News

We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our 2025 Get InVOLved Norfolk Surveys for volunteers and organisations. Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us - it's helping us to see what is working on the platform and how we can improve it to better support volunteering across Norfolk. We’re currently busy analysing all the responses, and the insights you’ve shared are already proving extremely useful. As a thank you, all survey participants were entered into a prize draw to win Jarrolds vouchers – and we’ll be contacting the lucky winners very soon! In the meantime, we’ve created a handy new document to help you make the most of the site, based directly on your feedback. It includes some useful "Top Tips" and key statistics from this year’s surveys.

Befriending Week is the annual campaign to raise awareness about befriending and highlight the power of social connection in reducing loneliness and social isolation. It’s a chance for communities to raise awareness about befriending, celebrate the contributions of befriending volunteers and the staff who support them, and advocate for befriending to local and national decision-makers. Get involved at befriending.co.uk/bw Special events for volunteer befrienders Do you volunteer for a befriending project? Befriending Networks is running a special online event on Thursday 6 November to say thank you to befrienders. Connect with other volunteers, share your experiences and celebrate the power of befriending

Drop in to the Biodiversity Fair Norwich October 4th at The Forum and find out about Norfolk's incredible biodiversity.

Rethinking corporate volunteering, small steps, big impact.

Discover the Mindful Impact Initiative by Transpire Training - offering 50% funding for volunteers, 30% for charity staff, and free monthly webinars. Gain the skills and confidence to support mental health in your community while making training more affordable and accessible.

Supporting safe volunteering: Join Momentum and Safer to explore how organisations can safeguard and support their young volunteers effectively. Thursday 11th September · 10am - 12pm· Online The aim of this session is to explore how to effectively safeguard and support under 18’s so that they can have a positive volunteering experience. The learning outcomes for the session are: • To recognise what constitutes safer working practices for under 18’s. • To discuss different measures that can be implemented to support young volunteers. • To explain what legislation and guidance applies to young volunteers. • To identify suitable safeguarding practices when using virtual or remote volunteering opportunities. This session will be beneficial to organisations that already have young volunteers or those organisations who are looking into taking on volunteers under 18 for the first time. The session will be delivered by Gemma Hampton, The Safer Programme Co-ordinator from The Norfolk Safeguarding Children Partnership. Gemma provides advice and information on all aspects of safeguarding children. She creates safeguarding training courses and keeps these updated with local and national changes. Gemma also reviews safeguarding policies. Gemma's career has heavily involved working with children and families in a safeguarding context.

We are excited to launch our new platform Get InVOLved Skills ! This brand-new platform is designed to give both volunteers and those working in Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations easy access to training and development opportunities across Norfolk and Waveney. Whether you’re just starting your volunteering journey or looking to deepen your expertise, Get InVOLved Skills is here to support your growth and impact. On Get InVOLved Skills, you can explore a wide range of opportunities from trusted organisations, including: Introductory sessions to understand the basics of volunteering. Health and safety training to help keep you and others safe. Courses on working with diverse communities to strengthen inclusivity. Digital skills workshops to boost your confidence in using online tools. And much more! The training opportunities on Get Involved Skills are offered in a variety of formats, including both online and in-person sessions, so you can choose the style that works best for you. The platform’s search and filter tools make it easy to find what you need - browse by location, topic, delivery method, or search by keywords if you’re looking for something specific. If you’re already registered with Get InVOLved Norfolk , you can use the same login for Get Involved Skills . Any training you record and certificates you upload will appear on both platforms, making it easy for organisations to see your completed training when you apply for volunteer roles. Find the link to Get InVOLved Skills in the navigation bar at the top of the page or click the button below.

What would life in Norfolk look like if all volunteering stopped? From hospitals and schools to sports and cultural institutions, this blog explores the enormous impact of both formal and informal volunteering on everyday life, public services, and community wellbeing. Discover the true value of volunteers in Norfolk and why continued support is more critical than ever.

Used Get InVOLved Norfolk to find a volunteer role? Share your feedback in our short survey and enter a prize draw to win a £25 Jarrolds voucher.

Share your feedback on the Get InVOLved Norfolk volunteer platform. Help improve volunteer recruitment and enter a £25 Jarrolds voucher prize draw.

Discover how your charity can access up to £7,000 per month in free Google Search Ads through Google Ad Grants. Learn how to apply, activate your grant, and launch effective ad campaigns to raise awareness, attract donors, and recruit volunteers. Perfect for charities and nonprofits looking to grow their online impact.

