Volunteer Durham

09/10/2026

Volunteering is about more than giving your time. It can help you meet new people, build confidence, learn new skills and feel part of your community.

This World Mental Health Day, we’re highlighting how volunteering, including employer-supported volunteering can support mental health and wellbeing while making a difference across County Durham.

Thank you to everyone who gives their time to support others. Your contribution matters. 💚

💬 What do you enjoy most about volunteering? Let us know in the comments.

24/08/2026

🚶 Volunteer Walk Leaders Needed – Howden-le-Wear 🚶‍♀️

Move County Durham are looking for volunteers who would be interested in training as walk leaders for a new walk in Howden-le-Wear.

The walk has not started yet, but it is likely to take place on a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. Training and support will be provided to help volunteers feel confident in the role.

This is a great opportunity to help local people get active, enjoy the outdoors and connect with others.

Interested in finding out more? get in touch via [email protected]

05/08/2026

Wishing Julie a very happy retirement 💐

This week, we are getting ready to say goodbye to our manager, Julie Lavery, as she approaches her final day with Durham County Council and Volunteer Durham this Friday.

After an incredible 40 years of service with the council, including 11 years dedicated to Volunteer Durham and our amazing volunteers, Julie has made a lasting difference to so many people.

Everyone who knows Julie will agree that she is passionate, hardworking and determined, someone who always finds a way to make things happen! She will be a huge miss within our team.

Thankfully, Julie has promised that this isn’t a complete goodbye and that she’ll come along to see us and our volunteers at some of our future events and we’ll be holding her to that!

We wish Julie all the very best for her retirement, plenty of well-deserved time to relax, and every happiness in whatever adventures come next.

Thank you for everything, Julie. You will be greatly missed! 💕💕

04/08/2026

Volunteer Walk Leaders Needed 🚶

The team are expanding their Wellbeing Walk Programme and are looking for volunteers to help lead walks in their local community.

Whether you're an experienced walker or simply enjoy getting outdoors, this is a fantastic opportunity to support others in improving their health and wellbeing.

✅ Walks are up to 90 minutes long
✅ Comfortable, inclusive pace
✅ Help people stay active and connected
✅ Make a difference in your local community

If you have a passion for walking and would like to become a Wellbeing Walk Leader, we'd love to hear from you.

Contact us via [email protected] to find out more.

Move County Durham

03/08/2026

What a fantastic weekend at Seaham Food Festival!

A big thank you to all the volunteers who gave their time to help welcome visitors, support activities and keep everything running smoothly. Their energy, positivity and teamwork helped create a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the event.

The weather stayed on our side, and it was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the food, entertainment and activities.

Here are some of our volunteers on the day. Thank you for being such an important part of the weekend!

21/07/2026

Volunteers Needed – Sportsability at Teesdale Leisure Centre

Could you spare some time on a Friday morning to support an inclusive activity session in Barnard Castle?

Sportsability is attended by around 25 adults with learning and/or physical disabilities. Volunteers help participants take part in a range of fun and inclusive physical activities.

This opportunity could be ideal for someone with an interest in sport, physical activity, health and wellbeing, or simply a desire to make a positive difference in their community.

Interested in finding out more?
Please contact us via [email protected]

Your support can help create a welcoming, active and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

20/07/2026

🎺 Durham BRASS 2026 was in full swing! 🎺

It has been fantastic to see the festival bringing so much music, energy and excitement to Durham.

A huge thank you to all our amazing volunteers for giving their time, enthusiasm and support to help make the event such a success. We really appreciate everything you do!

Here are a few photos our volunteers have shared with us so far. 📸✨

10/07/2026

We’re pleased to support and share these new volunteering opportunities with The Light. Find out more at their information session on 22 July at The Story ✨

We're excited to launch our upcoming volunteering opportunities at The Light and are now recruiting volunteers for the following roles:

✨ Gallery Engager
✨ Events and Activities Volunteer

Interested in finding out more? Join us for a volunteering information session on 22 July, 10am–12pm at The Story.

📧 Booking is essential. To reserve your place or ask any questions, please email [email protected].

We look forward to welcoming our volunteers!

06/07/2026

Could you make a difference with just 3 hours a week?

We’re pleased to share this volunteering opportunity from Marie Curie’s Companions at Home Service – Durham.

Marie Curie is looking for caring, compassionate volunteers to join their Community Companion Team, supporting people in the final stages of life and those close to them.

As a Companion Volunteer, you could spend time visiting someone at home, offering a friendly chat, a listening ear, peaceful company, and giving carers or family members a short break when they need it most.

Full training and ongoing support are provided, and the role is flexible and rewarding.

Volunteers need to be 18 or over and able to offer around 3 hours per week.

Interested or want to know more? Please contact Marie Curie direct:

Louise Delaney, Volunteer Services Officer
📞 07515 135571
✉️ [email protected]

12/06/2026

We’re delighted to share some fantastic news from one of our swim volunteers at Chester-le-Street Leisure Centre.

Around six months ago, Bilge began volunteering alongside the swim teachers, supporting children during their lessons. From her very first day, she loved the atmosphere, and seeing children grow in confidence in the water quickly became the highlight of her week.

Through her commitment, enthusiasm and the hands-on experience she gained while volunteering, Volunteer Durham funded and supported Bilge to complete her Level 2 Teaching Swimming qualification and we are delighted to share that she has now successfully passed.

Bilge told us:
“Volunteering didn’t just allow me to give back to the community; it opened doors to a brand-new career that I am truly passionate about.”

Bilge is continuing to volunteer at the leisure centre and is looking forward to applying for swim teaching roles once her certificate arrives.

A huge well done, Bilge, and thank you for sharing such an inspiring story. This is a wonderful example of how volunteering can build confidence, develop skills, support communities and create new opportunities.