In County Durham, we've seen countless examples of how volunteers make a difference every day, let's bring these stories into the spotlight! We encourage your organisation to share your plans for celebrating Volunteers’ Week. Whether you're hosting appreciation events, launching new volunteer programmes, or leading community projects, let us know how you're honouring your volunteers' efforts.

We are eager to hear your volunteers’ success stories and case studies. By sharing these, you inspire others and demonstrate the power of volunteerism in building stronger communities. Your stories can also serve as a beacon for potential volunteers, showing them the diverse opportunities available and the profound impact they can have.

Please send your plans and stories to katie.baggott@durhamcommunityaction.org.uk 

We will feature these on our social media pages to try and create a ripple effect of recognition and motivation across County Durham.

In the spirit of community and cooperation, The Big Help Out is returning in 2024, inviting individuals from all sectors of society to come together and volunteer in their local communities.

This initiative, which successfully launched in 2023 as part of the celebrations for The King’s Coronation, aims to strengthen community bonds and support local projects across the UK.

At the back end of Volunteers’ Week from Friday 7th to Sunday 9th June, The Big Help Out will encourage as many people as possible to devote some of their time to volunteer activities. This initiative not only helps build resilient communities but also provides opportunities for individuals to learn new skills, meet new people, and make a tangible difference in their local area. Whether it's sprucing up a community centre, planting trees, or helping at a food bank, every act of kindness adds up to a monumental difference.

This year, the organisation hopes to expand its reach and impact, with a goal to involve more volunteers than ever before. They are calling on local charities, non-profits, and community groups to join in and create volunteering opportunities that will attract a diverse range of participants.

For those interested in becoming a part of this event, registration is on their official website, www.thebighelpout.org.uk  where you can also find a toolkit and resources to help get you started.

Durham Community Action have developed a new Good Practice Guide on Volunteer Recognition and Appreciation, a comprehensive resource designed to acknowledge and celebrate the invaluable contributions of volunteers.

Volunteers and their contributions are a vital part of our organisations. Recognising this, the new guide offers practical ideas to help volunteers feel valued and appreciated.

The guide emphasises the importance of regular and meaningful recognition, proposing a blend of formal and informal methods to suit diverse volunteer preferences.

Let's continue to build a culture of gratitude that uplifts and motivates, ensuring our volunteers know just how essential they are to us. Join us in implementing these best practices and help us set a standard for volunteer recognition that is as impactful as the work our volunteers do every day.

If you would like a copy of the guide please email charlotte.linton@durhamcommunityaction.org.uk

During Volunteers' Week we will be running a Volunteering and the Law online workshop aimed at staff and volunteers who are responsible for volunteer management.

It will cover how the law applies to recruiting, supporting and managing volunteers, understanding the Disclosure and Barring's process and when it is required, using the correct language when recruiting volunteers, and identifying the difference between good practice and the law when working with volunteers. 

Join us on Tuesday 9th July for an Employer Supported Volunteer Showcase Event.

A variety of organisations will be pitching their volunteer offer to voluntary and community organisations. There will be a chance to network with the organisations to see how they can best support your community organisation.

The aim of the event is to highlight the offer available and to best utilise the skills of the Employer Supported Volunteer offer to make a meaningful impact for the communities of County Durham.

Bookings for the event will open the week commencing 3rd June.

Durham County Council Volunteers' Fair is planned to take place during Volunteers' Week to promote the beneficial impact on staff health and wellbeing at council buildings on different dates across County Durham including Durham, Spennymoor, Crook, Meadowfield and potentially Seaham or Consett.

The event will be open to Durham County Council staff to meet voluntary organisations with opportunities for staff to give their time back through volunteering in local communities including group challenges for bigger projects.

Further information on dates and venues is available and if you would like to book a free table to promote volunteering with your organisation, then please contact Elizabeth Mullen at Durham County Council for further details :

Elizabeth.Mullen@durham.gov.uk   

Telephone: 03000 265 484  Mobile: 07717 839164 

During Volunteers’ Week, the spotlight is on volunteering, and Durham Community Action will be actively advocating volunteering at different events.

This is an ideal time to ensure that your volunteer opportunities are current on the County Durham Volunteer Platform as people are actively searching for volunteer roles in their area.

If your organisation is not registered yet, you can sign up here and begin promoting your volunteer opportunities today.