Keep up to date with the latest Volunteering news and advice.
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
From the Comfort of Your Home Micro Volunteering
VODA has created a new, home-based activity, ‘From the Comfort of Your Home’, designed to take no more than an hour of your time. We’re inviting the local community to support the charity ‘From Me to You’ by writing a postcard/ letter to someone living with cancer. These letters can help to ease the feelings of loneliness and social isolation that often come with the illness. Your letter pack will
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
