We were delighted to be invited to the Blue Monday Volunteer Celebration Event, hosted by the Volunteering Academy. The event provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with other organisations and volunteers from across the community, expand our networks, and strengthen the positive relationships that make volunteering so impactful.
The morning began with a fun and interactive quiz all about volunteering. One interesting fact that stood out was that around 16% of adults in the UK take part in formal volunteering each month. At Volun-tees, we are passionate advocates for volunteering and its many benefits, knowing that our students are part of this statistic is really rewarding.
Throughout the event, we learned more about the incredible work of the Volunteering Academy and the vital role they play in making Middlesbrough a volunteering-friendly and inclusive town. They offer a wide range of support, including access to training, resources for organisations, help with funding bids, and ongoing guidance for volunteers. This support even extends to accompanying volunteers on their very first volunteering shift, helping to build confidence and create those all-important initial connections.
Our partnership with the Volunteering Academy continues to strengthen the Volun-tees offer. By working closely together, we are able to connect with a wide range of community groups who are all seeking volunteers. This collaboration ensures we can provide a diverse portfolio of opportunities, making it easier for people to find roles that match their interests, skills, and passions.
Ten volunteering students from Teesside University attended the event, all of whom volunteer in the community and for university-led projects and events. To say we were proud would be an understatement. Every student fully engaged with the day, sharing thoughtful ideas on how the Volunteering Academy could continue to develop and making meaningful connections with those around them. The room was filled with energy, enthusiasm, and a genuine sense of commitment, and the dedication of the Volunteering Academy team ensured that everyone gained so much from the experience.
Thank you, Volunteering Academy, for inviting us to your event.
If you would like to find out more about volunteering please email: volunteering@tees.ac.uk
Related Opportunities
Positive Pathways is our homelessness prevention programme in Middlesbrough, specifically designed to help people with experience of homelessness moving forward in life focusing on developing a broad range of life skills.
Nightstop prevents homelessness through community hosting. It helps people who are in immediate housing crisis by providing safe accommodation in the homes of vetted volunteers called ‘hosts’.
