VODA is pleased to offer free online training courses for volunteers and trustees through High Speed Training. High Speed Training is an online platform that provides fully accredited training courses. These courses can be accessed via your computer, laptop, or smartphone and completed within 2-3 hours. To be eligible to access the free training, you must be: A volunteer
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
Adopt North East Calls for Forever Homes for Over 30 Local Children
Adopt North East is calling for forever homes for more than 30 local children waiting for adoption today. The powerful new image released shows 25 staff members standing together – each one representing a child or sibling group currently waiting to be adopted in the North East. The poignant image is part of a new campaign to highlight the growing need for adoptive families in the region. Each adult in
Volunteers’ Week 2025: How You Can Make a Difference in North Tyneside
Looking to meet new people, learn new skills or give something back to your community? This Volunteers’ Week (2–8 June), there are lots of ways to get involved and make a difference in North Tyneside – whether you have an hour to spare or more time to offer. From in-person roles to virtual support, one-off opportunities or regular commitments, there’s something to suit everyone. Join the Virtual Volunteer Fair Wednesday
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
Free Online Training for the Voluntary and Community Sector
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.
There’s 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
Mental Heath Alliance Funded for a Further Two Years!
The North Tyneside Mental Health Alliance was established in 2022 to build a place-based alliance of voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector organisations ready for partnership working and procurement. Our mission is to build a strong, accessible VCSE Mental Health Alliance that influences and supports emerging mental health strategies. We want to increase confidence within the VCSE sector to be recognised as equal partners with statutory colleagues and ensure the sector has a voice. We are delighted
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,