Are you part of an organisation that supports or works with young people? Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, collaborate, and learn at Momentum's July Youth Work Network Meeting, bringing together professionals and partners from across the sector. 📅 Date: Wednesday 16th July 10am-12pm 📍 Location: The Matthew Project, 70-80 Oak Street Norwich NR3 3AQ 🎟️ Free to attend This session will include: Updates from Momentum (part of Voluntary Norfolk) A short presentation from The Matthew Project A focus on PAPYRUS’ SPARK training – Suicide Prevention Awareness, Resource, Knowledge What to expect PAPYRUS: Prevention of Young Suicide. An introduction to the charity and their work in suicide prevention, including: Raising awareness of suicide and suicide prevention Information on PAPYRUS and their support services Inspiring hope and encouraging action for a suicide-safer community Details on HOPELINE247, a free and confidential support service for young people and professionals After the Session There will be time for networking and open discussion with fellow attendees. Additional Information Easily accessible by public transport Refreshments provided Fully accessible venue Please note this event is for Momentum network members only - it is free and easy to sign up here - Join our Network | Voluntary Norfolk

The Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2025 Norfolk Community Biodiversity Awards ! Since 1996, these awards have celebrated the passion, dedication and hard work of local communities and volunteers who are making a real difference for nature across Norfolk. Event Details: Date: Saturday 4th October 2025 Location: The Forum, Norwich Nomination Period: 1st July – 1st September 2025 Award Categories This year, you can nominate individuals or groups in one of six inspiring categories : Young People's Achievement Saving Species Rivers and Wetlands (excluding ponds) Groups Spaces for Nature and Wellbeing The Richard Waddingham Ponds Award Each nomination helps to showcase the positive action being taken for wildlife in Norfolk – and winners will be honoured with a framed certificate during a celebratory ceremony at The Forum. Biodiversity Fair – Share Your Work! Before the awards ceremony, there will be a Biodiversity Fair – an exciting opportunity for communities, conservation groups, and volunteers to exhibit their work, connect with others, and engage with the public. Stands are free of charge but must be pre-booked in advance . Nominate Today! If you know someone or a group doing outstanding work for biodiversity in Norfolk, don’t wait – submit your nomination between 1st July and 1st September and help celebrate the people making a difference. Download the nomination form here

• Future Projects invites organisations to host a stall or activity at this free community event in the Marlpit area • Free refreshments, radio and social media promotion provided; please bring your own chair (limited tables available) • To book a stall or ask questions, contact Camilla Wright at [email protected] 🗓 Date: Wednesday 27 August 2025 🕙 Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm 📍 Location: The Baseline Centre, 65–67 Knowland Grove, Norwich NR5 8YD 🎟 Free to attend 🔗 More info: Wellbeing Day 2025 

We’re excited to announce the introduction of the Recite Me accessibility toolbar to the Get InVOLved Norfolk website! This powerful tool enhances digital accessibility, ensuring that everyone can navigate and engage with our site with ease. Recite Me offers a range of features including screen reading, translation into multiple languages, text magnification, customizable colour schemes, and more. To access the toolbar click the Accessibility button which appears in the top right corner of every page: The toolbar will then appear across the top of your screen: Click here to access the Recite Me User Guide or find more information below. Text to speech - helps website visitors to perceive and understand content by reading aloud website text, which can be customised to suit the viewer. Back : Rewind to the previous paragraph of text. Play : Click the Play button to read the text aloud. Forward : Skip forward to the next paragraph of text. Download Audio : Highlight a section of text and download it as an audio file to consume offline Translation - quickly and easily translates website content into over 100 languages, including 65 text to speech voices. Language : Translate text into a different language. Play : Click the play button to read translated text aloud. Text Styling & Customisation - users are able to customise the website’s colour scheme as well as the text, font style, size, colour, and spacing. Decrease : This will decrease the text size. Font : Choose from a range of fonts and customise line height, spacing and size. Increase : This will increase the text size. Colour : Customise the colour palette of a website, including the background, text and link colours. Focus Text : Emphasise the most critical parts of words, to guide the eyes smoothly through the text. Focus Tools Ruler : Use the reading ruler to stay focused on lines of content. Cursor Options : Customise the cursor size and colour to help focus on page location. Screen Mask : Filter out unnecessary distractions to focus on the content you want to read. Text-Only Mode : Removes all images, video and design leaving text and links to consume. Margins : While in text-only mode reposition text on the screen to aid ease of reading. Reading Aids Dictionary : Easily highlight a word and find the definition on the page. Page Summariser : Eliminate unnecessary content, to surface core information to easily understand at different reading ages. Magnifier : Like the offline world, zoom x2 onto a section of the website page to aid reading. Settings Settings : Adjust your Recite Me Toolbar settings. Reset : This will restore the default settings. User Guide : Will give you an overview of the Recite Me Toolbar Features.

