Voluntary Action Reigate & Banstead

31/03/2025

💡 And... that’s a wrap! 💡

After many years of supporting the brilliant people of Reigate & Banstead, it’s time to switch off the lights on Voluntary Action Reigate & Banstead. But don’t worry – the wonderful work isn’t going anywhere! We’re passing the baton to Voluntary Action Surrey East (hello, VASE!) where the spirit of community and support will continue to grow. 🌱

It’s been an absolute pleasure serving this community, and while we’re closing this chapter, we know we’ll still be here in spirit – just with a new name and a shiny, fresh website to visit at www.vase.org.uk! 😎

Thanks for all the memories, the laughter, and the incredible people we’ve had the privilege of working with over the years. Keep being amazing, and let’s make the future just as brilliant. ✨

31/03/2025

🎥 A look back at 30 Unforgettable Years! 🎥

Today marks the final chapter of Voluntary Action Reigate & Banstead as we close our doors and hand the baton over to Voluntary Action Surrey East. 🏁

From all the amazing people we've worked with to the countless memories we’ve made, it’s been an incredible journey filled with community spirit, kindness, and collaboration. We hope you enjoy the video🤝

Thank you to every volunteer, partner, and friend who helped make it all happen. Here’s to the next chapter! 🌟

31/03/2025

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31/03/2025

Great Aunt Barbara and Lady Baden-Powell

🌟 🌟

As we wrap up Women’s History Month, I’m thrilled to share this incredible photo of my Great Aunt Barbara alongside Lady Baden-Powell at a Scouting parade. While my Great Aunt didn’t live in Reigate & Banstead, the spirit of service, leadership, and community that both women embodied resonates deeply with the values we uphold here.

Lady Baden-Powell was a trailblazer in the Scouting movement, inspiring countless young girls to lead and make a difference in their communities. It’s amazing to think about the incredible women who have paved the way for us and continue to inspire generations.

Here’s to all the women—like my Great Aunt Barbara—who lead with kindness, strength, and purpose! 💖

- Trish Kiy
www.vase.org.uk

31/03/2025

Girl Guides
🌿 🌿

This next photo holds a special place in my heart. It’s of my Mum, aged around 11 or 12, with her next-door neighbour in their back garden in Weldon Way, Merstham 1957. These moments remind me how important friendship and community are to women – they build each other up and share memories that last a lifetime.

The power of these small moments truly shapes the women we become. 💕

- Lisa McRobbie
www.SocialMedia4Charities.com

31/03/2025

My Nan and Her Children

💖 💖

Here’s a beautiful family photo from one of the farms in Merstham, taken about 1950, before the M25 was built. In this photo, my Mum, aged 4, stands in front of my Nan (who’s wearing a maternity smock as she was expecting my aunt). The other people in the photo are my Nan’s sister, her brother-in-law, and their three children.

This image is a snapshot of our family history—a reminder of the strong, loving women who came before us and who built the foundation of who we are today. My Nan and all the women in our family have always been sources of love, strength, and support.

- Lisa McRobbie
www.SocialMedia4Charities.com

31/03/2025

🌸 🌸

Today, on the last day of Women's History Month, we're looking back at a beautiful memory. This photo from the Merstham Carnival showcases not just the community spirit, but the incredible women in our lives.

Pictured here is our very own Lisa McRobbie's Nan (on the back of the float), who helped organise the event alongside her Grandad. The float they were on represents the Mother's Union, an incredible organisation that supported women and families for generations. Her Mum’s uncle is the driver, and we even spot Redhill 1122 on the side of the float—truly a moment of local history!

It’s a joy to reflect on all the women who have shaped our community, and especially the generations of women in our families. 💖

30/03/2025

Mothers Day can be wonderful, but it can also be tough for some of us.

If today is hard for you - Samaritans are here to listen on 116 123.

If today feels heavy, please know you don't have to face it alone. Whatever today brings up for you, we're here to listen day or night on 116 123 📱

30/03/2025

Today we are officially half way through Lent. Perhaps you have chosen to give something up for this period - chocolate, your phone, meat. Or perhaps you have chosen to take a different approach and to give something back.❤️
In recent years, more people have been choosing to make a difference during the period of Lent and to give back to their community.

It's not too late to join the Loveworks Lent Challenge and help your neighbours in need this Lent.

Take on our challenge and put aside a tin of food every day during Lent, to donate to our food banks after Easter. If you've not started yet it's not too late. Any amount of food donated to us will go towards making a big difference to local families who are finding times tough.

Here are some ideas for items to donate:
🥫Tinned corned beef or ham
🥫Tinned fruit or vegetables
🥫Jars of cooking sauce
🥫Tinned meat casseroles
🥫Tinned custard or rice pudding
🥫Breakfast cereal
🥫Biscuits
🥫Instant noodles/packet soups
🥫Tinned potatoes

Donations can be made at our drop of points - Reigate Community Centre, Merstham Community Hub, EveryCare Woodhatch or find a full list at https://www.loveworks.org.uk/food-banks

❤️THANK YOU FOR SHOWING LOVE THIS LENT AND SUPPORTING LOCAL FAMILIES IN NEED

For full details of the Loveworks Lent Challenge visit https://www.loveworks.org.uk/lent

30/03/2025

Nine out of 10 people who volunteer with us tell us they feel they're 'giving something back' - hear more from the Royal Voluntary Service's deputy CEO, Sam Ward, about the true value of volunteering and how spending time supporting others can improve mental and physical wellbeing.

Read more 🧡https://bit.ly/3Dnaczp

30/03/2025

Renewed Hope are looking for volunteers in Banstead. Can you help them?

30/03/2025

Panel Board Members Wanted! 🌟

Have a passion for making a real difference in our community? Fancy using your skills to help fund charities and good causes in Reigate and Banstead? Well, have we got the perfect volunteer opportunity for you!

The Reigate and Banstead Community Fund (RBCF) has been supporting local charities for six years and has handed out over £85,000 to causes that really need it. And now, they’re on the hunt for new, enthusiastic Panel Board Members to join their team and help them do even more!

What’s the role? 🤔
As a Panel Board Member, you’ll be responsible for:
💰 Raising funds for the RBCF from local businesses, high-net-worth individuals, and generous members of the community.
🎯 Deciding which local charities and projects get the all-important grants.
📈 Helping shape the strategic growth and development of the Fund.

What are we looking for?
It’s not quite the same as being a Charity Trustee (no statutory responsibilities here!), but you’ll still play a huge role in making a real impact on local lives. This is an unpaid, voluntary position, but the rewards? Absolutely priceless. 💖

The Skills We’re After:
💡 Passion to improve lives in Reigate and Banstead, especially for those facing disadvantage.
🏢 Understanding or experience in the voluntary sector.
🎯 Fundraising or philanthropic experience (or just a keen interest!).
🎨 Skills in IT, Marketing, Fundraising, Event Planning, or Business Networking.
📈 A strategic mindset – helping us plan for the future.
🤝 A networker who knows how to make connections in the local community.
👥 A team player ready to roll up your sleeves and get involved!

So, if you’ve got the skills and passion to help us take RBCF to the next level, we’d love to hear from you! https://varb.org.uk/opportunity/reigate-banstead-community-fund-grants-panel-board-members-6231/