Our new strategy is live
Thank you for standing with Volunteering Matters. Your support helps us bring people together to create stronger, fairer and more connected communities.
We believe volunteering is an act of optimism. It shows that when people work together, they can transform lives and communities for the better.
We are proud to share our five-year strategy for 2025 to 2030. It sets out a bold vision for the future of volunteering and the change we can achieve together.
This is not just the unveiling of a document. It is the start of a new chapter in how we work together, how we lead change, and how we create the future we want to see – Amanda Naylor, OBE, Chief Executive, Volunteering Matters
Read Amanda’s blog
Rooted in real life
Our strategy is shaped by the voices of volunteers and communities across the UK. It focuses on five areas of change, each illustrated by the impact of real projects.
Change area one
Combatting loneliness: No one should feel alone.
Change area two
Improving health and wellbeing: Better health and wellbeing starts with community.
Change area three
Breaking down barriers: Talent is everywhere.
Change area four
Equipping and enabling communities: Communities know best
Change area five
Creating social cohesion: Together, not divided.
Our work in action
These are just some of the ways our volunteers and communities are already making a difference. With this strategy, we will scale up our impact and ensure that volunteering is accessible to everyone, everywhere.
In North Lanarkshire, volunteer befrienders spend time with young carers, giving them a much-needed break from challenging home lives. In Forth Valley, older volunteers connect with children in schools, creating friendships that benefit both generations.
Through Sporting Chance in Stockton, men aged over 50 come together to get active, share experiences and support each other’s mental health. Our Action Earth projects in Scotland give people the chance to improve green spaces, boosting both biodiversity and wellbeing.
In Ipswich, young people are leading campaigns that challenge stereotypes and influence local decision-making. Through Match and Mentor in Norfolk, volunteers with additional needs are building skills, confidence and connection in their communities.
Our Family Mentors programme supports parents to take control of their future, building networks of support that help keep families together and thriving.
Projects like The Archie Project in Bristol bring school pupils and care home residents together, building understanding across generations and tackling stigma around dementia.
Introducing the volunteer ecosystem
The volunteer ecosystem in the strategy recognises that people engage in volunteering in different ways, at different times in their lives. It outlines a flexible model with five key stages:
- Flexible and one-off volunteering
Entry-level opportunities that are easy to access and fit around people’s lives. These build confidence and connection. - Volunteering through relationships
Regular, supportive roles built on human connection and trust. This stage often helps reduce isolation and creates lasting bonds. - Skilled or focused volunteering
Roles that draw on lived or professional experience to offer targeted support. These have clear goals and often involve training. - Leading and organising
Volunteers take on leadership roles, help shape projects and influence direction using their insight and experience. - Changing systems
Long-term engagement where volunteers help influence policy, improve services and create structural change.
The ecosystem supports flexible movement between stages. People can pause, return or shift how they volunteer, with every contribution recognised as valuable.
Support us
This is a strategy for everyone who believes in the power of people to make a difference.
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