This week (2nd-8th June) is Volunteers’ Week! Volunteers' Week is an annual UK-wide campaign that celebrates the invaluable contributions of volunteers across the nation. It provides the chance to recognise and thank the millions who dedicate their time and energy to various causes. Volunteers' Week highlights the diverse roles volunteers play in strengthening communities and supporting essential services. From local grassroots initiatives to national charities, volunteers are the backbone of many organisations, providing critical support and fostering community spirit. Here at Voluntary Norfolk we would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers in Norfolk whose dedication makes a tangible difference in our communities. Your contributions are deeply appreciated. We also acknowledge the invaluable efforts of those working in Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations who support and coordinate volunteer activities. Your commitment ensures that volunteer initiatives are effective, impactful, and responsive to community needs. Using the Get InVOLved Norfolk platform is an excellent starting point if you are interested in volunteering. It is the perfect place find a wide range of volunteering opportunities across the county. By registering, you can explore various opportunities, apply directly, and embark on your volunteering journey. Whether you're already volunteering or just starting to explore opportunities, your contribution matters – and Volunteers' Week is the perfect time to take that first step and Get Involved!

Free tress for schools and community groups from the Woodland Trust

The Chairman of Norfolk County Council Cllr Stuart Dark is approaching the end if his term, it's our pleasure to share his outgoing message with you all.

To help and encourage better charity management, the Charity Commission updated its guidance for trustees in its latest ‘ Charity Annual Return: question guide ’ . Trustees of charities of all sizes are encouraged to report and explain how their charity is responding to and managing key issues including: Governance structures and management: how decisions are made, managed, and reviewed to ensure transparency and accountability The handling of your environmental impact including sustainability and carbon footprint reduction Management of social impact including community engagement, diversity, and inclusion. In addition, the proposed new Charity SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice), currently under consultation and expected to take effect from January 2026, introduces several changes to how charities report on these matters. Last year, in partnership with ACEVO , we launched an innovative, free on-line tool that enabled charities and not-for-profit organisations to analyse and report on their organisation’s Environmental, Social and Governance maturity in support of annual reporting requirements and delivery of best practice operations. Using our free tool to analyse and report on your organisation's ESG maturity could help you fulfil reporting obligations and also gain new insights. Everyone who completes the survey receives a tailored confidential report for their organisation with benchmark data and an action plan to strengthen their own activities. If you are interested in completing the survey this time round, you can register here and we will send you a link to log-in when the tool re-opens for completions between 27th May 2025 and 25th July 2025. Information provided by Eastside People

Event details about the Volunteering Extravaganza in Norwich on June 5th 2025

A brand-new fund has launched in Norfolk and Waveney to help more people take part in volunteering — especially those who may not usually get the chance. The Get Involved Innovation Fund is offering up to £7,500 to local charities and community groups who want to try out new ways to support people into volunteering. The fund is especially focused on: adults with learning disabilities, people who are neurodivergent or autistic young people who are currently in care or who have recently left care. These groups can sometimes face more challenges or barriers when it comes to getting involved in volunteering. The new fund seeks to change that, helping people feel more confident, more included, and more connected to their communities. Organisations can apply for funding to run new activities — or to extend or adapt something they’re already doing. As long as it is something new for them and designed to help people from the target groups. The project could take place in the community or in a health or care setting. The fund is part of Volunteering for Health. This is a £10 million national programme funded by NHS England, NHS Charities Together, and CW+, the charity for Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. The goal is to make volunteering more inclusive, especially for people who experience unfair health inequalities – which means they don’t get the same chances at good health as others, because of things like where they live or the support they have. The local project is a partnership between NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, Norfolk County Council, Voluntary Norfolk, Community Action Norfolk, Community Action Suffolk, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and the Institute for Volunteering Research at the University of East Anglia. We’ve designed the application process to be simple and supportive. Groups start by filling in a short Expression of Interest form. They then meet with the Volunteering Innovation Manager to talk through their ideas and possible costs. Organisations will also get help to plan, deliver and evaluate their project, and to collect stories and feedback from the people who take part. Voluntary Norfolk is keen to hear from any not-for-profit groups that are based in or work in Norfolk or Waveney, and who already work with at least one of the target groups. This includes community organisations run by and for young people. The fund is open to creative ideas – from gardening groups and theatre clubs, to youth groups and support services. As long as the project aims to help people who don’t currently volunteer to become “volunteering ready” and try out real volunteer activities. Funding can cover things like venue hire, session staff, transport, personal support costs, and any equipment needed for the activities. Groups can apply more than once. If a first bid is unsuccessful, there’s support available to help improve it before trying again. There will be several application rounds between May 2025 and March 2027.

