Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency

15/05/2026

With over 100 hopeful photos from across Teesside's voluntary sector, we have a beautiful 'Wall of Hope' mosaic to share with you 🤩

In celebration of A Million Acts of Hope week (13-20 May)
https://mosaically.com/embed/3f018d69-a3aa-4c6c-a72c-0712869018ff #

Made by Chris from the Volunteering Academy, this photo mosaic celebrates the quiet acts of hope in our voluntary sector happening every single day.

Thank you so much to everyone who sent hopeful photos in.

Colorful Lettering Artwork is a photo mosaic by layfield77 using 66 photos. Created on 5/12/2026

13/05/2026

We didn't let the rain stop us! ☔
This afternoon, we chatted and shared stories of hope and positivity - for week.

Thank you to our lovely voluntary and community members who joined us! It was lovely to step out the office, and enjoy this time together.

Photos from our Walk & Talk today, in Albert Park,

13/05/2026

*Reminder - join us today for our 12 noon Walk & Chat at Albert Park. We'll be there rain or shine - bring a brolly! ☂️*

It's a great opportunity to step out the office, get some fresh air, and get to know other people doing hopeful work and volunteering locally.

Join us at 12 noon today for a relaxed walk and chat around Albert Park as part of Million Acts of Hope Week.

📍 Where: Albert Park main entrance (near the Cenotaph)
🕛 When: 12 noon, Wednesday 13 May 2026

*Local Walk & Chat - Million Acts of Hope Week*

Join us next week for a relaxed walk and chat around Albert Park as part of Million Acts of Hope Week.

📍 Where: Albert Park main entrance (near the Cenotaph)
🕛 When: 12 noon, Wednesday 13 May 2026

This walk is all about connecting with people across South Tees. Like having conversations with those you may not usually meet, sharing experiences, and celebrating life and work across our local area.

An accessible route will be followed, see map above for our route.

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* Photo Call – Acts of Hope*
We’re also creating a photo collage spelling HOPE to share across our social media. If you have photos that show Acts of Hope in your community, we’d love to include them 📸
Please send your photos by 12 noon, May 8.

Email photos to: [email protected]

We believe these activities will showcase just how fabulous and hopeful our communities are, and highlight the everyday acts that truly make a difference.

05/05/2026

*Local Walk & Chat - Million Acts of Hope Week*

Join us next week for a relaxed walk and chat around Albert Park as part of Million Acts of Hope Week.

📍 Where: Albert Park main entrance (near the Cenotaph)
🕛 When: 12 noon, Wednesday 13 May 2026

This walk is all about connecting with people across South Tees. Like having conversations with those you may not usually meet, sharing experiences, and celebrating life and work across our local area.

An accessible route will be followed, see map above for our route.

----------------------

* Photo Call – Acts of Hope*
We’re also creating a photo collage spelling HOPE to share across our social media. If you have photos that show Acts of Hope in your community, we’d love to include them 📸
Please send your photos by 12 noon, May 8.

Email photos to: [email protected]

We believe these activities will showcase just how fabulous and hopeful our communities are, and highlight the everyday acts that truly make a difference.

01/05/2026

⭐A Million Acts of Hope Week | 13 - 20 May

You're invited! This May, join us in spreading hope across the Tees Valley. It can be as little as adding the hashtag to a post, or as much as a ‘wall of hope’ photo wall in your local community space.

Community groups, voluntary organisations, charities and faith groups across the UK are coming together to celebrate everyday acts of kindness, care and connection.

📍 Register your activity to be featured on the national map:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeY31jHNMP7-uYurHGl7hN7IdozVgv4r4iZ4LxNNdA8FnduFA/viewform

💡Find ideas and support to join in:
https://millionactsofhope.org/community-hub
Spread hope with us.

13/02/2026

Stay informed, connected, and ahead with MVDAs e-bulletins!

We produce a range of tailored updates to keep the local Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) in the loop:

📧 Outlook – Fortnightly news, training, events, jobs, and resources for Middlesbrough VCOs.

📧 We Care You Care – Support and information for unpaid carers and the professionals who work with them across South Tees.

📧 Find a Funder – Funding news for Middlesbrough VCOs.

📧 Volunteering Academy Opportunities – Regular round-up of local volunteering roles.

📧 Enhance Redcar and Cleveland News – Fortnightly news, training, events, jobs, and resources for VCSEs in Redcar and Cleveland.

Sign up for the bulletins that matter to you and never miss the latest opportunities:https://mvda.info/news/stay-connected-mvdas-range-e-bulletins

11/02/2026

🌟 Celebrate Excellence in Volunteering! 🌟

Is your organisation passionate about providing an amazing experience for your volunteers? 💬

The Volunteering Academy Quality Award (VAQA) is your chance to be formally recognised for the fantastic work you do to support, develop, and value volunteers across Middlesbrough’s Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS).

🏆 VAQA showcases best practice in volunteer management, from recruitment and training to inclusion and recognition, helping you build credibility, strengthen your reputation, and attract even more incredible volunteers.

Find out more and start your VAQA journey today 👉 https://mvda.info/va-quality-award

09/02/2026

💷 £20,000 Community Action Fund – Middlesbrough organisations eligible 💷

The Greggs Foundation Community Action Fund is offering grants of £20,000 per year, for up to three years, to support organisations tackling the challenges facing local communities.

📍 Middlesbrough is one of the geographical focus areas, so local organisations are encouraged to apply.

🎯 Funding priorities include:

Addressing direct needs in the local community
Providing food and support for individuals
Reducing social isolation and widening networks
Building knowledge, confidence and opportunities

If your organisation is making a real difference in Middlesbrough, this could be a great funding opportunity.

❗Note: Funding closes at 12 noon on the 20 February 2026

Find out everything you need to know and apply here: www.greggsfoundation.org.uk/grants/community-funding

06/02/2026

From the Ground Up brings together VCSE leaders, funders, LAs, and residents to explore how we devolve power in practice and sustain it for the long term.

Brought to you by Local Trust and VONNE, and co-created with people and communities from across the North East, this one-day knowledge exchange summit blends heritage, lived experience, research, and practical action. Expect a mix of inspiring performances, grounded case studies, and hands-on workshops.

📆 Thursday 12th March 2026
🕘 9.30am - 4.30pm
🏢 Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Flass Street, Durham, DH1 4BE

Book your place: https://www.vonne.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?id=865

04/02/2026

💡 Grant funding available for community buildings 💡

Community groups in Middlesbrough can now apply for grant funding to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings.

Using money from the Middlesbrough Priority Fund, the Council will fund energy surveys to identify improvements that could help reduce ongoing energy bills. These grants are aimed at groups who are planning to fund further improvement works themselves following the survey.

📝 Information required to apply:

Name of organisation
Address of the building
Net floor area of the building
Proof of ownership or tenancy
Type of heating system in place
Days and times the building is available for assessment

👥 Who can apply?
Examples include faith groups, youth organisations, and other community groups.

⚠️ Organisations that are in any form of debt to the Council are not eligible for this grant.

📧 How to apply:
Send the information above to [email protected]

⏰ Deadline: 15 February 2026

Please share with any community groups who might benefit!