Held every 3rd Thursday each month, 10.30 – 1pm, Helping Hands Bereavement Coffee Morning Group offers a space where we can relax from some of the pressure points in life; our goal is to promote wellbeing after loss. You can enjoy a hot or cold drink and connect with others, giving you the opportunity to talk, share or just listen to others' experiences of losing a loved one. This will be a monthly event to help you on your grieving journey and the chance to meet new people.
After the loss of someone we can often feel isolated, not able to talk within friendship circles about our loss, this can have a negative impact on wellbeing, sometimes we might struggle with practical things like cooking, simple DIY or gardening, and there are others just wanting to connect with others on the grieving journey in need of sharing skill sets and stories.
If you are able to help, making drinks or washing up please contact Del on 07796 190794 or by email below. We are aware not everyone wants to share their grief but just being a part of something can help. Please pop in and ask for details.
We are not a counselling service provider; this is a volunteering group to help facilitate and support bereaved people within the community. Please respect others' privacy in the group, by keeping any conversations shared strictly confidential. We want everyone to feel safe, relaxed, and able to talk freely in this space.
L W Clutterbuck Funeral Directors, 45 High Street, Thornbury BS35 2AR
www.lwclutterbuck.co.uk/
Email:
We are looking for a new Quizmaster! Would you be interested in being a Quizmaster?
Our quiz used to be very popular every Wednesday. It will be a quiz and more, raising money for charity. If you think you're up for it, let us know.
In return, we'll offer a bar tab and a meal voucher to use when you wish. Interested? Get in touch as soon as possible.
17 High Street, Thornbury BS35 2AE
Tel: 01454 413062
www.mythornbury.co.uk/thornbury/t...
Email:
We aim to deliver high quality, relevant programming to Thornbury and surrounding villages. We support development of our community through frequent on-air mentions, sponsorship and campaigns. Unlike other stations, scarcely 10 minutes will pass without you hearing the word "Thornbury" or something else that is locally relevant!
Musically we are far more diverse than other stations on the dial. In contrast to most commercial stations that playlist only 300-400 songs, our playlist has over 5000 songs, and that excludes the music we play in specialist shows!
Listen 24 hours a day on 105.1 FM and 107.5 FM, online via the link below, on mobile using the dedicated iOS and Android apps and on internet radio players.
www.thornbury.radio/
Email:
Abbeyfield Wessex
Abbeyfield Wessex society are a member society of The Abbeyfield society, a national charity providing houses and homes to older people throughout the UK. Together we are one big family.
Volunteering at Abbeyfield Wessex makes a great difference to our residents’ lives. As a volunteer you will be spending time with our residents. You could offer your time to do a coffee morning and have a chat, arts and crafts, playing games such as scrabble, cards, chess, quizzes and helping to serve lunches. You may also have a skill you would like to share with the residents (artist, technology, gardening etc).
Volunteers are the Lifeblood of Abbeyfield and can be as little as 1 hour a week or every other week or more if you wish to! Our Chipping Sodbury House needs you!
Please contact Debra Terry by email or phone if you are interested. Closing date: None
Melbourne Drive, Chipping Sodbury BS37 6LB
Tel: 01454 323712
Tel: 07368 937402
wessex.abbeyfield.com/our-propert...
Email:
Swan Advocacy
Much of our work depends on volunteers and we are always looking for more people to join our busy team. Examples include Mental Health Advocate Volunteers and Relevant Person’s Representative Volunteers.
Please find more information about our current volunteer opportunities below.
Age UK South Gloucestershire relies on volunteers to help us offer vital services in the local community. Would you like to lend a hand?
Tel: 01454 411707
www.ageuk.org.uk/southgloucesters...
Email:
Whether you want to learn new skills, keep busy or meet new people, we have a range of roles available and Covid-secure measures in place to keep you safe. Click below to complete our simple application form today.
16 St Mary Street, Thornbury BS35 2AB
Tel: 01454 417177
www.mythornbury.co.uk/obj/bhfvolu...
Email:
CHSW is on the hunt for enthusiastic volunteers to help run their shop. There’s a variety of tasks that volunteers can get involved with from processing stock received from donations, to window displays, dressing mannequins and processing payments. It’s a great way to meet other people and really help to make a difference in the local community.
To find out more about volunteering, please ring the store or call in.
