Volunteering Matters

@volunteeringuk

We bring people together through volunteering to tackle some of society’s most complex issues. England, Wales and Scotland www.volunteeringmatters.org.uk

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Volunteering Matters@volunteeringuk· 27m

This #InternationalYouthDay, we’re celebrating young people shaping the future of volunteering in Scotland and we’ve got something exciting coming! The revamped YouthVIP website officially launches next Tuesday and we can’t wait for you to see what we’ve been working on. #YouthDay

Announcement for the upcoming launch of the new YouthVIP website next week with a megaphone icon and website URL www.youthvip.scot.

Volunteering Matters@volunteeringuk· 4h

This International Youth Day, we’re celebrating young people shaping the future of volunteering in Scotland. Visit the YouthVIP website and explore our YouthVIP in Action case studies to hear their stories in their own words: www.youthvip.scot #InternationalYouthDay #YouthDay

Volunteering Matters@volunteeringuk· 8h

Today, on #InternationalYouthDay, we’re celebrating the energy, ideas and leadership of young people. Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow. They are leading change. #YouthDay #SocialAction #Volunteering

Young person writing on a large sheet covered with colorful sticky notes during a group planning session.

Volunteering Matters@volunteeringuk· 9d

What kind of country and community do you want to live in? The National Conversation is one of the biggest listening exercises in a generation, giving people across the UK the chance to share their views on the future of our communities.Find out more and take part: www.national-conversation.ox.ac.uk

Volunteering Matters@volunteeringuk· 13d

Could you help a family thrive? We're looking for caring, compassionate volunteers to become Family Supporters in Edinburgh and Family Mentors in Southend and Greenwich. Find out more and register your interest at https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/volunteer-with-us/

Six diverse adults smiling and posing happily outdoors near a large tree on a grassy area under a cloudy sky.

Volunteering Matters@volunteeringuk· 20d

A special shout-out to Mike. For the past nine years, Mike has supported Flintshire Befrienders, by lending a hand whenever it has been needed. Here he is cutting the grass at Holway. It is just one example of the many ways he has helped our community. #PowerOfVolunteering

Man mowing a residential front lawn with a green electric lawn mower on a sunny day.

Volunteering Matters@volunteeringuk· 23d

Last week, we were delighted to join St Martin's Centre in Byker, Newcastle, to celebrate an incredible 20 years of supporting local people. It was inspiring to hear the centre's journey, from transforming an old church building into the vibrant community hub it is today.

Interior of a church with stained glass windows depicting Christian symbols behind a lectern with a cross.

Poster listing community partners supporting a local center, featuring logos like Barnardo's, Versus Arthritis, and Walker Taxis, with a thank you message for their ongoing support.

Volunteering Matters@volunteeringuk· 28d

Our Chief Executive, Amanda Naylor OBE, reflects on the publication of the Growing Up Online report and why meaningful participation matters, especially when difficult policy decisions are made. Read the blog: https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/listening-matters-even-when-decisions-are-difficult/

Volunteering Matters@volunteeringuk· 28d

A single social media post can change someone's day. It could introduce them to a volunteering opportunity, inspire them to support a local community, or encourage them to take that first step towards making a difference. This #SocialMediaGivingDay, we're asking for a share of one of our posts.

Text reading 'A simple share can spark something extraordinary' with abstract colorful circles and outlined hands reaching upward.

Volunteering Matters@volunteeringuk· Jul 10

This week, #iWill Ambassadors facilitated a Public Health Hack in Ipswich, bringing together 200 young people to explore public health challenges and develop ideas for change. When we create space for young people to lead, listen and collaborate, we build stronger communities together.

A diverse group of adults and teens posing together in a large room with round tables and chairs, smiling at the camera.

Volunteering Matters@volunteeringuk· Jul 8

We're delighted to share that Volunteering Matters will continue delivering Volunteer Centre Newcastle until 2029. Looking to volunteer or need support for your organisation? Find out more at www.volunteercentrenewcastle.org.uk.

Group of diverse volunteers engaged in a discussion around a wooden table at Volunteer Centre Newcastle.