Momentum Youth Fund grants are available to help groups provide the best support, or life-enriching opportunities, to the children and young people in their community. This grant is funded by Norfolk County Council and was previously administered by Momentum, part of Voluntary Norfolk. What is it about? Grants of up to £750 are available to support a range of community activities and projects that benefit children and young people in Norfolk aged 11-19, and up to 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Momentum Youth Fund are for small voluntary clubs, groups, and organisations with an income of under £350,000. These grants are for young people, so we want the voice of young people to be at the core of this programme. The Norfolk Youth Parliament will be a key part of the decision-making panel.” For more information and to find out what can be funded click here Are you considering applying for the Momentum Small Grant Fund? Join Momentum and Norfolk Community Foundation for an informative workshop designed to help you feel confident and prepared before submitting your application. Click the button below to get your tickets!

This CharityJob article "How to Include Volunteering on Your CV" offers practical advice on effectively incorporating volunteer experience into your job applications, particularly for those pursuing roles in the charity sector. It highlights how volunteering demonstrates dedication, passion, and key skills valued by employers, including leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and project management. The guide explains how to present both short-term and long-term volunteer roles on your CV, ensuring they highlight a diverse skill set and relevant experience. It also discusses the best placement for volunteer work within your CV, emphasizing how it can showcase a commitment to social causes, bridge employment gaps, and highlight soft skills like empathy, adaptability, and resilience. Thoughtfully presenting volunteer experience can enhance your application and help you stand out as a strong candidate.

South Norfolk Council’s Community Awards highlight the work of local volunteers that go the extra mile to make a positive difference to people’s lives and the environment. Now in their 13th year, these awards celebrate the extraordinary individuals and groups who give their time, energy, and passion to make South Norfolk a better place to live, work, and visit. This could be through organising community events, supporting vulnerable people, or helping to protect the environment. Awards Categories: Healthy & Active Award – Celebrating those who encourage health, wellbeing, and active lifestyles. Young Achiever of the Year – Honouring an inspiring young person making a positive impact. Volunteer of the Year – Recognising a dedicated volunteer who selflessly gives their time. Connecting Communities Award – For those who bring people together and strengthen community bonds. Environmental Champion Award – Rewarding environmental champions who help protect our planet. Business in the Community Award – Showcasing businesses that go above and beyond for their community. Community Organisation of the Year – Recognising groups that make a meaningful impact. Lifetime Achievement Award – Celebrating someone who has devoted a lifetime to helping others. Town or Parish Councillor of the Year – Recognising an exceptional Town or Parish Councillor who has gone above and beyond to support their local community. Winners will receive a £250 donation to give to a local charitable organisation of their choice and shortlisted nominees will be invited to a special awards night on 4th July 2025 at Bawburgh Golf Club, where the winners will be announced in front of family, friends, and community leaders. Nominations close on 16 May 2025

The BBC Radio Norfolk Make A Difference Awards celebrate those who make life better for others in our communities. Nominations are now open and close on Monday 31st March at 5:00pm Shortlisted finalists will be notified from June 2025 and the Make a Difference Award ceremony will take place in September 2025. You must be aged 18 or over to nominate someone for an award. Nominate a volunteer who goes above and beyond in one of the following categories: The Volunteer Award - Awarded to an individual who makes a notable difference to their community by giving their time voluntarily to help others. The Young Hero Award - Awarded to someone under 16 who has made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional. The Great Neighbour Award - Awarded to an individual who helps to make the neighbourhood a better place to live or work in, either on a regular basis or through a single act of kindness. The Active Award - Awarded to an individual or group of people who have used physical activity or sport as a way of improving the lives of those in their community. The Animal Award - Awarded to either a remarkable animal that improves people's lives, or an individual or group of people who improve the welfare of animals. The Green Award - Awarded to an individual or group of people who improve or conserve their local environment. The Fundraiser Award - Awarded to an individual or group of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for a good cause. The Community Group Award - Awarded to a group of people who have helped to change the lives of others within their community. Make a Difference Awards - Award Rules

Thursday 27th March · 6:30 - 8pm On Thursday 27th March, Empowering Communities partners Voluntary Norfolk and FUSE Network will host our second online networking event specifically for trustees and directors to engage in conversations about some of the main challenges they face and to seek advice from others in similar situations. Our first online networking event for Trustees and Board members in November 2024 proved really popular and received positive comments from attendees. During the session and through a linked survey, priority areas of support for board members were identified as: Networking Training Mentoring Resources This second session will aim to explore in more depth the training, mentoring and resource needs of Norfolk board members to enable us to shape future support through Empowering Communities . The session will also provide valuable networking time for attendees to share challenges, problem-solve and learn from one another. If you would like to join the conversation, register for a free place ! This workshop will be online. If you require any adjustments to help you attend, please get in touch with communities@ voluntarynorfolk.org.uk This event is brought to you by Voluntary Norfolk VCSE Sector Support Team and FUSE Network as part of the Empowering Communities Partnership .