Unit 3 Tesco, East Walk, Yate Shopping Centre, Yate BS37 4AS
Tel: 01454 323993
www.chsw.org.uk/
Email:
Keen to volunteer? Chipping Sodbury Tourist Information Centre is staffed by friendly volunteers six days a week from Spring to Christmas. We help and advise visitors on local amenities and places of interest in Chipping Sodbury and the surrounding areas. We stock a range of books, gifts, maps and leaflets and sell tickets for local events.
Our team of volunteers work in pairs doing either a morning 10am-1pm (perfect for parents of school-age children) or an afternoon 1-4pm session. We are looking for new volunteers to join us either on a permanent basis or for the odd shift. If you would like to find out more, please call or email Trizia using the details below.
The Clock Tower, High Street, Chipping Sodbury BS37 6AH
Tel: 07932 680055
Email:
Part time/permanent
Want to help your community? Why not become a Volunteer Generalist Adviser with Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire?
The rewarding role would involve training to help with a vast range of problems. These include but are not limited to benefits, debt, housing and employment.
The charity is particularly keen to encourage applications from people with a diverse range of backgrounds. This is especially the case for people from BAME backgrounds who are currently under-represented.
The role would involve giving advice to clients both face-to-face and over the telephone.
Main duties and responsibilities may include:
- Interviewing clients, both face-to-face and on the telephone, letting the client explain their enquiry and helping the client to set priorities
- Finding, interpreting and communicating the relevant information and exploring options and implications in order that the client can come to a decision
- Acting, where necessary, on behalf of the client, negotiating, drafting or writing letters or making appropriate referrals
- Completing clear and accurate case records
- Recognising the root causes of problems and participating in taking appropriate action
- Keeping up to date on important issues by attending the appropriate training and by essential reading
- Attending team meetings
Personal skills and qualities needed to become a Volunteer Generalist Adviser:
- A commitment to the aims and principles of the service
- Excellent communication skills
- Being open and approachable
- Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing
- Ability to sift through information and extract what is relevant
- Basic mathematical skills, including percentages
- Respect for views, values and cultures that are different to their own
- An understanding of why confidentiality is important
- Being open to using computers on a regular basis
- A positive attitude to self-development and assessment
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Ability to recognise their own limits and boundaries in the role
- Good IT skills essential – ability to use websites/ databases/ research information
Applicants should be IT competent and able to commit to two sessions per week for at least two years.
Training will be held over a full day – probably a Wednesday – each week starting in January 2025. There will be additional training time when new recruits can observe experienced advisers.
There will be opportunities to help out for a few sessions prior to training starting so that applicants can check the role is right for them.
To apply, please email Finance and Admin Manager Amanda Wood by email below to ask for an application form.
Closing date: 31/12/24
Kennedy Way, Yate BS37 4DQ
Tel: 01454 334961
www.southgloscab.org.uk/reception...
Email:
South Gloucestershire’s libraries provide free access to computers, the internet, email and online resources and free Wi-Fi access for all members of the public. Library staff assist the public in using our facilities and when requested can signpost to further local help through our colleagues in the Council’s Community Learning Service, and through courses run by South Gloucestershire and Stroud College in many of our libraries.
Quite often, especially with those new to IT, a more in-depth one-to-one approach is needed and this is where we see a role for computer volunteers. We are thus seeking individuals who:
Volunteering is available at any time libraries are open. You can be as flexible as you like in the pattern of hours you do, and at times that suit you.
Interested in this opportunity? Please ask library staff for an application form to be returned to the librarian or for further information, please contact us by phone or email.
44 West Walk, Yate BS37 4AX
Tel: 07718 130 916
Email:
The village of Cromhall usually holds a Flower Show and Village Fayre on the first Saturday of September at 2pm on the St Andrew's School field.
Can you help us? We are currently looking for a new Chair, and we're always looking for volunteers.
To find out more, please call the Show Secretary Lisa Willmott on 01454 294968.
Poole Court, Poole Court Drive, Yate BS37 5PP
Tel: 01454 865205
www.cvs-sg.org.uk
Email:
Have your got spare time on your hands? Want to help in the local community? Then become a volunteer driver/leaflet distributor.
We provide transport to those members of the community who, for whatever reason, cannot use existing transport services.
Crossbow House, 58 School Road, Frampton Cotterell BS36 2DA
Tel: 01454 250500
4tvl.org.uk/
Email:
Do you enjoy our award-winning Kingsgate Park? Then why not join us and help to keep the park looking as good as it always does? Click below to find out more.
