Keep up to date with the latest Volunteering news and advice.
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,
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.
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
Refugee Week 2026: 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
Using Your Voice: Si’s 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
One Decision. A Lifetime of Experiences. Ray’s 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
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.
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,
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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,
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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,
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,
Embracing Home-Based Volunteering: A New Era of Community Involvement
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
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