Volunteering Opportunities in North Devon

Whether you’re newly retired with time on your hands or a young person looking to build your CV, volunteering is a great way to meet new people, learn vital skills, and give back to your community.

But it can be difficult to know where to start.

Last Wednesday, North Devon Voluntary Services, or NDVS, hosted an event designed to educate the public on the different opportunities available to them — and to help them find the right fit for their talents.

Founded back in 2009, NDVS is a registered charity that helps voluntary and community organisations to reach their full potential.

Their support ranges from training and workshops to assistance with volunteer recruitment and retention, and they have built strong relationships with some of the region’s most prominent charities over the years.

Last year, the organisation decided to launch the first Revitalising Volunteering event, and the initiative has proved a huge hit.
During its first year, Revitalising Volunteering events were held in Barnstaple, South Molton and Ilfracombe, connecting members of the public with organisations looking for volunteers and matching their skills with available roles.

And on Wednesday, February 12 the event returned to Barnstaple even bigger and better than before.

Held on the top floor of Barnstaple library, the event showcased 27 different charities and community organisations based in the local area and attracted around 60 future volunteers.

Across three separate sessions, attendees were given the chance to browse stalls set up by individual groups, chat to representatives, and find out more about the volunteering opportunities available at each organisation.

The Gazette visited the event and was impressed with the variety of what was on offer — and the friendly faces encountered at every turn.

People of all ages attended the event to learn more about volunteering, and the vibrant atmosphere highlighted the enthusiasm for community connection that North Devon is famous for.

There were a number of national charities present, including Samaritans, Citizens Advice, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, the Royal Institute for Deaf People, the National Youth Advocacy Service, Supershoes, Read Easy, and the Pickwell Foundation, offering opportunities in fields as diverse as climate change activism, elderly care, and advocacy.

But it was great to see a whole host of local organisations present as well, with stalls from The Bridge Trust, One Barnstaple, One South Molton, Vista Wellbeing, Plastic Free North Devon, Barnstaple Town Council, Citizens in Policing, 1st Chivenor Scout Group, North Devon Hospice, Heppenstall Community Garden, Skate Molton, the North Devon Special Olympics, and Fringe Theatrefest.

There was also representation from groups that cover Devon as a whole looking for volunteers in the North Devon area, including Headway, The National Trust, Devon Memory Cafe, and Waythrough Together.

As team members from each organisation chatted to the attendees, it became clear that there are a wide variety of roles available to would-be volunteers, from administrative and fundraising opportunities to practical assistance with tasks such building renovations and hosting community events.

“We are so lucky to have so many fantastic charities and community projects in North Devon,” NDVS Events and Comms Officer Jill Bond told the Gazette.

“But none of these groups could have got to where they are today without the hard work and dedication of volunteers.
“Our Revitalise Volunteering events are a great way for those interested in donating their time to find a group or project that they connect with.

We believe that volunteering is a great way to try new things, meet like-minded people, and foster community connection.”
In the future, NDVS hopes to host similar events in the local area, opening up opportunities to the wider community.

But attending Revitalise Volunteering isn’t the only way that would-be volunteers can find out about available roles.

In the meantime, the team is encouraging everyone to log onto Devon Connect — an online directory that collects local volunteering opportunities together in one place, along with events calendars, community listings, and more.

If you’d like to find out more about volunteering in North Devon, you can visit the website www.devonconnect.org or email admin@ndvs.org.uk for assistance.