Blog

Throughout 2020, our volunteers and staff have done an incredible job, repurposing and redesigning our projects and programmes, and in many areas taking part in the front-line response to Covid-19. This wouldn’t be possible without the wonderful support we receive from players of People’s Postcode Lottery. The report below gives examples of some of the … Continued

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

By merging and by taking a place-based approach – shaped by local knowledge, energy and understanding – more people will be supported.

Gardening workbooks created for children by RSVP volunteers in lockdown

Keep an eye for our volunteers during the ad breaks in Emmerdale on ITV this winter! From December until January 2021 three of our projects – Norfolk Knitters and Stitchers, Grandmentors in Milton Keynes and Match and Mentor – are featured in the clips, giving a small glimpse of how our volunteers are building stronger … Continued

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

Our Grandmentors volunteer their time, skills, compassion and expertise to help young people coming out of the care system so that they can become independent adults. To mark Care Leavers Week 2020 we’re launching the next phase of this award-winning programme – Great Grandmentors. Over the past 3 years we’ve seen our Grandmentors going above … Continued

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

RESPECT Project – sourcing & donating educational packs to support families’ home-learning. One of the many things we’re doing in response to COVID is RESPECT. Based in Suffolk, our volunteers are creating activity packs for children. These are helping families with home-schooling, especially those who may not have English as their first language. The packs, … Continued

On the day that TV and radio stations observe 'Blackout Tuesday' to show that racism of any kind cannot be tolerated, our Chief Executive Paul reflects on practical changes needed to tackle every day inequalities.