The answer, really, is anyone who wants to and feels they have time to offer to a worthwhile cause in their community.  So, that could be you too!  Volunteering is one of the most inclusive activities in our community and it is open to anyone who wants to help out.  Volunteering doesn’t have to be a long term and regular commitment in the same place, it can be flexible and suit your needs at any time throughout your life. It's just about finding the right opportunity for you.  Across Gateshead, many organisations are offering varied ways for you to get involved, for example:

• Gardening or working outside to protect and conserve the local environment.
• Having a cup of tea with someone who feels isolated.
• Helping the library archives team to make sure our history is preserved and accessible for others.
• Helping children learn to read in school.
• Cooking healthy meals for an older people’s luncheon club or vulnerable families.
• Driving patients to and from hospital appointments.
• Writing content for social media posts.
• Welcoming and taking tickets for a theatre performance …

To get an idea about current volunteering opportunities, take a look at Ways to help... | OurGateshead.

If you need a little more support in finding the right volunteer role for you then please feel free to contact us at volunteering@connectedvoice.org.uk.

Institute for Volunteering Research: IVS - Where and How can I Volunteer?