GoGoSafari is coming to Norwich and Norfolk from 23rd June to 30th August , but this ten-week adventure needs some Trail Rangers to help bring it to life! With 50 stunning animal sculptures on display, volunteers will keep the trail running smoothly - whether at the Safari Hub , maintaining sculptures, or assisting with events. There’s no set commitment , and roles can work around your availability! Interested? Visit our Trail Ranger Info Sessions at Chantry Place 20th Feb, 10am-2pm, or The Forum 25th Feb, 10am-3pm to learn more. Delivered by Break , supporting young people from care, in partnership with the Zoological Society of East Anglia, alongside Norwich BID, and Chantry Place , GoGoSafari raises vital funds to give these young people the love, support, and opportunities they deserve. Quote from one of Breaks' volunteers, Marie: “I became a Trail Ranger because it's great to be part of something that evokes such enthusiasm and excitement in all ages. I’ve helped with the installation of the sculptures across the city, and I’ve been responsible for keeping them clean and reporting any damage. I've also handed out trail maps and provided information on the trail with my daughter also helping me. It's always a pleasure to be part of such a wonderful event and I know that without the support of volunteers, Break wouldn't be able to put on such a wonderful trails for everyone to enjoy." Check out roles with Break below

Curious about the Subtleties: Exploring Neurodiversity is a poetically immersive exploration of the landscape of neurodiversity – being led by Reannon Tap from Hidden Capacities. EDI workshop series

Student Volunteering Week is a time to celebrate the impact that students have on their communities and to inspire more young people to get involved. Whether it’s helping out at a local charity shop, mentoring younger students, or supporting environmental projects, volunteering offers students the chance to make a real difference while gaining valuable skills and experiences. In this post, we’ll highlight some of the top reasons to volunteer—from enhancing your CV to making new connections and finding a sense of purpose. Plus, we’ll share exciting opportunities you can apply for to kick-start your own volunteering journey. Reasons to volunteer as a student: Enhance Your Employability – Volunteering equips you with valuable experience to add to your CV while helping you develop essential skills like time management, communication, and leadership. It can also provide hands-on experience in your chosen field, giving you an edge in the job market. Boost Your Wellbeing – Taking part in volunteer work offers a refreshing break from academic pressures, providing a sense of purpose and fulfilment. It can reduce stress, improve self-confidence, and contribute to better mental well-being. Support a Cause You Care About – Whether it’s a cause close to your heart due to personal experience or a wider issue like climate change, volunteering allows you to make a meaningful impact on something you’re passionate about. Connect with Your Community – If you’re living away from home for the first time, volunteering can help you step outside the student bubble, build local connections, and gain a deeper understanding of the community around you. Meet New People – Volunteering introduces you to a diverse range of people you might not otherwise meet. It’s also a great way to bond with fellow students who share your interests and values. Click the link below to find a student volunteering opportunity today!

Available course supporting those who would like to progress int working in Health and Social Care

Curious about the Subtleties: Exploring Neurodiversity is a poetically immersive exploration of the landscape of neurodiversity – being led by Reannon Tap from Hidden Capacities. EDI workshop series

Join the Empowering Communities Partnership for a whole day filled with fundraising expertise, skill sharing and opportunities for networking, with lunch and refreshments included! We will be joined by a range of local funding specialists and those with lived experience of diversifying their voluntary, community or social enterprise(VCSE) organisations' income streams. We welcome any Norfolk-based VCSEs to join us for the chance to learn from experts and peers, ask questions of local funders and make new connections! Maybe you’ve felt intimidated or overwhelmed by where to start with new fundraising streams? Or perhaps you’re unsure how to explore your options? There will be chances throughout the day to network with both funders and fellow VCSE professionals, gaining insights, expertise, and useful contacts. Booking required. For further information and booking click on the button below.

The first in a series of training workshops for Norfolk VCSEs to explore EDI in practise with expert facilitators

Trustees' week events and training including a Voluntary Norfolk Trustee Networking event

Support getting back to work through training, volunteering and work placements.

Free staff awareness sessions

share your thoughts on the Empowering Communities partnership

Festival of Trusteeship 2024 will be happening from Monday 4th November to Friday 8th November 2024 . Getting on Board will be bringing you a week of amazing online events to help you consider, become and be brilliant and effective trustees. Get your tickets below!

