Volunteering

Volunteering is when you choose to give your time and energy to help others, a cause or your community without being paid. Whether it's for a local charity, a national campaign or simply lending a hand to a neighbour, volunteering is a powerful way to give back, make a difference, connect with others and enhance your own growth, wellbeing and enjoyment of life!

Volunteering is for everyone - every hour you give and every skill you share helps build a stronger, more connected community.

Sunderland Voluntary Sector Alliance (SVSA)

SVSA is an infrastructure support charity which promotes high-quality volunteering to strengthen the voluntary sector in Sunderland. By supporting organisations, volunteers and businesses alike, SVSA empowers all partners to contribute meaningfully and create a lasting, positive impact across Sunderland.

SVSA can help:

If you are an individual looking for meaningful and fulfilling ways to volunteer - SVSA can signpost to organisations in need of help who may have roles that complement your skills, interests and availability. If you're feeling a bit unsure where to start or need a little extra support, SVSA can talk through your needs and aspirations and help you take the next step.

If you are a volunteer-involving organisation working in or delivering services across the Sunderland area - SVSA can provide independent good practice advice to help you collaborate, grow and operate effectively. SVSA offer a range of free resources and templates so you can rest assured that you are offering a high-quality volunteer experience that contributes to your mission.

If you are a volunteer professional working alongside or managing volunteers - join the Sunderland Volunteer Coordinators' Network for networking, peer support, specialist speakers and lively discussions on topical issues, trends and challenges. The Network is open to those who lead volunteers whether paid or unpaid, including Trustees.

If you are a company looking to fulfil your corporate social responsibility (CSR) and maximise social value - SVSA fosters partnerships and provides tailored guidance to connect businesses with local causes, enabling you to invest your resources, expertise and time into meaningful and impactful community initiatives. From identifying suitable connections to case studies, SVSA can offer a bespoke CSR journey that is more than just brokerage.

Contact SVSA by emailing volunteer@sunderlandvsa.co.uk or visit Sunderland Voluntary Sector Alliance.