NORTH TYNESIDE VODA

Volunteer Network Meeting Tuesday 8 April 10am to 11:30am at VODA & online Join us for a discussion on promoting staff and volunteer wellbeing. This friendly and supportive meeting is a chance to share ideas, hear from others and explore ways to create a positive environment for volunteers and staff alike. Facilitated by VODA, it’s a great opportunity to connect with others who manage volunteers and learn from each other’s experiences. The meeting will be held in person at VODA’s Wallsend office and online via Zoom. Open to Volunteer Network members. Book your place at voda.org.uk/events and select Volunteer Network Meeting.  Not a member of the network? Contact volunteering@voda.org.uk to find out more.

We are looking for volunteers to help run our Best Start groups.  Are you passionate about supporting new parents with breastfeeding? Join our team of volunteers at Best Start and make a difference in the lives of families in North Tyneside.  This will also be great experience if you are thinking of a career in health, well-being or supporting others. Our weekly sessions run term time in North Shields, Wallsend, Longbenton, and Whitley Bay. For more information contact beststart@voda.org.uk or 0191 643 2626.

Our DiscoverMe team is at today's North Tyneside Youth Hub event hosted by North Tyneside Employment & Skills at Wallsend Community Hub and Library. If you are in the area, pop in and find out about opportunities, training and volunteering happening locally.

More than 1600 North East homes supported by new energy advice service - https://lnkd.in/eSh7BS6K Since launching in spring 2024, Home Energy Advice North East has supported 1,643 residents with free, tailored advice on how to save money and carbon emissions through home upgrades, from draught-proofing and insulation to low carbon heating and solar panels. This includes more than 800 people who have utilised the service’s home visit option.  For more information, visit https://lnkd.in/ezMhRnSm or call Home Energy Advice North East on 0808 175 9345.

Sported Launches New Lottery Initiative to Help Clubs Raise Funds Many community sports clubs struggle to secure the funding needed to keep their doors open and provide opportunities for all. To support these groups, Sported is launching a brand-new lottery initiative in April, offering an easy way to generate income for essential costs. This initiative is designed to help grassroots clubs and organisations raise unrestricted funds, giving them greater financial security. To ensure clubs make the most of this opportunity, Sported is hosting two webinars, providing a full overview of how the lottery works and the support available. The webinars will cover: How the lottery operates Ways it can help clubs raise funds Guidance on getting started A Q&A session for any queries Webinar Dates: 📅 Tuesday 1 April | 6 - 7pm 📅 Wednesday 2 April | 12:30 - 1:30pm Clubs only need to attend one session, but both are open to all. Sported understands that some organisations may not wish to raise money through gambling. Alternative funding opportunities will continue to be developed to ensure all clubs have access to the support they need. For more details and to register for a webinar, visit

If you are a carer in North Tyneside, Healthwatch North Tyneside would like to hear from you. Do you know how to access information about what support is available? Are you able to access respite care? What about arranging home care and care packages? Share your experiences to help improve support for unpaid carers. You could also win £100 of high street vouchers. Complete the survey here: https://lnkd.in/eCKcVtHj

VODA has created a new, home-based activity, ‘From the Comfort of Your Home’, designed to take no more than an hour of your time. We’re inviting the local community to support the charity ‘From Me to You’ by writing a postcard/ letter to someone living with cancer. These letters can help to ease the feelings of loneliness and social isolation that often come with the illness.  Your letter pack will include: - A postcard and writing paper – you can jot down a short note or write something a bit longer, it’s entirely up to you. - Stickers, if you’d like to decorate your letter or envelope. - Example letters and positive quotes for inspiration. - An envelope pre-addressed to the charity, complete with a stamp, so it’s ready to post.  If you'd like to get involved, or have any questions, please email your name and address to jo.woolley@voda.org.uk

Can You Give a Child a Loving Forever Home? Adopt North East, your local adoption agency, is looking for forever homes for more than 39 children right now, including siblings. Adoption changes lives. Bella and Daisy’s* first few years were tough, and they missed out on lots of things a loving family would give. Thanks to Adopt North East, they are now settled with a wonderful family with lots of love and laughter every day. Adoption is changing. Modern adoption offers more support to children and families than ever before. If you choose to adopt with Adopt North East, you will be supported every step of the way. So, if you are interested in finding out more, get in touch or join one of the informal, warm, and honest information events. Visit the Adopt North East website for details: https://lnkd.in/eysswcZY.  *Children’s names have been changed.

Meaningful Conversations 🗣️ This morning, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kirsty Christofi from NORTH TYNESIDE VODA about the exciting opportunities provided through our EPNE Training funded training provisions. For those unfamiliar, VODA is a remarkable registered charity based in North Tyneside. They dedicate themselves to supporting volunteers and community groups within the borough by offering guidance, advice, and training that makes a real difference. Our discussion was centered around how we can collaborate to not only upskill their amazing staff but also contribute in meaningful ways to ensure every adult has access to the resources and support needed to achieve their aspirations, whatever they may be. Thank you for your time, your insights, and most importantly, your invaluable contributions. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work together and hopefully make a real difference in upskilling adults across North Tyneside. Education Partnership North East Sunderland College Northumberland College Hartlepool Sixth Form College

Looking to better understand the roles of Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and Trustee in a charity? This free online course provides an introduction to these key positions, covering their responsibilities and the role of a Trustee. Perfect for those starting out in charity governance or looking to enhance their knowledge. Sign up today and get started! Visit voda.org.uk/elements for more information and to sign up.