Volunteering Matters@volunteeringuk· Jul 2

What a special week for Volunteering Matters. We were delighted to nominate 20 of our incredible volunteers, along with a guest each, to attend the Royal Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh. Congratulations to everyone who attended, and thank you for everything you do.

Group of seven people dressed in formal and traditional attire standing on a city sidewalk near historic stone buildings and flagpoles.

Smiling woman in a strapless light blue lace dress and black blazer draped over her shoulders, standing on a paved outdoor area with greenery and hills in the background.

A couple dressed formally stands under a black umbrella on a rainy day near a modern building with hills in the background.

Man in a dark suit and orange tie stands beside a woman wearing a pink fascinator and black shawl outside a modern building with hills in the background.

Volunteering Matters@volunteeringuk· Jun 25

Look at the impact Action Earth is having across Scotland. Last year, our #ActionEarth programme supported 3,609 people through 129 environmental volunteering projects. An incredible 1,559 volunteers (43%) took part for the first time, discovering new ways to connect with nature.

Group of children and adults outdoors planting a tree in a garden on a sunny day.

Volunteering Matters@volunteeringuk· Jun 23

For many care-experienced young people, the move into adulthood can feel uncertain and isolating. In 2025/26, Grandmentors supported 339 care-experienced young people and created 169 new mentoring relationships. Find out more about Grandmentors at www.volunteeringmatters.org.uk/grandmentors

Quote from a mentee. "Having Deb as a mentor has equipped me for life. Its given me life skills, built my maturity and also given me a friend."

Volunteering Matters@volunteeringuk· Jun 22

QBE volunteers spent the afternoon at Age UK Leeds Community Hub hosting an afternoon tea for older members of the community. Volunteering doesn't have to be complicated to make a difference. Sometimes, taking the time to sit down, listen and share a smile can mean the world. #CorporateVolunteering

Young woman in a floral dress attentively listens while sitting beside an elderly person in a cozy, plant-filled room.

Volunteering Matters@volunteeringuk· Jun 15

We're proud to celebrate two incredible volunteers who have been awarded MBEs in the King's Birthday Honours - Joe Knowles MBE and Colin Mason MBE. Congratulations to Joe and Colin on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for everything you have done and continue to do. #BirthdayHonours

Joe (right). Two men in formal attire stand together on a city street with The King's Gallery visible behind them under a cloudy sky.

Person in black shirt holding a booklet titled 'Retired Senior Volunteer Program' inside an office setting.

Volunteering Matters@volunteeringuk· Jun 12

We're proud to be supporting Pride in Place in Ipswich, helping local people shape the future of Stoke Park & Chantry and Whitehouse. Through community engagement, we'll be supporting residents to help shape investment in their neighbourhoods. https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/pride-in-place/

Quote: Communities should be at the centre of decisions that affect their future. Pride in Place represents a significant opportunity for local people to shape how investment is used to strengthen their neighbourhoods over the next decade.

Volunteering Matters@volunteeringuk· Jun 9

Congratulations to Peter who has been named Fostering London Volunteer of the Year! Peter volunteers as a driver, with our Milton Keynes Driver Service, helping a young person in foster care travel to see their family each week. #PowerOfVolunteering

Two men standing beside a white car, one handing a framed certificate to the other outdoors with trees in the background.

Volunteering Matters@volunteeringuk· Jun 7

It’s been a week of celebrating the power of volunteering – from #VolunteersWeek and #PowerOfYouthDay to #TheBigLunch and #TheBigHelpOut. As these celebrations draw to a close, our CEO, Amanda Naylor OBE, has a simple message: Thank you. #CommonGround

Quote from Amanda Naylor OBE emphasizing the importance of volunteers in creating inclusive spaces and reducing barriers, with Volunteering Matters branding.

Volunteering Matters@volunteeringuk· Jun 6

#VolunteersWeek is always a special time for our Mentoring and Supported Volunteering (MSV) project in Dundee, Scotland. This year, we brought everyone together for a Self-Care and Regulation Workshop, with plenty of coffee, cake and convo. It was our way of saying a big thank you!

Four women standing in front of a screen displaying a 'Thank You' message with autumn leaves, in a classroom or meeting room setting.

