Volunteer Durham

02/06/2026

A lovely Volunteers’ Week message from staff at The Story. We would like to add our thanks to all volunteers who give their time, knowledge and enthusiasm. Your contribution makes a real difference and is greatly appreciated.

02/06/2026

Today for Volunteers’ Week, we’re sharing Yvonne’s volunteering story.

Yvonne’s first volunteering role was helping to build one of the Artichoke installations for Lumiere 2025, working alongside an artist designer and a team of volunteers to help create a lit installation in the cloisters of Durham Cathedral.

As she was registered with us, Yvonne got to hear about volunteering at her local theatre, Consett Empire and she has been volunteering and supporting at the Theatre ever since.

Yvonne said she is proud to wear her volunteer uniform, enjoys being part of a small and friendly team, and always comes home with a big smile after her shift.

Thank you, Yvonne, for supporting Volunteer Durham and for sharing such a brilliant example of what volunteering can mean.

01/06/2026

It’s Volunteers’ Week 2026!

From Monday 1 June to Sunday 7 June, we’ll be celebrating the amazing volunteers who give their time, energy and enthusiasm across Culture, Sport and Tourism in County Durham. The difference they make is truly appreciated.

As part of this year’s celebrations, we also invited our active volunteers to share their stories and photos with us. Everyone who sent something in has been entered into our Volunteer Week prize draw, with the chance to win one of two £50 Amazon vouchers.

Throughout the week, we’ll be sharing some of those wonderful stories and saying a huge thank you to all of our volunteers.

Thank you Volunteers for everything you do.

15/05/2026

As Mental Health Awareness Week comes to a close, we’re reflecting on this year’s theme: Action.

Our mental health is shaped by the places we live, the support around us, and the sense of connection we feel in our communities. While we cannot control everything, small actions can still make a real difference.

Volunteering is one way people can take action, strengthening communities, reducing isolation, and helping people feel seen, supported, and valued.

To everyone who volunteers: Thank you! The time, care, and compassion you give helps create stronger, healthier communities for us all.

Find out more about Mental Health Awareness Week here:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week

13/05/2026

This Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re highlighting the positive impact that volunteering can have, not only for the people and communities being supported, but also for volunteers themselves.

Finlay has been volunteering at the Louisa Centre as a Swimming Teacher Assistant and has already made a fantastic contribution at such a young age. Alongside supporting sessions, he has shown real enthusiasm and confidence in helping younger children take part and enjoy the activities.

Alongside his volunteering, Finlay is also actively involved in school life. He takes part in fundraising activities, delivers assemblies, supports a school enrichment club, and visits a local care home through school to help bring people together and reduce loneliness.

Through volunteering, Finlay has developed new skills, built confidence in communicating with others, and become a great example of how young people can take positive action to support the wellbeing of others in their community.

“Volunteering has helped me build confidence and meet new people while making a difference.”

Volunteering can be a meaningful way to take action, build confidence, meet others, and make a difference and Finlay is a brilliant example of this.

Thank you, Finlay, for taking action and for everything you are doing to support others across County Durham.

12/05/2026

Taking action to support someone else’s mental health does not always have to be a big gesture.

It can be as simple as saying hello to a neighbour, starting a conversation with someone at work, checking in on a friend, or giving your time to support others in your community.

That is one of the reasons volunteering can be so meaningful. Every hour given, every conversation had, and every act of kindness can make a difference.

At Volunteer Durham, we see every day how volunteers help create connection, support, and a sense of belonging across County Durham.

11/05/2026

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, an opportunity to focus on the importance of looking after our mental health and supporting the wellbeing of others.

This year’s theme is ‘Action’, recognising that while awareness matters, positive change also comes from the actions we take every day. Small actions, whether for ourselves or for others, can make a real difference to mental health and wellbeing.

Taking time to connect with others, supporting your community, checking in on a friend, or getting involved in volunteering are all examples of positive action that can help people feel more connected, valued, and supported.

Volunteering in particular can boost confidence, reduce isolation, create a sense of purpose, and strengthen communities where everyone feels they belong.

20/04/2026

What a fantastic weekend at the Bishop Auckland Food Festival! While thousands of people were enjoying the best food Durham has to offer, our amazing volunteers were working hard to make sure everyone had a fantastic experience.

Great weather, great food, and even better company. To every volunteer who gave up their time over the weekend: you are the heart of this festival. Thank you for your hard work, your smiles, and for being such a brilliant team 🙌✨

Check out some of the snaps of the team in action below 📸👇

01/04/2026

We absolutely love this 🩷

Ann is one of our most dedicated and inspiring volunteers, a familiar face at so many of our events, always bringing warmth, positivity and a big smile 😊

It truly wouldn’t be the same without her. The impact she has on both our team and the community is incredible, and we’re so grateful to have her as part of Volunteer Durham.

A huge thank you, Ann you’re amazing 🩷

26/03/2026

Another inspiring volunteer story 🤩
Emma’s journey shows how volunteering can build confidence, open doors, and truly change lives, both for volunteers and the people they support 👏

💜she thrives volunteering: Emma’s Story 💜

For the past two years, Emma has been a dedicated volunteer at The Louisa Centre, where her journey has been shaped by personal growth, new skills and a deep commitment to supporting local children.

When she first began volunteering, Emma never imagined how much confidence she would gain. Surrounded by supportive teachers and mentors, she found inspiration in their guidance and encouragement - helping her grow into the role she proudly holds today.

Through Volunteer Durham, Emma has achieved both her Level 1 and Level 2 teaching qualifications. These milestones not only strengthened her teaching skills but also opened doors to new opportunities she hadn’t previously considered.

Volunteering has brought meaningful change to Emma’s life. She describes feeling a renewed sense of happiness and fulfilment, knowing the time she gives genuinely makes a difference to the young people she works with.

Two of the most rewarding parts of her role are:
• Building strong rapport with the children, creating a positive and trusting environment.
• Seeing a child succeed using the skills she has taught them and recognising that she played a part in their progress.

Emma’s story is a testament to how volunteering can spark personal transformation while enriching the lives of others. Her passion, confidence and commitment continue to inspire those around her, just as she was inspired when she first began.