This month, the weather just cannot make up its mind, one minute it is hailstones, the next it’s sunny! Those lighter mornings and evenings are a sure hint that spring might finally be on its way.
Here in the volunteering team, we have been as busy as ever, hunting out new opportunities and connecting with loads of fantastic organisations to make sure there is something for everyone. Whether we are delivering online sessions or out and about on campus, we always love it when you stop by for a chat.
With plenty of exciting opportunities on offer, take a look at our newsletter and see what is happening this month and beyond!
In this Newsletter:
- Do Good, Feel Good
- Case Studies and Spotlights
- Volunteering Fairs
- Volun-cheers Awards
- Volunteering Opportunities
- Volunteering Support
Do Good, Feel Good
March was a fantastic month for our Do Good, Feel Good events, with two great opportunities for our students and volunteering team to get involved in the local community.
Our first event supported the Keep Boro Tidy campaign alongside Newport Community Hub. Working in partnership with Middlesbrough Council and residents, we took part in a community litter pick. Despite the chilly weather, the team made a real difference to the area. It was also inspiring to hear from the Council’s Environmental Warden about the ongoing efforts to keep the community clean, safe, and welcoming.
Our second event saw us volunteering with Neuthread, part of Daisy Chain. This innovative circular fashion project transforms discarded fabrics, materials that would otherwise end up in landfill, into unique, high-fashion garments. With an estimated 32 billion garments produced globally each year, and around 64% ending up in landfill, initiatives like this are more important than ever. Through funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, Neuthread has developed a creative and impactful solution to textile waste. By reusing existing fibres and materials, the project helps reduce carbon emissions while conserving water, energy, and chemicals, ultimately lowering pollution. The name itself reflects its mission, with “neu” symbolising its ongoing work supporting neurodivergent people.
Both events strongly align with Teesside University’s Sustainable Futures Strategy, highlighting our continued commitment to environmental responsibility and positive community impact.
Read more about our events here. Articles
Thinking about getting involved? Whether you are new to volunteering or simply looking to try something different, we have more opportunities coming up in April (with two events confirmed and possibly a third). Volunteering is a great way to build valuable transferable skills, meet new people, and be part of a supportive team environment.
We feel like this is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do, bringing students and community organisations together, building connections, and working alongside people who are passionate about making a real difference.
Please take a look at the next two Do Good, Feel Good opportunities, we do hope you can join us:
Easter Eggstravaganza – 2nd April 2026
What better way to spend an afternoon than getting creative for a great cause? Join us as we make Easter gifts and decorations for a local charity, no artistic skills required! We will provide all the materials you need to create cards and decorations that are sure to make someone smile.
This is a relaxed, fun, and rewarding session where you can meet other students, get creative, and make a real difference in the community.
Do Good, Feel Good: Teesside Hospice Superstore Setup – 16th April 2026
Be part of something special as we help bring the brand-new Teesside Hospice Superstore to life before it opens its doors to the public.
We are looking for imaginative, fashion-focused volunteers to get hands on with styling mannequins, creating eye-catching displays, and transforming donated items into inspiring in-store features. This is a fantastic opportunity to unleash your creativity in a real retail environment while gaining valuable visual merchandising experience.
Case Studies and Spotlights
We are proud to share two inspiring stories that highlight the incredible difference our students and organisations are making in the community.
From supporting sustainable, community-led initiatives with Boro Doughnut CIC to creating a safe, welcoming space for children and families through the After School Club as part of the Restoration Church, these articles showcase the dedication, compassion, and creativity of all involved.
Take a moment to read these stories and see how getting involved can make a real difference.
Careers and Volunteering Fair
Our most recent Careers and Volunteering Fair was a fantastic success, bringing together students, graduates, and organisations for a day full of opportunities and advice in our award-winning Digital Life Building.
This semester, 20 voluntary organisations joined us alongside employers, linking up volunteering opportunities for the first time with our careers fair, a new and exciting addition that was very well received.
We were thrilled to welcome 530 students and graduates and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Organisations appreciated the steady footfall throughout the day, the well-thought-out layout, and the high-quality interactions with students exploring relevant opportunities.
A huge thank you to everyone who attended, your energy, curiosity, and engagement made this event a real highlight.
Volun-cheers Awards
Excitement is building for this years Volun-cheers Awards, and plans are well underway to make it a truly memorable celebration of our amazing volunteers.
NOMINATIONS ARE STILL OPEN, but not for long! Volun-Cheers 2026 Awards Nomination Form – Fill in form.
We have already received some incredible nominations, and the judging panel is in for a tough task choosing the winners!
A quick reminder: please record your volunteering hours on the Volun-tees platform to ensure you receive the correct recognition. If you need help logging your hours, we are happy to arrange a one-to-one session to guide you through it. The deadline in the 10th April.
Invitations are being sent out to those who have qualified, and we are counting down the days until we can celebrate all your hard work, dedication, and impact together.
