Volunteers’ Week 2023: Seven ways to get involved in Nottinghamshire

Nottingham is never short of volunteering opportunities, including charities covering a wide range of issues, including mental health support, food poverty, and the wellbeing of the city.

If you are looking for ways to give back to the city and wider Nottinghamshire, there are plenty of organisations looking for voluntary staff this Volunteers’ Week.

Volunteers' Week is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering in their communities, which takes place between June 1 and 7.

Here’s how you can get involved.

1. Notts LGBT+ Network

Notts LGBT+ Network has been proudly supporting the county’s queer community since 1975, with over 80,000 people receiving help from them.

Their network helps individuals find information, advice, and help relating to LGBT+ issues, which include sexuality, gender identity, sexual health, and emotional wellbeing.

Over the years they have partnered with more than 100 groups and organisations across Nottinghamshire to raise awareness around LGBT issues.

If you are a member of the LGBT community and would like to spare at least two evenings monthly, you can volunteer for the network’s helpline service or one of their other activities, such as marketing and social media, community outreach, or fundraising.

To apply, simply fill in this form. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSenMH3HEuPGc9lJVd-wntfysoETlmSRWV1HzI8rNgW0gSD-tQ/viewform

2- Open Minds trustee

Open Minds is a small charity based in Nottingham aiming to reduce social isolation and loneliness among people with learning disabilities.

Its events include art groups, ‘out and about’ sessions, one-to-one sessions, workshops, and lunch clubs. The charity is governed by a board of trustees who meet every two months in the city centre on a weekday late morning or early afternoon.

Open Minds is currently looking to expand its board of trustees and prior experience is not necessary.

Volunteering will take place on North Sherwood Street and reasonable expenses such as travel are covered by the charity.

You can apply here. https://www.nottinghamcvs.co.uk/volunteering/search-for-opportunities/1578

3- Digital champion Age UK Nottingham & Nottinghamshire

Age UK Nottingham & Nottinghamshire is looking for new digital champions to support older people in gaining or improving technical skills.

This will help them become digitally included, resulting in reduced loneliness and isolation and a more independent lifestyle.

Volunteering will take place in Aspley on Nuthall Road, and travel expenses will be covered by the charity.Volunteers will need to provide a minimum of four or six weeks of volunteering, two or three days weekly.

This will include daytime, evening, and weekend sessions which will be delivered face to face and remotely.

You can apply here. https://www.ageuk.org.uk/notts/get-involved/volunteer/

4 - Arboretum volunteer gardener

Nottingham Green Guardians, part of the Nottingham City Council Parks Team, launched in 2021 and aim to connect people with mutually beneficial opportunities, making the city greener, healthier, and happier.

A volunteer gardener role is available for the Nottingham Arboretum team, which involves hand weeding shrub and flower beds, watering plants, edging lawned areas, and preparing the ground for planting. Sessions are held on the third Wednesday of every month between 10am and 1pm.

You can apply here. https://nottinghamcity.goassemble.com/opportunities/41302-arboretum-volunteer-gardener-arboretum-volunteer-gardener-2022-12-28

5 - Foodbank volunteer at St Ann’s Advice Centre

St Ann’s Advice Centre is looking for new foodbank volunteers at its St Ann’s and Sneinton Foodstore on Robin Hood Chase.

Volunteers at the food bank will help pack food parcels for distribution as well as process food donations and sort items, ensuring they are in date.

The foodstore aims to support vulnerable individuals within the local community by providing them with the essentials they need, especially during the current cost of living crisis.

Volunteers will work on Wednesdays and Thursdays in the morning and afternoon.

You can apply here. https://stannsadvice.org.uk/our-work__trashed/foodbank/

6 - WFA event support volunteer

The Wheelchair Football Association (WFA) is looking for volunteers to help with the filming and management of their National League events.

These will take place over 11 weeks a year at the Lee Westwood Sports Centre on Nottingham Trent University’s Clifton Campus.

Volunteers will help set up and operate mounted cameras to stream the matches, score matches using a phone-based app, look after other volunteers during the day, and even commentate the matches.

The WFA was formed in 2005 to develop powerchair football in England and works in partnership with the Football Association.

Wheelchair or powerchair football is played by individuals with high levels of physical impairment, which prevents them from accessing other forms of football or sport generally.

Volunteers are welcome to help for part or the entire match day, which takes place on Saturdays and Sundays between 8:45am and 6pm. Refreshments and lunch are provided throughout the day and no previous experience is required.

You can apply here. https://www.nottinghamcvs.co.uk/volunteering/search-for-opportunities/16422

7 - Playworker volunteer at the Toy Library

The Toy Library in Bulwell is looking for playworker volunteers to deliver play sessions for children aged four to 13.This will help increase their confidence, resilience, and enjoyment in group activities such as arts, crafts, and outdoor play.

Travel costs will be covered, and volunteers are asked to complete a minimum of one three-hour session weekly.These usually take place Monday – Saturday in the evening during term-time and in the day during school holidays.

Training that includes paediatric first aid, food hygiene, and risk assessment will pe provided.You can apply here. https://www.nottinghamcvs.co.uk/volunteering/search-for-opportunities/16422