Volunteers helping Gateshead communities to thrive
Volunteer Farzane Rahimi pictured with the former Shadow Immigration Minister Bambos Charalambous
The vital contribution of volunteers in Gateshead will be celebrated and recognised next week during national Volunteers' Week.
Volunteers' Week, which runs from 1 - 7 June, is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering.
The week celebrates the dedication of volunteers and the real contribution they can make to the communities where they live. It also aims to raise the profile of volunteering opportunities and encourages people to find out more about volunteering and the difference it can make to their lives.
Volunteering opportunities in Gateshead
Gateshead resident Farzane Rahimi volunteers for Peace of Mind, a charity that supports refugees and asylum seekers living in the north east. Farzane, a refugee herself, became a volunteer in 2020 during the covid pandemic. She helps to distribute clothing and food at Peace of Mind's weekly drop-in sessions and volunteers during the school summer holidays for the Council's holiday and food programme, Brighten the Day.
Farzane said: "When I arrived here I was alone, and I didn't know anyone until I met the Peace of mind team. They helped me to feel better and improve my mental health, especially during Covid when I felt lonely and isolated. But when I started to go there, I felt much better after their help and working with them as a team.
"Working as a volunteer had a great effect on my life, it has improved my self-confidence, I've learnt new skills and I've found friends as being a part of the Peace of Mind community. Having fun during the summer trips and working with children during holiday schemes has been an amazing experience."
Councillor Linda Green, Gateshead Council's Cabinet Member for Communities and Volunteering, said: "We have a fantastic network of volunteers here in Gateshead who play a vital role in our local communities. We're grateful to everyone who gives up their time so generously to help their communities to thrive.
"Volunteers' Week is the perfect opportunity to say a huge thank you and to also signpost new volunteers to local groups who are often crying out for more help. There's so many opportunities available right across the borough so take a look at our latest volunteering opportunities and see if you can find something to suit you and your lifestyle."
April saw the launch of the new Gateshead Volunteer Centre which is being run by Connected Voice and funded by Gateshead Council. For Gateshead residents, the Volunteer Centre will provide opportunities that help people to find purpose, build skills and confidence, and increase wellbeing. For Gateshead organisations, the Volunteer Centre will help them to promote volunteering opportunities and provide valuable peer support around managing volunteers.
The latest volunteering vacancies, which can be found on the Our Gateshead website, include:
- Age UK - driver and digital inclusion volunteers
- Carr Hill Primary School - volunteer driver
- Friends of Chase Park, Whickham - café volunteers
- Gateshead Council - anti-social behaviour telephone support and heritage volunteer
- Northumbria Coalition Against Crime - volunteer mentors
- Pickled Palace, Greenside - volunteer driver
- The Soundroom - various roles
Volunteer Farzane Rahimi pictured with the former Shadow Immigration Minister Bambos Charalambous
The vital contribution of volunteers in Gateshead will be celebrated and recognised next week during national Volunteers' Week.
Volunteers' Week, which runs from 1 - 7 June, is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering.
The week celebrates the dedication of volunteers and the real contribution they can make to the communities where they live. It also aims to raise the profile of volunteering opportunities and encourages people to find out more about volunteering and the difference it can make to their lives.
Volunteering opportunities in Gateshead
Gateshead resident Farzane Rahimi volunteers for Peace of Mind, a charity that supports refugees and asylum seekers living in the north east. Farzane, a refugee herself, became a volunteer in 2020 during the covid pandemic. She helps to distribute clothing and food at Peace of Mind's weekly drop-in sessions and volunteers during the school summer holidays for the Council's holiday and food programme, Brighten the Day.
Farzane said: "When I arrived here I was alone, and I didn't know anyone until I met the Peace of mind team. They helped me to feel better and improve my mental health, especially during Covid when I felt lonely and isolated. But when I started to go there, I felt much better after their help and working with them as a team.
"Working as a volunteer had a great effect on my life, it has improved my self-confidence, I've learnt new skills and I've found friends as being a part of the Peace of Mind community. Having fun during the summer trips and working with children during holiday schemes has been an amazing experience."
Councillor Linda Green, Gateshead Council's Cabinet Member for Communities and Volunteering, said: "We have a fantastic network of volunteers here in Gateshead who play a vital role in our local communities. We're grateful to everyone who gives up their time so generously to help their communities to thrive.
"Volunteers' Week is the perfect opportunity to say a huge thank you and to also signpost new volunteers to local groups who are often crying out for more help. There's so many opportunities available right across the borough so take a look at our latest volunteering opportunities and see if you can find something to suit you and your lifestyle."
April saw the launch of the new Gateshead Volunteer Centre which is being run by Connected Voice and funded by Gateshead Council. For Gateshead residents, the Volunteer Centre will provide opportunities that help people to find purpose, build skills and confidence, and increase wellbeing. For Gateshead organisations, the Volunteer Centre will help them to promote volunteering opportunities and provide valuable peer support around managing volunteers.
The latest volunteering vacancies, which can be found on the Our Gateshead website, include:
- Age UK - driver and digital inclusion volunteers
- Carr Hill Primary School - volunteer driver
- Friends of Chase Park, Whickham - café volunteers
- Gateshead Council - anti-social behaviour telephone support and heritage volunteer
- Northumbria Coalition Against Crime - volunteer mentors
- Pickled Palace, Greenside - volunteer driver
- The Soundroom - various roles