Volunteering Opportunities
We have some great volunteering opportunities on the platform, please take a look!
Age UK Teesside
Our aim is to promote wellbeing and independence ensuing later life is a fulfilling and enjoyable experience.
Re-Connect Volunteer - Age UK Teesside
Borderlands
Borderlands is a Creative People and Places project funded primarily by Arts Council England. We work to increase access to arts and culture, focusing on engaging areas of the lowest participation. We work collaboratively with local communities, emphasising co-creation, co-design, and community voice.
Boro Doughnut
To build a Thriving Middlesbrough through community action and collaboration using the Doughnut Economics model. Connect people together to take urgent action for a ‘Thriving Middlesbrough’ – To meet the needs of ALL people within the means of the living planet.
Researcher and Web/Social Media Creator
Edible Forest Garden and Allotment
Cleveland School Sport Partnership CIC
To inspire and enable all young people to lead active, healthy lives by supporting high-quality physical education, school sport, and physical activity through strong partnerships and inclusive opportunities.
Sports Development Volunteering
Coram
We train volunteers to go into local partner primary schools and help children grow a love of reading as readers get the best chance in life and every child deserves that.
Family Action
Family Action works to tackle some of the most complex and difficult issues facing families today – including financial hardship, mental health problems, social isolation, learning disabilities, domestic abuse, or substance misuse and alcohol problems. These issues can have a huge impact on the stability of family life, and will have a significant impact on the health, wellbeing and development all family members.
Independent Monitoring Boards
Independent Monitoring Boards are made up of over a thousand unpaid volunteers operating in every prison in England and Wales. They report on whether the individuals held there are being treated fairly and humanely and whether prisoners are being given the support they need to turn their lives around. This can make a huge difference to the lives of those held within these facilities.
Ivison Trust
We believe parents and carers are and should be valued as partners in safeguarding children from exploitation outside the family.
KFC Youth Foundation
Empowering young people to fulfil their potential. KFC Youth Foundation is a national charity dedicated to empowering young people aged 8 to 25, particularly those facing societal challenges. Our Middlesbrough hub will be the first of its kind for KFCYF, and our goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where young people can access a variety of services and programs.
Male Youth Mentor Volunteer - Level Up Programme
Library of Things Saltburn
We save waste and save people money by allowing them to borrow tools rather than buy tools and other 'occasional use' items.
Linx Youth Project
Providing high quality services and opportunities that enable children and young people living in Hemlington and surrounding areas to achieve their full potential, develop a sense of belonging and improve their life chances.
Literacy Pirates
We take children on voyages as readers and writers, and we’re on the lookout for volunteers to join the virtual crew.
Literacy Support Volunteer (virtual)
Little Flowers Baby and Toddler Group
Early years play and learning 0-3 years Intergenerational social activities in the local community.
Volunteer - Little Flowers Baby and Toddler Group
Middlesbrough Environment City
Middlesbrough Environment City empowers communities to live healthier, fairer and more sustainable lives. Through powerful, community-driven projects, practical education and supportive partnerships, we help build a society that cares for each other as well as the planet.
Middlesbrough Council
Our values are at the heart of everything we do at Middlesbrough Council. We are passionate about our people, our work, and our residents.
Neuthread
Mend It Don’t Rag It exists to challenge the idea that damaged or unwanted clothing should be thrown away. We believe that repair and reuse are powerful tools for reducing textile waste and protecting the environment. By fixing, adapting, and upcycling garments, we help keep clothing out of landfill and give it a longer, more useful life.
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
The Trust continues to strive for transformational service change and the way in which healthcare services are delivered to the people of Stockton-on-Tees, Hartlepool, Sedgefield and Easington. Volunteers are an integral part of helping us to deliver excellent healthcare as standard.
PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide
PAPYRUS exists to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives, by shattering the stigma surrounding suicide and equipping young people and their communities with the skills to recognise and respond to emotional distress. We believe that no young person should have to struggle alone with thoughts of suicide.
Restoration Church
Connecting families, the marginalised, the poor and the broken to the restorative power of the gospel.
Kids Club Volunteer - Restoration Church
Volunteer Church Team Leader - Restoration Church
Roseberry Community Consortium
Roseberry Community Consortium (RCC) assists the young people of Teesside to learn new skills that they would not otherwise have access to due to any challenges they may face.
General Volunteer - Roseberry Community Consortium
Rubies
Rubies support girls in Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland to increase self-esteem, build resilience and stay safe. We provide workshops, courses and social activities to help girls recognise their strengths and know their true worth.
Secondary School Volunteers - Rubies
Girls Group Volunteer - Rubies
Primary School Volunteer - Rubies
RSPCA
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) is a charity operating in England and Wales which promotes animal welfare. The RSPCA is funded primarily by voluntary donations.
Samaritans
We are a branch of the national Samaritans charity based in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, providing emotional support for our telephone callers. We have been based in Northallerton for over 60 years.
