Volunteering

Behind every thriving volunteering opportunity sits thoughtful infrastructure: coordination, funding, partnership working, encouragement, and practical support. That’s exactly what VCQA-accredited NAVCA member One Knowsley has demonstrated through the Knowsley Heritage Grants programme — creating the conditions for volunteering to flourish in new and inclusive ways.

Volunteering doesn’t happen by accident. Creating and sustaining an enabling environment for volunteering can be complicated. Volunteers and potential volunteers have different motivations, skills, interests and confidence. Equally, volunteer involving organisations (VIOs) also have differing motivations, approaches and purposes.

Every day, thousands of people are giving their time to do something special - volunteering to help others thrive. But how do we make sure that this happens effectively?

When people take action on the things that matter to them — whether that’s litter-picking, running a local sports club, or creating spaces to talk about mental health — they build stronger, more resilient communities. Across the country, hundreds of thousands of organisations make up a vibrant voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector, doing vital work that helps people and places to thrive.‍ But what exactly does the VCSE sector do — and what do all those different parts mean?

We’re delighted to share that NAVCA will be working in partnership with Clinks, the national infrastructure charity supporting voluntary organisations working with people in the criminal justice system and their families.

Volunteering strengthens communities. It connects people, builds trust, and enables action on the things that matter most locally. But for volunteering to truly thrive, it must be open to everyone.