Voluntary Support North Surrey

04/09/2026

Join us on Friday 18 September, 10am–12pm at Enterprise House, Egham for a free morning of inspiration, information and connection at our September Charity Networking Event.

We have three brilliant speakers lined up:

- Greg Martin, Energy Assessor at Zero Carbon Guildford: Greg has spent more than 20 years working in energy, sustainability and building performance. He'll be sharing practical steps charities can take to tackle environmental challenges and make a real difference.

- Katie Davey, Action for Carers Surrey: Katie will talk about how charities can better support unpaid carers, and the support that Action for Carers provides across Surrey.

- Wendy McGeachy, Funding and Resilience Manager, VSNS: Wendy brings 30 years of experience in the voluntary sector and will be talking about how she can help local groups with their fundraising.

As always, there'll be plenty of time to network, share what your organisation does and explore opportunities for collaboration. It's free to attend - book your place here 👇

🔗 https://voluntarysupport.org.uk/event/charity-networking-event-september-2026/

01/09/2026

📅 Three networking forums coming up in September — could you or a colleague attend?

⭐ Spelthorne Mental Health Forum
Tuesday 15 September | 10am–12pm | Stanwell Events
A chance to network and find out more about local mental health services for residents. Contact [email protected] for more information.

👥 Runnymede & Spelthorne Older People's Forum
Wednesday 17 September | 11am–12.30pm | VSNS Chertsey Office
Open to anyone working with or for older people (approximately 55+), whether in statutory or voluntary services. A valuable space to connect and share information. Contact [email protected] to join.

⭐ Surrey Heath Mental Health Forum
Tuesday 23 September | 10.30am–12pm | Places Leisure Centre, Camberley
For groups based in or operating across Surrey Heath with a connection to mental health. Contact [email protected] for more details.

Please do share with colleagues who might be interested! 💛

28/08/2026

Do you know someone who is lonely or isolated, or who would simply enjoy getting out and meeting new people? Our Chatter & Cheer monthly social groups, organised by our Time to Talk befriending service, have returned.

Chatter & Cheer is a warm and welcoming drop-in where anyone can enjoy a cuppa, a biscuit and a friendly conversation. No booking required, just turn up!

The groups meet monthly through to December:

Chertsey Library, Guildford Street, Chertsey - first Monday of the month, 2pm - 3pm
Next session: Monday 7 September

Stanwell Events, Cambria Gardens, Stanwell - first Friday of the month, 10am–12pm
Next session: Friday 4 September

Whether someone is new to the area, going through a difficult time, or just looking for a friendly face, Chatter & Cheer is a relaxed and supportive space for everyone. For more information, contact Clair at [email protected] or call 01932 571122.

25/08/2026

Our August newsletter is out, and there's plenty to explore! This month's edition includes:

📅 A packed autumn events programme including our September Charity Networking Event, Social Media Marketing training, and three professional forums
☕ Our Chatter & Cheer monthly social drop-ins, back in Chertsey and Stanwell for anyone who would welcome a friendly cuppa and a chat
⚠️ An important update on DBS requirements for volunteers working with children
🏥 Updates on neighbourhood health investment in West Surrey and the VCSE Commissioning Framework survey (deadline 14 September)
💰 Funding and training opportunities, including free CPR training and free gambling harms training in Runnymede

Read the full newsletter here 👉 https://createsend.com/t/t-6F6AB2B8023D38252540EF23F30FEDED

21/08/2026

Our first mid-month newsletter highlighting new volunteering roles. We want to help more of you find your next volunteering role by sharing more opportunities, more often: https://createsend.com/t/t-45B447FE56AD91442540EF23F30FEDED

This month, we're highlighting two groups that have a range of different roles available: The Village Centre in Englefield Green and Egham District Girl Guides. There are also great new roles supporting the Christmas Hamper project with Besom in Camberley and a chance to support our work as assistant treasurer for Voluntary Support North Surrey.

19/08/2026

Our Brenda has been out and about!

Brenda the Befriender has been out and about again!

This week Brenda paid a visit to the wonderful Veterans Buddy Bench in Sunbury Park - a special place that reminds us that no one should face loneliness alone.

At Time to Talk, we believe that connection changes lives, and places like this are a beautiful reminder that support can start with something as simple as sitting together.

18/08/2026

We have some fabulous speakers at our September charity networking event:

Greg Martin MAPM from Zero Carbon Guildford will talk about the steps charities can take to tackle environmental challenges, with practical solutions that make a real difference.

Katie Davey and Rachael Bennett from Action for Carers Surrey will walk us through how charities can best support carers, as well as the support that Action for Carers gives.

And last but not least, our new Funding and Resilience Manager Wendy McGeachy will tell us more about how she can help groups with fundraising.

These events are designed to bring together local organisations and community groups. It's a great opportunity to share what your organisation does, connect with others in the sector, and explore new opportunities for collaboration. Do come along if you can: https://voluntarysupport.org.uk/event/charity-networking-event-september-2026/

13/08/2026

Are you looking to volunteer your time? Volunteers are urgently needed for the following:

Farm Volunteer: If you can turn your hand to most odd jobs, we'd love your help at Nature and Nurture Farm. There's always lots to do on site - mowing the grass, watering the plants, fixing a lock, mending a fence, or lining and filling planting beds.

Group Facilitator: Mentell is a UK charity that provides free weekly groups for males aged 18+ to talk in a safe and confidential space, free from advice and judgement. Join their growing team, facilitating online and eventually in person groups.

Child Contact Centre Volunteer, Runnymede: No experience required, just a caring attitude, good communication skills and a willingness to support families during what can be a critical time. First and third Saturday afternoons of the month.

Volunteer Interviewer: At Spelthorne Rentstar, you'll receive full training in the necessary skills to interview clients, before working with them to help make sure they get access to appropriate housing. Good written and spoken English is essential.

Take a look at our Linktree for more details: https://linktr.ee/volsupportns

And if this isn't right for you, We have a wide range of volunteering opportunities, with something to suit everyone!

11/08/2026

Have you worked with us? We'd love to hear from you!

Whether you've attended one of our training courses or networking events, used our volunteer finder, applied to a fund we've highlighted, or contacted us for support with fundraising or governance, your experience matters to us.

Please take a few minutes to complete our short survey. Your feedback directly shapes what we do. In the past, feedback we have received has helped us develop our networking events and deliver more targeted training.

AND there's a chance to win £50 for your organisation! 🎉

Please do share with colleagues too.

Complete the survey here: https://forms.gle/YfenFtoh2tJUTksL6

07/08/2026

We are delighted that our Spelthorne Time to Talk Befriending service has received a £5000 grant from the Arora Charitable Foundation's Small Grants Programme. The grant will support the delivery of our befriending service, helping to reach lonely and isolated people in the Spelthorne area. We are very grateful to the Arora Foundation for their generous support.

The Arora Charitable Foundation is a relatively new funder. Their Small Grants Programme offers grants of up to £5,000 to charities, CICs and community groups based within five miles of one of an Arora hotel, including London Heathrow and Englefield Green, making it particularly relevant for organisations in Spelthorne and Runnymede.

The next round of the Small Grants Programme opens on 1 September 2026 and closes on 9 October 2026. Find out more about the application process on their website: www.aroracharitablefoundation.com/our-application-process