Volunteering Matters@volunteeringuk· Jun 5

Some of our incredible Family Supporters Edinburgh volunteers came together for a lovely lunch in Saughton Park to celebrate Volunteers’ Week and we were delighted to be joined by our trustee, Julie-Anne Jamieson. To every one of our volunteers – thank you #VolunteersWeek #TheBigLunch #TheBigHelpOut

Group of seven people sitting around a table in a modern cafe with drinks and menus on the table.

Volunteering Matters@volunteeringuk· Jun 5

This weekend, communities across the UK are coming together for The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out, celebrating the power of connection, kindness and volunteering. Thank you to everyone giving their time, building connections and making a difference in their communities this weekend. #VolunteersWeek

Bright promotional graphic announcing The Big Weekend event from June 5-8 featuring The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out.

Volunteering Matters@volunteeringuk· Jun 4

As part of #VolunteersWeek, it was great to be at the Volunteer Fair in Merthyr Tydfil, meeting local people and sharing information about our Welcome Friends project. A big thank you to everyone who stopped by for a chat. We loved hearing your stories and sharing ways to get involved.

Two volunteers sitting behind a table with informational pamphlets, candy, and a lightbox sign reading 'Volunteer Matters' under a canopy tent.

Volunteering Matters@volunteeringuk· Jun 4

As we celebrate Volunteers' Week, we're delighted to recognise the first-ever RSVP Volunteering Award winners! These awards shine a spotlight on the incredible volunteers and projects that make such a difference in communities across the UK.

Two people shaking hands outdoors while holding an RSVP award certificate during Volunteers' Week celebration.

Volunteering Matters@volunteeringuk· Jun 3

Volunteering creates change in every corner of the UK and employee volunteers play an important role in making that happen. Read how employee volunteers are making a difference this #VolunteersWeek: https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/volunteers-week-employee-volunteering-in-action/

Over 600 employee volunteers will support 20+ community groups this June with Volunteering Matters to build stronger communities.

Volunteering Matters@volunteeringuk· Jun 3

Yesterday, we were delighted to be at Newcastle Cathedral, together with local charities and community organisations looking for new volunteers. Could volunteering be your next step? Explore a range of opportunities on GoVo: https://govo.org/ #VolunteersWeek

Three volunteers sitting at a table with informational brochures promoting Volunteering Matters and Good Neighbours Newcastle services.

Group of colleagues standing together in an office hallway with green walls and plants, one holding a teddy bear wearing a lanyard.

Volunteering Matters@volunteeringuk· Jun 2

This #VolunteersWeek, we'd like to give a huge thank you to The Out of the Blue, Leith for the incredible support they've given our volunteers this year. From the kitchen to the print studio, our young volunteers have had the opportunity to develop new skills and build confidence.

Two people in a kitchen preparing ingredients, one reading a recipe while the other measures chocolate over a baking pan.

Volunteering Matters@volunteeringuk· Jun 2

To mark #PowerOfYouthDay, we're showcasing four stories from #YouthVIP panel members, past and present. Each shares a unique volunteering journey. Read more: https://www.youthvip.scot/youthvip-in-action #CommonGround

Quote from a panel member, "Fundamentally, I could not imagine my life without volunteering. It has not only changed my life but saved it too. Volunteering has been the anchor that has grounded and guided me through the waves of recent years. It has endured the significant transitions in my life, such as moving to university away from my rural town in the borders."

Volunteering Matters@volunteeringuk· Jun 2

Today, on #PowerOfYouthDay, we're celebrating the power of young people to shape the future. This photo captures colleagues from Volunteering Matters alongside Molly, #iWill Co-Chair, Rosie Ferguson, CEO of UK Youth, and young people at the Brighton & Hove Hackathon. #CommonGround

Group of eight people posing in front of a banner reading 'Towns & Cities of Social Action' inside a room with white walls.

Volunteering Matters@volunteeringuk· Jun 2

Today is Power of Youth Day, led by the #iWill Movement. This year’s theme is Common Ground. In a world that can often feel increasingly divided, it is a reminder of what unites us. Find out more about #PowerOfYouthDay and the #CommonGround campaign at www.iwill.org.uk/common-ground