New Volunteering Opportunities

Q volunteers at the Spark iT Digital Café at the Waffle Hub in Burnham-on-Sea, bringing his professional expertise from his previous role as an employee of EE. Since April 2024, he's supported 748 people with everything from account recovery to price comparison, but for Q, it's about far more than technical fixes. "When I first came to Spark Somerset, I'd been out of work for three years. I was experiencing fear of failure," Q remembers. "Spark just asked me to give them an hour, and it built my confidence. I got out of the house, which I hadn’t done in three weeks." Now Q runs the café his way, understanding that digital support is about catering to individual needs. "One of the most important skills I have is listening. Sometimes I'm the only person they might speak to. Lots of my regulars come back to tell me how something has worked. I call it digital dignity, but it's really more about dignity." Through a partnership with Vodafone, Q provides SIM cards to people struggling with expensive pay-as-you-go contracts. He recommends free services like WhatsApp for communication and helps people find safe Wi-Fi access points, crucial for people without home broadband. But for him, volunteering isn't just about helping others; it's been life changing for his own mental health and sense of belonging. "Every day I come here, I feel appreciated. My clients appreciate me. I enjoy solving problems and I do a jig when I get things to work. Volunteering has given me confidence and that helped my mental health. I really feel part of my community." If you would like to volunteer as a Digital Champion like Q, visit the link below.

“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.