South Tees Involvement Bank
The Patient Experience team at South Tees Hospitals work with patients, their carers, family and the public to listen to and share their views. That is why we created our Involvement Bank. Patients and the public can sign up and you can get involved as little or as much as you want.
South Tees Hospitals Involvement Bank
Step Ahead Project
Our mission is to support families within Redcar and Cleveland with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) by creating a safe and inclusive space for everyone to socialise and interact. Our mission is also to educate and help support those navigating the SEND world.
Day to Day Operations Assistant
Stockton and Darlington Heritage Railway
Our aim is to promote, celebrate and educate communities, organisations and people about the Stockton and Darlington Historic route and the 200 years of railway history.
Heritage Hero Museum and Objects Reviewers
Student Wellbeing – Teesside University
We are committed to strengthening our communities by engendering a sense of belonging to the university community through the provision of services, activities, facilities and through working together with students, staff and external partners, to overall contribute to the wellbeing of people, places and planet.
Yes to Respect Campaign Volunteer
Teesside Hospice
Our vision is that we are there for everybody who needs us. We want to change the way our society and healthcare systems care for people with a terminal illness and ensure that local people get the very best care at the end of their life. Our mission is to complement other services by leading the development of new ways of working and delivering hospice care that meets the needs of those at the end of their life today and those in the future, whatever their needs might be.
Mooch with your Pooch Event - Teesside Hospice
Lottery Promotions & Events Volunteer - Teesside Hospice
Partnerships Research Volunteer - Teesside Hospice
Midnight Walk Volunteer - Teesside Hospice
Tees Valley Wildlife Trust
We protect the wildlife where you live. We make our county a better place for local wildlife and people. We all know that wild places are under daily threat, as our towns develop and our countryside changes. Despite our successes, wildlife is still being lost at an alarming rate.
Tees Valley YMCA
To enable young people to live well and thrive.
Youth Work Volunteers - Tees Valley YMCA
TS Volunteers
Open to all students offering a wide range of services and programmes, whether you are an elite athlete, want to try a new sport, play in a campus league, join a team or club, use the gym, volunteer in sport or try an outdoor activity. We offer the highest quality experience for you to get involved in sports during your student journey.
Tutor the Nation
Our vision is a fairer education system where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. We believe that, when available to all, tutoring has the power to transform education for everyone. Our volunteers are making education fairer, one tutoring session at a time.
Volunteer Online Tutor - Tutor the Nation
Unicorn Centre
To improve the general health and well-being of people with disabilities through the medium of horses.
Helping with Disabled Riding Therapy - Unicorn Centre
Volunteering Matters – Stockton on Tees
Volunteering Matters is the provider for the Volunteer Driving Service in Stockton-on-Tees which aims to bridge the gap for people unable to use public or patient transport. This may include people who have a disability or mobility issue, need to travel on routes not covered by public transport, financial restrictions or are uneasy about leaving their home. Stockton Volunteer Drivers Service will provide a lifeline to many local people, enabling them to access services and activities that could improve both their physical and mental health and well-being.
Whitby Wildlife Sanctuary
Whitby Wildlife Sanctuary's mission is to provide a rescue & rehabilitation service for orphaned, sick and injured wildlife across the whole of the North East, with aim to release back into the wild where they belong.
Rescue and Transport Volunteer - Whitby Wildlife Sanctuary
Young at Heart CIC
Young At Heart ULO CIC aims to provide regular opportunities for people living with dementia and their care partners to meet and develop support networks in a safe and friendly environment, to take part in a variety of engaging opportunities and to access a range of engaging and meaningful activities to holistically support quality of life.
Digital Media Support Volunteer
Events & Fundraising Support Volunteer
Blog Content Creator (Dementia & Care
Dementia Carer Listening Support Volunteer
Dementia Activity Group Volunteer
Zarach
Our mission to end child bed poverty, giving children the opportunity to engage at school, and a chance to break the cycle of poverty.
Volunteering Support
If you have any questions regarding volunteering, creating a profile, recording hours or using the platform, please email volunteering@tees.ac.uk and we can arrange a convenient time to meet.
We were delighted to be invited to the Student Success Conference. It was inspiring to see so many students presenting on how volunteering has played a vital role in promoting inclusivity and shaping their university experience. A huge shout-out to all the students who took part, you were amazing! Your dedication, insight, and passion truly made the event memorable, well done to you all.
Have a lovely day
Kate, Jayne and Lindsey
The Volunteering Team
Related Opportunities
FareShare North East works in partnership with the UK's largest food redistribution charity, FareShare UK, to source and redistribute quality, good-to-eat surplus food which would otherwise have gone to waste.
This will take you to a local infrastructure charity search page so that you can search for more volunteering opportunities in and around Middlesbrough.
Zarach's mission is to end child bed poverty, helping children get a good night's sleep and the chance to thrive at school.