Girlguiding are seeking Leaders and Assistant Leaders across South Gloucestershire. If you’re someone with a sense of adventure looking for a rewarding challenge then Girlguiding could be for you.
Help girls to realise their full potential and share some unforgettable moments along the way.
Click the link below to register your interest or call, text or email Development Worker Jo Fletcher if you would like to have a chat about how you could get involved. She is also available on Whatsapp.
Tel: 07774 640229
www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involv...
Email:
Green Community Travel need voluntary drivers to help drive their minibuses and also people who would be willing to drive their own cars to get people to hospital appointments. Cost of training and expenses are reimbursed by GCT. We work with volunteers so it fits around your life!
Please call or email us to discuss further. We hope to hear from you soon!
Yate-based, covering all South Gloucestershire
Tel: 01454 228706
www.greencommunitytravel.co.uk/
Email:
JIGSAW Thornbury is a charity that works with children and young people aged 0-25 with additional needs or disabilities, and their families. Our work changes lives and enhances community inclusion. Without our amazing team of volunteers JIGSAW Thornbury couldn’t exist.
If you would like to join us and help JIGSAW by volunteering your time and expertise, we would love to hear from you! It may be that you could help run an event or become a regular volunteer for one of our key services.
Volunteering is a rewarding experience and a great way to give back to your community. Check out our current volunteer roles on our website where you can complete an expression of interest form.
15/17 St Mary Street, Thornbury, Thornbury BS35 2AB
Tel: 01454 567508
www.jigsawthornbury.org.uk/volunt...
Email:
Love Thornbury are organising a series of community events to be held along Thornbury High Street on the first Saturday of most months. If you want to help make a positive change to our community, the volunteer organisers would love to hear from you, especially if you're a handyman happy to work outside, or can offer communications or marketing support. Just a few hours to spare? We always need help on the day... Please click below to find out more and get in touch.
Do you have a craft, an art, special skill or mastermind subject? Are you a group with a good cause? The Memory Café need YOU, to support our café sessions with exciting and interesting activities! If you have a cause or a talent that could assist or bring joy to our customers, our team would love to hear from you!
To find out more, to donate or to join our team of volunteers, contact our team – call us on 01454 869441 or click below. For volunteer applications, visit our “Vacancies” page. We are more than happy to chat to you about your application and provide support if necessary; full training is provided upon starting.
The National Garden Scheme is proud to say that 80% of money raised through opening gardens goes to health charities.
In our area, Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath there are almost 40 gardens to choose from, all described in the local 'Yellow book.' In South Gloucestershire 7 very different gardens open to visitors providing 'Great Gardens, Great Cakes!' Some will open for groups, at a time to suit you, 'By Arrangement'.
Details of all the gardens can be found on the National Garden Scheme website below, or you can download the smartphone app. On both you can search for gardens opening within the distance you are prepared to travel. So why not go ahead and plan the gardens you would like to visit?
The huge benefits of gardens and gardening to health and well being are now well recognised. You may feel you would like to become involved in this inspiring organisation. It's possible to volunteer in a small way by helping with serving teas, or you may even feel that your own garden could be enjoyed by others. Seeing the pleasure on visitors' faces and sharing your endeavours with others, whilst helping the NGS charities, has a huge 'feel good factor.'
To find out more, contact the County Organiser, Su Mills by phone or email.
Tel: 01454 615438
ngs.org.uk
Email:
Oldbury on Severn Community Shop is a volunteer-run shop. Its sole purpose to provide a much needed service to the local Community and, subject to its continued success, provide donations to local good causes and local charities.
We currently have around 25/30 volunteers but always need more people to help us and importantly ensure the shop's future is guaranteed. Our volunteers come from the local Parish and from Patchway, Thornbury and Sharpness. It’s very friendly and a great place to make new friends and importantly give a little bit back to the Community and good causes.
If anyone is interested in joining please phone Chris Awde on the number below. Volunteer slots are generally only 2 hours and there is absolutely no pressure in terms of commitment, in that the volunteer picks when they want to work and this can be 2 hours a week or 2 hours a month. Basically the volunteer makes the decision when he or she wants to work.
Tel: 01454 418619
Thornbury Community Permaculture Project, which is part of Sustainable Thornbury, invites volunteers over 16 years old to help out at developing and maintaining a new Permaculture Garden at Alexandra Way retirement home. Tools and guidance will be provided but please wear suitable clothing for gardening and the weather.
Permaculture is a design system that can be applied to gardening to incorporate more nature led planting.
We meet every Friday morning 9.30-11am.
