Voluntary Action North Somerset

05/06/2026

Enter our Super Draw! Don't miss out on the North Somerset Community Lottery to be in with a chance to win a £1000 Last-Minute Getaway!

https://www.northsomersetcommunitylottery.co.uk/

05/06/2026

As we round off this week’s celebrations, we want to thank all our volunteers once again for the time and dedication they give so generously. Here is a sneak peek at the Volunteers Week picnic event held earlier in the week.

04/06/2026

Can you help? Voluntary Action North Somerset are looking for for volunteers for their Good Neighbour Scheme. For more information or to sign up contact Tracy Edwards: 07458073262 or [email protected]

04/06/2026

People volunteer for many reasons, to give back, meet others, learn new skills and support causes they care about. Whatever the reason, every volunteer helps strengthen our community. We’re so grateful to everyone who chooses to get involved. If you would like to volunteer here are a few options:

1. Sign Up to become a VANS volunteer (Improving Ageing events, Good Neighbour Scheme, Breast Feeding Peer Support etc)

https://voluntary-action-north-somerset.teamkinetic.co.uk/index?newRegistration=true&classic=true

2. Sign up to the Volunteer Centre for volunteering opportunities across North Somerset.

https://northsomersetvolunteers.simplyconnect.uk/ -we-offer

Invite people to message, email or comment if they’d like to find out more about volunteering.

03/06/2026

Need extra senior support? Local charities can use our CEO in person for a day to help with everything from governance and strategy to funding applications, planning and problem-solving. If a day of expert support could make a difference to your organisation, we’d love to hear from you.

Dr Mandy Gardner, Chief Executive

Mandy joined VANS in October 2022 and leads the organisation’s strategic direction, strengthens partnerships across the community, and champions initiatives that empower and support the voluntary and community sector.

She began her career as a teacher before moving into leadership roles across professional sports charities, where she created highenergy programmes that sparked participation, strengthened communities, and unlocked local potential. Her love of learning then led her to a PhD exploring what motivates people to build and sustain community owned initiatives these insights now underpin everything she does.

Get in touch with us at [email protected] or call us on 01934 416486.

02/06/2026

✨ Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Robert Melville ✨

For Volunteers’ Week, we’re shining a light on the people behind the impact. Today we’re celebrating our volunteers and the time, care and commitment they bring to everything they do. Thank you for helping us do more for our community.

From delivering oximeters and warm packs to supporting Falls Events and visiting care homes, Robert has spent years helping others in his community.

Following the loss of a close friend he had cared for, Robert turned to volunteering and hasn’t looked back.

💬 “Many people I meet are lonely and frightened. Part of my role is helping them without adding to their worries.”

When asked what surprised him most, Robert said it was the sheer number of ways people can help others through volunteering.

His advice for anyone thinking about getting involved?

💬 “If you can help someone with their shopping or stuff a newsletter into an envelope, you can volunteer. There will be a role for you.”

And his favourite part?

💬 “Meeting people and making new friends.”

❤️ Three words to describe volunteering:
Rewarding. Enjoyable. Satisfying.

Interested in volunteering? Contact VANS to find out how you can get involved.

Tell us what volunteering means to you in one word 👇

01/06/2026

It’s the start of Volunteers’ Week and we want to say a huge thank you to every volunteer who gives their time, energy and kindness to support our community. Your contribution makes a real difference every single day.

👇 Tag a volunteer and leave a thank-you message in the comments!

01/06/2026

Come and celebrate National Volunteers’ Week with us at Grove Park! 🌿

To celebrate National Volunteers’ Week, Growing in Grove Park, Super Culture and VANS are coming together as neighbours to say a heartfelt thank you to our incredible volunteers.

We’d love to invite you to a special Volunteers’ Picnic in the beautiful surroundings of Grove Park, celebrating the kindness, dedication and hard work of the volunteers who make so much possible in our communities.

Bring along your picnic and a blanket and join us for a relaxed afternoon filled with great company, celebration and a few treats, including:

🍦 An ice cream van (your first ice cream is on us!)
💃 Multicultural dancing and singing
🌿 Henna and hand massage
🧘 Tai Chi

This is our chance to celebrate you and the difference you make. We hope you’ll join us for a well-deserved afternoon of connection, appreciation and community.

01/06/2026

28/05/2026

MindFest Banwell

For young people aged 11-18 and parents/carers
5.30 – 8.30 pm.

Drop in any time - Banwell Youth and Community Centre 👋

- Free Youth Club taster session
- Local activity and service providers
- Talks for parents/carers (young people are welcome too)
- Free refreshment
- Prize draw survey to win a £50 voucher

Come and find out about local activities and support for young people, as well as information for parents/carers! 🎉