 The Benefact Group are thrilled to launch their new awards, dedicated to celebrating and supporting the brilliant charities who work tirelessly to make positive change. This year they will be recognising those who have made a significant contribution in the following categories Volunteer of the Year Climate Action Project Local Community Initiative Digital Fundraising Initiative Small Charity Big Impact Charity Leader of the Year For more information and to make nominations click the button below

Share your views and help us make sure the Local Nature Recovery Strategy represents the people who live and work in Norfolk.

flourish youth awards for volunteering and participation

The Voluntary Norfolk Communities Team are hosting a Give it a Go! Volunteering Extravaganza. This is an interactive volunteer celebration and recruitment event. When and where? Friday June 7th 10:30am - 4pm at the Forum Norwich We invite you to explore volunteering through interactive stalls and activity spaces, as well as short volunteer talks in our Voice of Volunteers area. You will be welcomed to find out more about organisations' missions and how you can "Give it a Go". This is not just a volunteering fair but an Extravaganza! Come along and meet some Guide dogs, climb aboard the SOS bus, and learn from inspiring volunteers - from Norwich City Hosts to animal care volunteers and telephone befrienders! Through this event, we really want to highlight how volunteering opportunities are open and accessible to all ; that volunteering is fun and beneficial to volunteers’ wellbeing; and that it can help build your skills and personal development . We also want visitors to be able to hear volunteer voices , with a diverse range of volunteers sharing their experiences and what they have gained by volunteering. Come along and Give it a Go! FLOURISH Youth Awards During this event at 1.00pm , Momentum, part of Voluntary Norfolk, will be launching their brand new award!!! The FLOURISH Youth Award recognises young peoples volunteering and participation, and the impact it has on both their personal development and the wider community. The FLOURISH Youth Award is in connection to Norfolk County Council's new FLOURISH ambition which has been inspired by the things young people have said are most important to them: F amily and friends Access to l earning The o pportunity to lead a good life Being u nderstood Building r esilience Respect for their i ndividuality Feeling s afe Being h ealthy If you are an organisation that works with young people who volunteer or get involved in participation work, you won't want to miss this!!

Norfolk Biodiversity Awards is an annual celebration of the tireless and dedicated efforts of people, projects and groups, who devote their time and effort to preserve, promote and enhance wild places and wildlife in Norfolk. Nominations are now open and this year there are six different categories within which to make your nominations: Young People's Achievement, The Saving Species Award, Spaces for Nature, Nature for Health and Wellbeing, The Groups award and The Rivers and Wetlands Award. Nominees and their guests will be invited to attend an awards evening on June 23 rd 2024 at the Forum in Norwich, where there will be guest speakers, food and drink, and where winners will be presented with framed certificates. Alongside this award evening, there will also be a daytime event on June 23rd where nominees, and conservation organisations will be able to host stands and speak about their valuable work to members of the public. This is a great opportunity to recruit new volunteers, to generate interest in your projects and to network with likeminded people. The 2024 Norfolk Community Biodiversity Awards are generously sponsored by: The RSPB, Lanpro, Norfolk Rivers Trust, Clarion Housing, Norfolk Wildlife Trust and Gressenhall Environmental Hub. Nominations are welcome from (or on behalf of) groups and individuals, and anyone over 16* can be nominated although activities must not be part of any normal paid work for a conservation organisation but can be volunteer work. *The 'Young People's Achievement Award' is open to nominees aged 25 and under. If the nominee is below the age of 16, nominations must be made by a parent, guardian or teacher. It's quick and easy to make a nomination, you can even nominate yourself! Its completely free, so if you want to show appreciation to your local biodiversity heroes click on the button below. Nominations close on the 24th May 2024

The Chartered Institute of Fundraising East Anglia Awards is back for 2024, celebrating the amazing fundraisers and volunteers across East Anglia. 2024 award categories: Young Fundraiser(s) of the Year Campaign/Event of the Year Professional Fundraiser of the Year Grant Giver of the Year Volunteer of the Year Corporate Partner of the Year Team of the Year Do you know an amazing fundraising volunteer, or perhaps you are one yourself, then the Chartered Institute of Fundraising East Anglia have their annual awards coming up. Fundraising volunteer of the year is a category in the awards, which are totally free to enter, and a great way to recognise the amazing work of volunteers in our region. Individuals or organisations can submit a nomination, open now.. For more information and to make your nominations click on the link below

small grants available to support access to arts, culture and heritage

Blue light cards are now available to Volunteers. Check if your organisation is part of the scheme to find out more

There's still time to book your place on our Engaging Young People in Volunteering workshop. This session will help you to take the first steps to engage young people to volunteer with your charity or community group, or improve your existing relationship with young volunteers. What's Involved? With declining volunteer numbers and rising youth isolation in mind, we know that both VCSEs and young people themselves are in a position to gain a lot from volunteering, but many organisations are unsure how to appeal to this audience. Many groups are also concerned about how to tailor roles to the needs of young people and safely support them. In this workshop, we'll explore the safeguarding considerations of working with under-18s, plus hear from young people about their experiences of volunteering. In breakout groups, we'll discuss the specific barriers to working with young people you face in your organisation, plus how you might overcome them. Finally, we'll share some good practice from local organisations who successfully support young volunteers.

