New Volunteering Opportunities

Harry finished university this year and moved home, uncertain about his next steps. He visited the Job centre who recommended he try volunteering, so he chose to join the Spark iT Digital Café in Bridgwater. "I use a computer all the time, so I thought it was a good fit," Harry explains. "It's been a good way to get my confidence up. Each week I speak to someone new and I've got something to talk to them about." Harry helps with everything from sorting out SIM cards and Facebook accounts to council tax queries. "Sometimes it's very specific questions, but mostly it's standard to me. Everything today is online, which is very difficult for some people but really simple for me. I just hope I can help everyone learn." As well as supporting others, the experience has meant Harry feels ready to find employment. "I have more confidence speaking to people. I went straight through school, college, university, and coming here and volunteering makes me more ready for work. It's meeting new people in a new environment. It's hard to find a job and I'm doing everything I can, but now I'm not avoiding things. I've had a fresh start. I'm talking to people and I want to carry on doing it." If you would like to volunteer as a Digital Champion like Harry, click the link below to see the current opportunities on the Spark iT profile page.

We’re looking ahead to one of the key moments in the volunteering calendar — Volunteers’ Week 2026. This year’s celebrations run from Monday 1 to Sunday 7 June and offer a chance to recognise the spirit of volunteering and thank the people who give their time to support our communities. If you’d like to shine a spotlight on a volunteer by sharing their fantastic contribution, we’d love to hear their stories. We’re particularly keen to highlight people who have overcome barriers to get involved, like Ryley, Cole or Beki who we’ve featured previously. Get in touch if you have a story you would like to share. You can also thank your existing volunteers and encourage others to give their time by: Completing and sharing our downloadable certificate with your volunteers Adding your current opportunities to the platform Sharing your stories on social media using the #VolunteersWeek and #VolunteerInSomerset hashtags Hosting a Big Lunch for your volunteers and community Discover more ways to celebrate on the Volunteers’ Week website .

After arriving in the UK from Ukraine in 2022, Iryna wanted to give back to the community in Frome that had supported her and found the perfect way to do that was through volunteering. "When I arrived in this country, I was deeply touched by the support that was offered to us. I wanted to express my gratitude and be helpful in some way." Iryna joined the Artists in Dialogue project , connecting artists based in Somerset and Ukraine. In her role as an interpreter and translator, she helps overcome language barriers and raise awareness about the war. "I act as a bridge between the parties, enabling effective communication. I interpret during Zoom calls and translate all email correspondence as well as texts written on the Conceptboard, the platform used for displaying the artworks. "I am proud to be part of this project, and I’m grateful that there are people who keep the war in Ukraine in the conscience of local residents.” She also became part of the Nifty Needle group, whose handmade items support people helped by the Fair Frome food bank. Through volunteering, she found not only a way to help others, but also a sense of connection, purpose and a positive boost to her wellbeing. "What I discovered when I joined the group is that a hobby can be incredibly beneficial for my mental health. It has a therapeutic effect. "Now I encourage people who experience anxiety or have mental health related challenges to find something they enjoy doing, because they will see how helpful it can be for their wellbeing. "As a displaced person and a Welcome Hub manager supporting other displaced people, I find that volunteering can be very beneficial. It’s a great way to integrate into the local community, develop communication skills, improve English, gain new skills, and have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing. "Volunteering is about kindness and caring for others. We live in very worrying times, when values can be easily undermined and many important things are disregarded. If people want to live in a truly civilised society, it must be a society built on values. " If Iryna's story has inspired you and you’d like to make a difference in your community, click the link below to find out how you can get involved.