We are committed to tackling loneliness by building stronger, more connected communities through the power of volunteering. By creating meaningful opportunities for people to connect, we help improve wellbeing and ensure no one feels left behind.


Loneliness can affect anyone, at any stage of life, and its impact on wellbeing is significant. Whether it is caused by life changes, isolation or a lack of social connection, it can leave people feeling disconnected from their communities. Addressing this is not just about reducing loneliness, it is about helping people feel seen, valued and part of something.

Our approach focuses on creating real opportunities for connection through volunteering. By bringing people together around shared activities and common goals, we help build relationships that are genuine and lasting. Volunteers and participants alike benefit from a stronger sense of belonging and purpose.

We work alongside communities to design and deliver support that meets local needs. This means creating inclusive, accessible opportunities where everyone can take part, build confidence and form meaningful connections. Through this work, we are helping to create communities where people look out for one another and no one has to face loneliness alone.

Blaenau Gwent Volunteering Friends
Volunteering Friends is a National Lottery Community Funded project.  Through the engagement of volunteers, we support older people (50+) living in Blaenau Gwent who are experiencing feelings of…

Bloom
Bloom in Nuneaton aims to help women feel less isolated and promote health, well-being, and community connection for those unfamiliar with the UK system, including housing, education, health, and law.

Essex Knitters and Stitchers
We are a vibrant community of crafters in Essex, dedicated to fostering connection, supporting local causes, and combatting loneliness through our shared love of knitting, crocheting, and sewing….

Flintshire Befrienders
A National Lottery Community Funded project. Through the engagement of volunteers, we support older people (50+) living in Flintshire who are experiencing feelings of social isolation and loneliness.

Hounslow Allies
The Hounslow Allies project recruits, trains and supports adults from the local community to become allies (Independent Visitors) to looked after children and young people.

Lifelines (Brighton and Hove)
Lifelines project in Brighton brings together people aged 50+ both as volunteers running activities and as participants in the wide range of volunteer-run activities.

Match and Mentor
Match and Mentor provides personalised, supported volunteering opportunities and other community based activities, for people with a learning disability, or additional support needs.

RSVP
RSVP is a programme for people aged 50 and over to use their energy, enthusiasm and experience to support others. Explore more and get involved today.

RSVP (Forth Valley)
RSVP Forth Valley supports people aged 50+ to stay active, connected and make a difference through volunteering. It helps reduce isolation and improve health and wellbeing while benefiting local…

RSVP (Glasgow & West Scotland)
The Retired and Senior Volunteering Programme in Glasgow provides volunteering opportunities primarily for the 50+ age group.

RSVP (South West)
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme in South West England provides volunteering opportunities primarily for the 50+ age group.

RSVP West (Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset)
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme in the West of England provides volunteering opportunities primarily for the 50+ age group.

Supporting young people to shape the future of growing up online
The online world isn’t just something young people use. It’s where they connect, learn, create and figure out who they are. It’s a huge part of growing up today. As it continues to evolve, one…

In conversation with Orlaith, volunteer mentor with MSV (Dundee)
We enjoyed hearing from volunteer mentor Orlaith about her positive experience mentoring with MSV (Dundee) and why she recommends others to get involved.

Action Earth grants now open
Action Earth grants now open Volunteering Matters has opened applications for its 2026 Action Earth grants, supporting volunteer-led projects that improve local green spaces and bring communities…

New partnership with DSIT to amplify youth voice
We are excited to be entering a new partnership that builds on the success of our 2025 hackathons as part of the Deliver You campaign.

The difference we are making in Forth Valley
In Forth Valley, communities are being strengthened by local people taking action, supporting one another and shaping solutions based on lived experience. By creating space for volunteers to lead,…

Impact Report 24/25 – A year of connection, community and change
Our 2024/25 Annual Impact Report celebrates the incredible difference our volunteers have made across the UK, bringing our 2025 to 2030 strategy to life.

Why the National Youth Strategy needs all of us
This strategy is for all of us. Volunteers, mentors, local leaders, community organisers, networks and charities. Civil society is not just a helpful extra. It is the foundation that can make this…

Volunteering Matters response to the launch of the National Youth Strategy
We’re proud to deliver the #iWill Movement and to have played a leading role, as part of a consortium with UK Youth and others, in enabling young people to shape the National Youth Strategy through…

International Volunteer Day: Ordinary people, extraordinary change
Today, on International Volunteer Day, we celebrate the universal power of people giving their time, skills and kindness to make life better for others. Volunteering is one of the most hopeful forces…

Our response to proposals for mandatory volunteering for migrants and asylum seekers
Volunteering Matters believe that volunteering should always be a free and meaningful choice. We recognise the vital role volunteering plays in building stronger, more inclusive communities and want…

Volunteering Matters is recruiting new trustees
[Now closed] This is your opportunity to help shape the future of volunteering and ensure communities everywhere can thrive. Join us and become a new Trustee.

Celebrating Colin: A living example of the volunteering ecosystem
Colin Mason’s 25-year journey through volunteering shows how one person can influence every level of society. From supporting individuals to leading national strategy.

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