Following the launch of the Norfolk Vision for Volunteering, Voluntary Norfolk is offering free online workshops supporting VCSEs to review & develop their own volunteering strategy; to engage young volunteers; and to develop good volunteer management.

Trustees' Week is an annual week of celebration and thanks to the nearly one million trustees across the UK. If you are interested in becoming a Trustee, check out our dedicated Trustee page to find out more We're looking forward to celebrating the amazing contribution made by trustees for their charities and excited to share some of the great free and low coast training opportunities being delivered as part of the celebrations. Click the button below to check out what is available.

People across Norfolk and Waveney are invited to special volunteering “Wellfest” events this October, to celebrate the difference volunteering makes across health and social care. Local volunteering teams from both charities and health & social care organisations are looking forward to sharing their stories and successes with members of the public. Volunteering can take many forms and many people are surprised about the range of activities local people undertake to help out. These events will feature interactive stands and displays with opportunities to speak to current volunteers about what they do in their own words, meet local PAT dogs or even experience a therapeutic hand massage! Thursday 12 October 11am - 2pm at Norwich Quaker Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich NR2 1EW Tuesday 17 October 11am - 2pm at Duke’s Head Hotel, 5-6 Tuesday Market Place, King's Lynn PE30 1JS All are welcome! These events are organised in collaboration with Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, Voluntary Norfolk and Community Action Norfolk. We are also heading to Great Yarmouth to launch the Volunteer to Career initiative. Join us to find out about this new route in to health and care employment! Tuesday 10th October 11:30am - 1pm at Great Yarmouth Library, Tolhouse St, Great Yarmouth NR30 2SH For more information about any of these events, please contact us at: [email protected]

Cultural connections volunteering have flexible volunteering opportunities in Great Yarmouth

Local health and social care organisations are urging people from the Great Yarmouth area to spring into action and find out more about how they can get involved in volunteering for their local community this April. We are here today at Primeyarc Market Gates with Vision Norfolk The Big C Get me out four walls East Coast Community Healthcare St Elizabeth's Hospice Better Together Norfolk And Headway Come and see us to fin out more about volunteering opportunities near you -

volunteer recruitment events in health and social care in Great Yarmouth and Beccles

The climate and nature crises are already impacting millions of people in the UK, some of those affected are those that social charities support. Think NCP are holding a free seminar with funding from and in partnership with the Clothworkers’ Company which is aimed at trustees and will explore: how trustees can embed environmental issues, including environmental justice, into their decision making how charities might evolve their strategies and programmes in light of the climate and nature crises The training is taking place 20th April 2023 1pm -2pm Via Zoom

The Volunteer Passport programme includes: An introductory session and discussion with tutor followed by 5 Level 1 core training modules provided by Norfolk Adult Learning in: Introduction to Volunteering Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Health and Safety Safeguarding Adults and Children Person-centred working All these sessions will be held online and delivered on a Wednesday for 6 weeks. The course start dates for this year are: June 7 th 10am – 1230pm If a face to face course is your preference there is an in Person course starting March 3rd at Wensum Lodge in Norwich. more information on that course is here You will also receive: Support sessions during the training programme Help to find a volunteering role, if needed Registration with Volunteer Passport scheme, certificate of completion and an ID badge Once a volunteer has completed the programme, they will be able to use the Volunteer Passport database to keep a record of their volunteering activity, further training and other information, which they can then share with organisations when they are applying for volunteering roles. The course is delivered online usually via Microsoft Teams or Zoom and you will need access to IT and the internet, we don't recommend using phones or small tablets. If you are interested and would like more information click on the button below.

WISEArchive is a volunteer-led oral history group that collects working-life stories of Norfolk people. We had the pleasure to meet two of their volunteers, Barbara and Gill, who told us more about their roles and what they love about them. Barbara talks about her experience of being an Interviewer for WISEArchive. Gill tells us how she got involved with WISEArchive and what she loves about her volunteering experience.  If you are interested in getting involved with WISEArchive, you can find their roles via the button below. Do you have a story to share? We would love to hear it. Get in touch!

