Volunteers’ Week is an annual event which celebrates the fantastic contribution that millions of volunteers make across the UK.  The week plays a huge part in raising the profile of the millions of volunteers who regularly contribute to society, while inspiring others to get involved too.

To help celebrate the occasion, the Volunteer Centre has teamed up with the North VCS Network to hold a Volunteering Information Event.

The event will be attended by a selection of local voluntary and community sector organisations that will be able to provide you with information on their volunteering opportunities.  You will also have the chance to chat with staff from the Volunteer Centre, who will be able to answer any questions you may have around volunteering.

We would like to show potential volunteers a practical display of what’s available; therefore the Active Sunderland Bus will be in attendance along with a Nintendo Wii display, woodcarving demonstration, Mini MOT’s and health checks, a chance to have a healthy smoothie and take part in a healthy walk and a hand massage to name but a few.

The event is FREE with no booking necessary and we look forward to seeing you there.

The event is taking place on:

Friday 3 June at the Seaburn Centre, Whitburn Road from 1pm until 3pm.

As part of the week of celebrations, the Volunteer Centre will have a stand at Sunderland Library and Arts Centre on Fawcett Street and will be available at the following times:

                    Wednesday    1 June                1pm – 3pm

 Thursday         2 June              11am – 3pm

 Monday           6 June              11am – 3pm

 Tuesday          7 June              11am – 3pm

Anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering and what opportunities are available should come along and have a chat with the staff.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter:

     http://www.facebook.com/volunteersunderland

                       http://twitter.com/sunderlandvols

Are you caring and supportive? Enjoy working with people? Then why not become a Volunteer Mentor. Volunteers aged 18+ are required to act as mentors to people who would like to volunteer themselves but have issues around anxiety, confidence, languages, disability etc that may prevent them from volunteering independently.

Volunteers need to be confident communicators with good listening skills, be non judgmental and tolerant, display a willingness to learn and be able to motivate others to reach their full potential. Volunteers will need to undergo training and a CRB disclosure and work within clearly defined boundaries. All expenses will be reimbursed.

To find out more about the Project why not book a place at one of our Information Sessions?  Dates available include Tuesday June 14th or Monday July 4th

The session is informal and will cover the following:

• Background Information
• Volunteer Centre History
• What services are on offer
• How can volunteering make a difference?
• Who can volunteer?
• Role of Volunteer Mentor
• Our commitment to volunteers
• Volunteer pathway and the next steps

If you would like to come along to one of these sessions or to receive further info please get in touch with us on (0191) 5678902 or email supportingvol@aol.com.

Music in the Minster is a cultural organisation based in Sunderland. We get everyone, amateurs & professionals, people of all abilities involved in opera and music theatre. Music in the Minster has loads to offer your creative side. Whether you’re passionate about singing, acting, costumes, stagecraft or just watching a great show, there are lots of ways to get involved.

We are currently looking for volunteer fundraisers to help with fundraising for the group. This will involve research of appropriate funding sources and the completion of funding applications, although innovative ideas and suggestions for sources of funding will be welcomed. Volunteers interested in this opportunity should be reliable with good organisational and team working skills. Excellent spoken and written communication skills are essential and volunteers should be capable of displaying creative thinking. The use of their own computer equipment is essential and previous experience of applying for funding will be an advantage.

We are also looking for a volunteer Treasurer to maintain the accounts for the group and provide up-to-date information as required by the committee. Duties will include issuing, receiving and paying invoices and the banking and recording of all monies received. In partnership with the Secretary, the Treasurer will complete and return the Annual update to the Charity Commission. The volunteer will be a cheque signatory and will participate generally in the affairs of the organisation. Volunteers interested in this opportunity should have the ability to manage accounts and financial records. They should also be reliable and motivated to commit to the process of committee responsibility.

NE Sports CIC provide high quality sports coaching to children of any age or ability to enjoy a wide range of sports, games and activities resulting in better quality health and social well being.

A Marketing/Sales Assistant volunteer is required to act as a home based marketing/sales assistant helping to develop NE Sport CIC by raising the profile of the company and generating publicity. The volunteer will also be involved in completing fundraising applications and establishing links with various corporate partners to obtain sponsorships. Volunteers interested in this role should have their own computer with an internet connection and posses excellent people and communication skills. Good keyboard skills and experience with Microsoft office programmes are essential. They should be highly organised and display attention to detail. Sales experience and knowledge of completion of fundraising applications is expected.

Sports Coach volunteers are also required to help with the coaching of children’s sports within schools and local community settings. Volunteers must hold at least level one coaching certificate in a recognised sport and be flexible with the use of transport, although in some instances transport will be available. Volunteers need the ability to thrive in a team environment and have good organisation skills. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with children is essential. Volunteers should also possess customer service experience working with a wide range of customers. Experience of coaching children is required and an enhanced CRB check will be undertaken.