Volunteer Case Study

SAFE Males – PEER MENTOR VOLUNTEER (GWENT)

Volunteering Matters’ SAFE males project is aimed at males aged 16-35 in Gwent who have a learning need or disability. We need your help in creating fun interactive sessions.

Rural Isolation of citizens in Europe

Over the course of a two year campaign on rural isolation, Volonteurope has been gathering evidence and good practice from the European voluntary sector.

Rural isolation of citizens in europe

This brief aims to introduce the problem of rural isolation, reflect on its realities and negative impact and assess its different dimensions.

RSVP, Emma Thomas-Hancock, Director of Delivery

At Volunteering Matters our strategy is all about being ‘place based’ and how that impacts communities. The volunteer leaders and organisers of RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Programme) have been leading the way and championing this approach for over 30 years! They do this by leading and organising local place-based social action in communities across the … Continued

Jonathan’s story: juggling volunteering with university #iwillweek

Hi, I’m Jonathan Le Fevre, I am 24, I’m from Ipswich but am currently living and studying at University of South Wales in Newport. I have been volunteering at Volunteering Matters in Wales for around 6 months and have completed the Mind Matters training along with attending a sign language event at the office. Before … Continued

Volunteering Matters Collaborates with Mencap to inspire volunteer support

When Mencap asked us to support their initiative to encourage young people with mild and moderate learning difficulties to volunteer, we were excited to help.  Volunteering can be as beneficial to the person giving support as it is to the recipient, and we felt this was especially relevant in the case of the Mencap students.  Volunteering is … Continued

Government Guidance Regarding Volunteering in England

Statement on Government Guidance Regarding Volunteering During Covid-19 We expect Government guidance will soon be issued for organisations and groups, to support them in understanding how to involve volunteers safely and effectively during Covid-19. This will be in addition to existing Government guidance for volunteers, updated in light of the new national restrictions in England, … Continued

Paul Reddish reflects on Danny Kruger’s report, ‘Levelling Up Our Communities.’

Shifting power to communities and volunteers: Let’s get started   This summer we’ve witnessed first-hand the incredible efforts of people in communities, volunteering their time to support others in need during this pandemic – this included emergence of mutual aid groups, neighbours supporting one another, more formalised roles like NHS Responders and volunteers through charities … Continued

Volunteers are doing things differently

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic we’ve quickly adapted,  identifying new ways to make sure our amazing volunteers can keep supporting their communities.  We’re massively privileged to have the trust and regular contact with isolated older people through our projects and programmes. So we’ve utilised this contact to reach out and use the creativity … Continued

Grandmentors: Does it work?

A comprehensive two-year evaluation by Manchester Metropolitan University on Grandmentors explores whether the programme works for young people leaving care.