To inform the direction of their work, Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care System would like to hear from young people with and without previous experience of volunteering. This will enable them to identify areas of priority from the point of view the people they will be looking to attract. Following the survey, it is anticipated that they will run a short series of focus groups with young people to further explore the priorities they raise through the survey. To help them reach as many young people as possible in Norfolk and Waveney we appreciate you sharing the survey with your networks. The survey is for young people aged between 16-24 and can be accessed here https://forms.office.com/r/P3pN7ei58S or by the QR code below. It will be open until the 28 th February.

Recruitment open day The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House

Local NHS Trusts and voluntary sector organisations across Norfolk and Waveney are appealing for willing volunteers to get involved and support their local community as services face increasing pressure over the winter period. The Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care System (ICS) is hosting a series of volunteer recruitment events this November for individuals to find out about current volunteering opportunities and hear about new developments where volunteers can support their local services from their own homes. Voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations from across Norfolk and Waveney have been instrumental in creating innovative ways of supporting volunteer recruitment and training over the past two years, making volunteering easier to access. Roles vary from patient facing roles in a busy hospital environment to new initiative digital roles which can be carried out entirely online. People new to volunteering can now also gain skills and confidence through Voluntary Norfolk’s free Volunteer Passport supporting them to find the right role for them. For those individuals looking to join the NHS, an innovative new standardised induction session has been developed through a partnership of six local trusts and Voluntary Norfolk, to ensure a comprehensive and engaging session will be launched in November. Both options ensure that volunteers receive quality bespoke training so they can start their volunteering journey with confidence. Volunteering offers a fantastic way to support health, social care and voluntary sector teams who are under increasing pressure to deliver the best possible care to patients and service users this winter. New recruits will be overseen and guided by clinical teams to support patients make a speedier recovery. To find out more about volunteering, please drop-in to one of these sessions: Wednesday 9 November 10.30am – 12.30pm at Blackfriars Room, St Andrews Hall, Norwich Thursday 17 November 10.30am – 12.30pm at King’s Lynn Town Hall, Saturday Market Place, King’s Lynn PE30 5DQ Thursday 24 November, 10.30am – 12.30pm at Great Yarmouth Town Hall, Hall Plain, Great Yarmouth NR30 2QF

Eddi started as a volunteer with Equal Lives and is now employed by them. The role enabled Eddi to work independently and gain valuable skills and experience.

You may choose to volunteer for a variety of reasons. It may give you the chance to give something back to the community or make a difference to the people around you, or it may provide you with an opportunity to develop new skills or build on existing experience and knowledge. The main thing is that you find your volunteering role both challenging and rewarding. Here are some things you might like to consider: Why – have a think about why you want to volunteer. This will help you to choose a role or opportunity that matches what you hope to get out of volunteering What – draw up a list of the things you would like to do in a volunteering role. If you would like to use the skills and experience you already have, make sure you can describe what they are. If you want to learn new things, what do you want to learn? Which – you may already have an organisation or cause that is close to your heart, but if not, do some research into the organisations that are looking for volunteers to see if you like what they are doing. Have a look at their policies and procedures for volunteers if you want to check what training or support you might get. When – decide how much time you have to give to a volunteering role and whether a regular time would suit you or if you would prefer to volunteer as and when needed. If you haven’t volunteered before, you might like to try some short-term or one-off volunteering to start with to see if volunteering is for you. Who – if you hope to meet new people through volunteering, check out whether the role you are interested involves meeting other people. Some organisations have made sure volunteers are still able to keep in touch online, even when their volunteering has moved to being done from home. If you would prefer to volunteer with other people, look out for roles suitable for groups or families. Where – volunteering happens all over the county and in many different locations, indoors and outside. Many volunteer roles have changed during the Covid-19 pandemic, and there are many more home-based roles at the moment, which expands the areas you might like to consider, including volunteering for national charities. Some volunteering is still happening in person with precautions, and you need to decide whether you would be happy with this. If you feel unsure about what kind of volunteer role would suit you, the Voluntary Norfolk Volunteering Team is happy to talk though your ideas and offer support with making the best use of the Get InVOLved Norfolk platform. Please get in touch: [email protected]

We were joined by our members who shared with us how they were able to continue to recruit and work with volunteers during the pandemic. We covered: What adaptations did groups make during lockdown to support the continuation of volunteering? Have you been supporting existing volunteers who have been unable to continue their volunteer role, perhaps because they have been shielding? Has Covid-19 changed the way you recruit volunteers? Are you recruiting a different type of volunteer? Are you thinking differently about volunteer roles? (e.g. are you breaking roles down into smaller task based roles) What role has technology played in how you manage your volunteers (e.g. training on Zoom, volunteer WhatsApp groups) If we did go back to ‘normal’, what adaptations would you keep and what would you get rid of? What support do you need to improve volunteer recruitment, management and retention?