New Volunteering Opportunities

“Coming here gives me friendly company…" John, who attends the Warm Welcome at the Crispin Community Centre in Street, explains. He continues: "It’s a privilege that Street has this facility. I have met new people here and now we go on day trips together. I really enjoy chatting to all the people that come in for coffee.” This is Warm Welcome Week and with another cold snap forecast for Somerset, warm spaces offer a comfortable place to sit, enjoy a hot drink and spend time with others in a friendly, inclusive environment. They are open to all, and people visit for a variety of reasons. For many, it’s about more than just warmth, it’s a chance to build friendships, connections and a sense of belonging. Michaela, who runs Crispin Community Centre, explains why their space attracts many people from the town and surrounding areas: “We have a host of wonderful volunteers who happily give their time to make food, drinks and make everyone feel welcome and valued. “The outcome is truly heart-warming, a room full of people chatting and enjoying something hot to eat or drink on a cold wet day, leaving brighter than when they arrived means the world to everyone involved." “We love being able to help out so that people have a warm and welcoming space to gather and socialise," says one of the Crispin volunteers. "It's especially important as so many places have closed down in our area and the weather means they cannot get together outside.” Laura Bazley, who oversees Warm Welcome for Spark Somerset, explains: “These spaces are about so much more than warmth; they’re about kindness, community and support. They help ensure no one has to feel isolated, providing a lifeline to many, and are often made possible thanks to dedicated volunteers.” Want to make a difference in your community? Find the perfect role for you by clicking the link below.

Prickles Hedgehog Rescue , a grassroots charity dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of hedgehogs across Somerset, had a strong mission and committed volunteers, but needed support to sharpen their business planning, strengthen their organisational foundation, and grow for greater impact. Recognising this, Prickles joined the Spark Somerset SkillShare programme , which connects corporate groups, and larger charities with VCFSE organisations needing support. The programme acts as a broker, enabling flexible contributions of expertise, resources, or time and matching them to local charities based on their specific needs. Nik Harwood from Young Somerset volunteered via SkillShare to support Prickles with business planning. He said: “I’ve really enjoyed being part of Spark Somerset’s SkillShare programme, it’s been great to bring my experience and knowledge to support another charity with their business development journey. Seeing their ideas grow and their confidence build has been really inspiring.” Jules from Prickles Hedgehog Rescue added: “Working with Spark Somerset’s SkillShare and Nik from Young Somerset has transformed our outlook. We now have a roadmap for the future, and we feel stronger, clearer and more confident in what we can achieve.” For charities like Prickles, everyday demands often leave little space for stepping back and planning. The SkillShare programme provides access to strategic support that might otherwise be out of reach. Meanwhile, corporate groups and larger charities can use their skills and resources to make a real difference locally, gain fresh insight into the voluntary sector, and build meaningful community partnerships. Funding is available for larger charities who want to share their expertise with smaller charities to ensure that organisations can dedicate time, resources, and staff support without stretching their own capacity. The SkillShare project has also teamed up with Somerset Chamber of Commerce to reach more corporate partners, particularly related to their corporate and social responsibility ambitions. Whether you are giving your skills or seeking support, fill out the SkillShare form to get involved today.

Inspiring speakers, incredible insights "Volunteering isn’t just about giving – it’s about connecting, learning, and receiving too.” These powerful words echoed through the room at our Celebration of Volunteering in Somerset event in Bridgwater on Thursday 2 October, where volunteers and organisations from across the county came together to honour the incredible impact of volunteering. The Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq, described volunteers as “the Architects of Hope” – a moving tribute to the quiet, transformative work they do every day. The event was a heartfelt celebration of the thousands of individuals who help build stronger, fairer communities across Somerset. It was also a chance to explore the evolving Vision for Volunteering – a new approach designed to make it easier for everyone to create lasting change. We were privileged to welcome inspiring speakers including Amanda Naylor OBE, Gethyn Williams, and Ruth Buchanan Leonard. Amanda reminded us that “volunteering is a quiet rebellion against the idea that one person can’t make a difference” – a sentiment that resonated deeply throughout the day. Stories shared by volunteers and charity workers brought both insight and emotion, reminding us why volunteering truly matters. You can watch the video here . Key takeaways included: Volunteers are the architects of hope, driving social justice and community power True change happens when communities lead – not when they’re asked to fit into pre-made models Giving power to communities doesn’t diminish organisations – it multiplies impact One attendee said: “ It was a powerful reminder of the impact volunteering has, not just for the community and those who benefit from the services, but for the volunteers themselves. ” We’re now working to shape the next iteration of the Vision. Interested in helping shape the roadmap? Click the button below to volunteer for our Working Group.