Gateshead Volunteer Centre

The purpose of the Volunteer Centre is to improve the health and wellbeing of Gateshead residents through volunteering. 

In August 2024, following a comprehensive assessment, the Centre received the Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation by the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA).      

Gateshead Volunteer Centre aims to:

1.   Make volunteering in Gateshead easier to access
2.   Focus on the people who need additional support into volunteering
3.   Develop skills and provide a pathway towards employment
4.   Support the people who support volunteers
5.   Build understanding of the value of volunteering

Whether you're an individual looking for support and information around volunteering or an organisation that would like to connect with people interested in volunteering, we can help.

The Gateshead Volunteer Centre Team are:

  • Laurie Zebik, Gateshead Volunteering Development Coordinator
  • Harley Kuyck-Cohen, Gateshead Volunteering Development Officer 

Come and chat to us at one of our upcoming community drop-in sessions to find out more about volunteering in Gateshead:

  • Thursday 3rd July 10am-2pm - Alive Church, Deckham
  • Monday 7th July 9.30am-11.30am - Strathmore Methodist Church, Rowlands Gill
  • Wednesday 16th July 1pm-2pm - Leam Lane Library 
  • Thursday 17th July 10am-12pm - The Bank Chopwell
  • Saturday 19th July 12pm-5pm - Newcastle Pride, Old Eldon Square
  • Wednesday 23rd July 10am-12pm - Christ Church Felling

Future drop-ins for your diary: 

  • Friday 8th August 11:30-1:30pm - Embells CIC, Leam Lane  
  • Friday 8th August 2pm-4pm - Metrocentre Community Hub
  • Wednesday 3rd September 10am-12pm - Christ Church Felling 
  • Thursday 4th September 10am-12pm - The Bank Chopwell
  • Monday 8th September 10am-12pm - ASDA Metrocentre
  • Thursday 18th September 10am-2pm - Alive Church, Deckham
  • Friday 10th October 11:30am-1:30pm Embells CIC, Leam Lane 
  • Friday 10th October 2pm-4pm - Metrocentre Community Hub
  • Monday 13th October 10am-12pm - ASDA Metrocentre
  • Wednesday 5th November 10am-12pm - Christ Church Felling 
  • Friday 7th November 2pm-4pm - Metrocentre Community Hub 
  • Thursday 13th November 10am-2pm - Alive Church, Deckham 

Contact us at volunteering@connectedvoice.org.uk for more information, or to arrange to meet.

Looking to Volunteer?

Browse dozens of opportunities advertised on the OurGateshead website.

Go to Volunteering - ways to help in your community | OurGateshead, where you can search by location or area of interest to find your perfect volunteer role. 

Support into Volunteering

There is a volunteering opportunity for everyone, and we can provide extra support. 

Whether you're looking to volunteer yourself, or you work alongside a volunteer who is looking for a placement, we can help to find the right volunteering opportunity by tailoring to an individual's needs. Regardless of your age, health or background, we are here to help.

If you are unable to attend our drop ins (listed above) and would like some support into volunteering, please contact Laurie Zebik, at laurie.zebik@connectedvoice.org.uk

Can you offer supported volunteering?

We are always looking for organisations who understand the needs of individuals, who have knowledge and experience of disabilities, and who can provide positive opportunities for volunteers. You can contact us at volunteering@connectedvoice.org.uk to discuss further.

You can find our Supported Volunteering Impact Report for 2024/25 at the bottom of this page.   

Looking for Volunteers?

Add your opportunities to the OurGateshead website.

You can add your organisation's volunteering opportunities by creating a new account on the OurGateshead website.  Log into your account at https://ourgateshead.org/user/ or, if you're not already registered, go to https://ourgateshead.org/user/register to set up an account and start posting. It will help you reach a wide audience online. 

If you need any help with writing a volunteer role description, or with recruitment, induction and management of volunteers, or if you have any other volunteering-related questions please contact the Gateshead Volunteer Centre Team at volunteering@connectedvoice.org.uk 

Gateshead Volunteer Coordinators' Network

A support network for those working alongside and supervising volunteers in Gateshead.  

Our Network offers the opportunity to connect with other volunteer engagement professionals, and provides a space for support and advice, to encourage and promote excellence in volunteering.

Quarterly meetings include shared learning on volunteering trends, best practice, and innovation. They also feature guest speakers with expert knowledge and experience. 

If you would like more information, to join, or would like to present to the Network - please get in touch with the Gateshead Volunteer Centre Team at volunteering@connectedvoice.org.uk