Nexus aims to make transport available to all. This particular project is aimed at helping adults with learning disabilities. They currently need volunteer Travel Trainers to enable adults with learning difficulties to travel by Bus or Metro, making them totally independent on public transport. Volunteers would need to be aged 18plus with experience of public transport. They will need to show patience towards the people in their care. Some knowledge and experience of working with adults with learning difficulties will be helpful.

Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by Cancer. They provide practical, medical, emotional and financial support and push for better cancer care. They currently have a number of roles they are recruiting volunteers for.

Firstly the organisation is looking to set up Fundraising Groups and Committees in East Boldon, Cleadon Village and Washington area’s. Volunteers will organise, promote and plan fundraising events and collections. Volunteers should be able to carry out their role on their own initiative and as part of a team. They should be outgoing with a friendly nature and be reliable and trustworth

The second opportunity is for Macmillan Public Collections volunteers aged 16+ to take part in annual and one off fundraising collections. Volunteers should be able to carry out their role on their own initiative and as part of a team. They should be outgoing with a friendly nature and be reliable and trustworthy.

The National Autistic Society  is the UK's leading charity for people affected by autism. They champion the rights of people on the autism spectrum and push for positive change through national and local campaigns. The NAS leads the way in offering a range of support and services for all ages and abilities.

They are currently looking for volunteer Befrienders. Volunteers will be trained and supported to provide flexible and quality support to individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Befrienders can be matched with a child or adult affected by autism or could spend time with others in the family. Activities could include taking a child to a ball pool or park, providing an extra pair of hands when the family go shopping, going  to the cinema or maybe meeting an adult for coffee. The training will give volunteers a basic knowledge of ASDs and prepare them for the role. They will gain experience of working with someone affected by an ASD and experience of working with children or vulnerable adults. They will gain personal development, a boost in self esteem and references can be provided after a suitable period of volunteering. Volunteers should be aged 16+ with warmth and an ability to engage in a relationship. Empathy, understanding, open-mindedness and willing to learn are essential qualities. Good communication and interpersonal skills are essential. A good sense of self-awareness and the ability to operate on one's own initiative is needed but also knowing where to obtain support.

Multiple Sclerosis Society supports and develops the work of the MS Society branches through training, forums and advice. A regional newsletter and website promotes the work of the MS Society and they also hold information events for people and their families who are affected by MS. They are currently looking to recruit a volunteer Secretary and Assistant Treasurer to enable the group to operate. All roles require volunteers with excellent communication skills and for the role of Assistant Treasurer some knowledge of finance duties. Training can be provided from the National Centre.

North East Disability Resource Centre (NDRC) provides educational, recreational and leisure activities to adults who have cerebral palsy. They are currently recruiting talented volunteers to work with small group of its service users. Volunteers will be required for a couple of hours on a Tuesday. This could be either as a one off or on an ongoing basis, to use their talents to interact with the group. This could include playing the guitar, acting out scenes, singing or dancing or any other music or drama based talents you can share. The sessions start in September and we would love to hear from anyone who may be able to help. Some musical talent is required but enthusiasm and the ability to interact with a wide variety of service users is most important, so good communication skills, patience and understanding is needed.

Healthy Communities Collaborative is a new initiative that will raise awareness of cardiovascular disease and the risk factors associated with it. Volunteers will take part in health promotions to help raise awareness of cardio vascular disease and the risk factors associated with it and to encourage local people to get a full NHS heath Check. They will work with a team of volunteers and health professionals raising awareness through events, group talks, community centres, libraries and any other venues that are identified. They will also help clients to fill out risk assessment forms and evaluate the work we are doing by getting individuals to complete questionnaires. Volunteers will support the design of promotional materials and be an active member of the healthy Communities Collaborative in tackling health inequalities in Sunderland, and an ambassador for Sunderland North Community Business Centre. Volunteers should have good communication skills, a friendly manner, enthusiasm and a sense of humour. They should be aware of confidentiality and be reliable. It is desirable that volunteers have knowledge of one of the target areas and of local contacts but that is not essential. The target areas are the wards of Redhill, Southwick, Hendon and East End. Volunteers should be willing to learn new skills.