See below for our latest newsletter: https://eocampaign1.com/web-version?p=8be5a664-d6d2-11f1-9b0b-11dcabc77adc&pt=campaign&t=1793633641&s=58197ae62555980f17e67f9f83f551102f27355088352c09e7ad6d2d53be1b6f

Our Volunteer Connections volunteers enjoyed a sunny day caring for war graves at Nightingale Cemetery in Godalming, with time for refreshments and conversation.

Do you have experience of working with charities, voluntary organisations or community groups? Are you passionate about helping local organisations to grow, develop and become more sustainable? We are looking for an enthusiastic and approachable VCSE Development Officer to join our team, supporting voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations across Guildford and Waverley (South West Surrey). This is a varied and rewarding role where no two days are quite the same

Last Thursday, we welcomed voluntary, community and public-sector colleagues to our VASWS Mini Conference: Building confidence in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for you and your organisation, held at St Nicolas’ Church in Guildford. The event was sold out, bringing people together for an engaging and practical morning exploring what Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) means in practice — and, importantly, what we can each do to make our organisations and communities more i

Would you like to volunteer? Our Volunteer Connections Lunch & Learn sessions are a great way to discover local volunteering opportunities and hear directly from organisations about the roles they have available. Meet Our Presenters and Discover Volunteer Opportunities Buckinghamshire & Surrey Trading Standards – Friends Against Scams Help stop scams and support vulnerable residents. Scams can have a devastating impact on individuals, particularly those who may be vulnerable

We were delighted to deliver our Attract and Retain Volunteers training session, bringing together representatives from a range of local organisations to explore practical ways to attract, engage and retain volunteers. It was fantastic to welcome organisations including The Artventure Trust, Samaritans, Your Sanctuary, Cherry Trees UK, Citizens Advice South West Surrey, Interventions Alliance, Dads Matter Too and West Horsley Place. The session provided an opportunity for att

Click on the link below to read our latest newsletter. https://eocampaign1.com/web-version?p=511c1b86-a6f2-11f1-af9b-4910c88ee3f8&pt=campaign&t=1788369587&s=b3998433a2a5081abb4163301b2baf9e38f38168b5d0a2e5c614de78645d4291

Looking for a new volunteering opportunity? Join our free Volunteer Connections Lunch & Learn on Wednesday 16 September at 12:30pm and hear from five organisations making a difference across Surrey. Our September presenters are: Cancer Testing South Guide Dogs Surrey Trading Standards Sayers Croft Cranleigh Climate Action Each organisation will give a short presentation about their work and the volunteering opportunities available, followed by the chance to ask questions in a

Click on the link below to read our latest newsletter. https://eocampaign1.com/web-version?p=becda300-8c1e-11f1-b3c5-5f056949ffcc&pt=campaign&t=1785420155&s=d64f3766c9d1b3764b8e4466edebba892e3345e960537528d04ad7ac84453d19

On Wednesday September 9th, Voluntary Action South West Surrey and Home Start Guildford will be jointly hosting a Mini Volunteers Fair from 10.00 a.m. until midday at The Astolat, Conniers Way, Guildford GU4 7HL (free parking available). For anybody considering volunteering, this is an opportunity to pop by and have a coffee, cake and an informal chat to find out more. Some of the charities represented only need volunteers for an hour a week, while others need more. All of

Our Voluntary Action team had a fantastic volunteering day last week at the beautiful Springbok Estate, home to Care Ashore – a residential home providing care and support for veteran seafarers. We were warmly welcomed by the wonderful staff and residents and spent the day giving the tea shack and outdoor furniture a fresh new look with a coat of paint. Although the weather was very hot, it was a day full of teamwork, fun, and plenty of laughter. It was incredibly rewarding t

To mark Alcohol Awareness Week, last week, two community outreach events were delivered in partnership with Surrey County Council and other local health and support services: • Guildford Farmers' Market • Crown Court, Godalming The events were delivered collaboratively with representatives from Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust iAccess Drug & Alcohol Team, and the Surrey County Council One You Surrey, Smoking Cessation Service. The Godalming event also inclu

Click on the link below to read our latest newsletter. https://eocampaign1.com/web-version?p=826944dc-73c8-11f1-8b4e-7fcf3501f11b&pt=campaign&t=1782748880&s=dcfbcf6585615426bbcf806a7833572af2d8f1c067d07d389d63a1b5acab0173

Join us for our next Mini Conference exploring Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in practice. Led by Ali Fisher from Plans with Purpose, this interactive workshop will build confidence, encourage discussion and provide practical tools to create more inclusive organisations.

Our Alcohol Champions Project is hosting community outreach events in Guildford and Godalming during Alcohol Awareness Week, alongside partners from iAccess and the Royal Surrey Mobile Liver Health Check Unit.

As part of Alcohol Awareness Week 2026, Voluntary Action South West Surrey's Alcohol Health Champions Project is hosting community outreach events in Guildford and Godalming and promoting a new awareness video to encourage healthier conversations about alcohol and signpost people to local support.

Volunteers’ Week gave us another brilliant reason to get out into the community, this time at the welcoming Altitude Coffee Bar in Cranleigh. The atmosphere was buzzing from the moment we arrived — friendly faces, great conversations, and of course, excellent coffee. Several local residents dropped in to chat with us, alongside representatives from a range of local organisations who were keen to share insights into Cranleigh’s current needs. It was exactly the kind of open, i

Volunteers’ Week gave us the perfect opportunity to recognise the incredible people who give their time, energy and heart to our community. On Tuesday 2 June, we welcomed volunteers to our Millmead office in Guildford for a relaxed morning of conversation, connection and a little local history. The day began with coffee and cakes served by our Volunteer Connections team member Kate Jones, creating a friendly space for volunteers to meet, chat and share stories. It was a simpl

The Body Coach Foundation has officially opened its very first grant window — and it’s all about helping children and young people across the UK get moving, feel good, and thrive. The new Get Kids Moving Fund will award grants ranging from £1,000 to £10,000 to organisations that are improving young people’s physical activity levels and wellbeing through movement. From community sports clubs to youth charities and grassroots groups, the fund aims to support the incredible work

Sickness absence can hit charities hard. Small teams, stretched resources and specialist roles mean even one unexpected absence can disrupt services. A clear, compassionate approach helps you support staff while keeping your organisation running smoothly. What Charities Need to Focus On 1. Encourage Early, Honest Communication Open conversations help you understand issues sooner and offer support before problems escalate. Make reporting procedures simple and ensure managers