Email:
Re-engage is a national charity dedicated to connecting people to their communities. Our activity groups bring people over 75 together in local communities across Bristol and the South-West, to keep people active through exercise sessions, tai chi, gardening, boules, carpet curling and dancing.
Tel: 0800 716543
www.reengage.org.uk/join-a-group/...
Email:
Flexible, ongoing
Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) has a brand new charity shop in Thornbury and we’re looking for volunteers to join our friendly shop team and make a lifesaving difference in the local community!
Many people are unaware that we are a charity and that every year we need to raise over £4 million to stay operational. We receive no day-to-day government funding and rely on our local community to keep the helicopter in the air, so our team can keep saving lives.
Volunteering is open to everyone, no experience is required and you will volunteer alongside a wonderful team of passionate, friendly people! We have a role to suit everyone:
• Serving customers and working the till
• Sorting through donated items and pricing stock
• Creating window and shop displays
• Keeping the shop tidy, clean and well organised
• Encouraging people to support GWAAC!
If you are interested in joining our retail team, then please get in touch by emailing below, calling our office or popping into the shop.
14 High Street, Thornbury BS3 2JH
Tel: 0303 4444 999
greatwesternairambulance.com/
Email:
RSVP West is a region of RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme, part of the national volunteering charity Volunteering Matters).
We want to encourage those of you who are over 50 to volunteer in the community and we will provide you with appropriate training and regular support.
Covering South Gloucestershire
Tel: 0117 922 4392
rsvp-west.org.uk/
Email:
We provide a lifeboat search-and-rescue service on the Severn Estuary between Gloucester and the Severn Bridges – one of the most challenging waterways in the UK. We need a volunteer fundraising crew who can give some of their weekend time, working alongside the operational lifeboat crew to collect the essential donations that keep the lifeboat station running.
If you are 18+, enthusiastic, willing to tell our story to the public – and able to give at least 20 hours a year of your time, then this volunteering opportunity could be just right for you.
In return, we will introduce you to the work we do, give you occasional opportunity to go out on one of the lifeboats, give you a uniform, and involve you in the life of the lifeboat station. Suitable volunteers may also be able to progress to full operational crew in the future.
Please contact Hugh Inwood for more information about this role, or click on the link below to apply.
Tel: 07774 260429
www.bit.do/sharpnesslifeboat
Email:
Our aim is to support people with physical disabilities and their carers to improve quality of life and reduce social isolation.
We welcome people who can use their own initiative and offer their own skills and ideas to contribute to the aims and objectives of the project.
Training and support will be provided to understand the wider issues of working within the Charitable sector and the importance of funding, promotion and direct support to people who use our service.
Please contact Project Manager Sheridan Crew should you feel you can assist us.
Tel: 01454 868718
www.myyate.co.uk/yate/local_organ...
Email:
Thornbury Arts Festival, one of the longest running multi-arts festivals in the country, is looking for volunteers to join its committee to fill both key and supporting roles.
Entirely run by volunteers, the Festival is an established part of the Thornbury calendar and the organising committee is also responsible for the annual Thornbury Eisteddfod, and the Severn Vale Art Trail, which showcases the work of local artists.
If you would like to find out more, please get in touch.
Thornbury Carnival is organised by the Thornbury Carnival Community Interest Company (C.I.C.). If you would like to join the committee in any capacity and help plan the next Thornbury Carnival, please make contact as soon as possible.
There are lots of ways to get involved, many of which do not require Committee work, and can be done in small groups and spread throughout the year.
No experience is necessary, just a friendly approach, resourcefulness and reliability.
Thornbury parkrun happens largely because of our fantastic volunteers, who help on a Saturday morning. The weekly team is led by a small group of parkrun enthusiasts who form what we call the 'core team'. They make sure the event is setup and packed away each week, the results published, the tokens resorted, event reports written and so much more.
We're very grateful to the help provided by everybody, both now and in the past, who've helped make Thornbury parkrun happen. Please click below if you'd like to join us and get involved!
Every week across the UK thousands of young people, aged between 10 and 18, get involved in Sea Cadet activities. To make this happen we need the help of volunteers. We have lots of roles to match your skills from instructional staff to unit management.
Instructional opportunities range from sailing to marine engineering, navigation to catering, first aid to adventure training. Training for would-be cadet instructors is available so anyone interested should not be put off because they don't know anything/much about a particular subject. Unit Management opportunities include marketing and PR, asset management (buildings or boats or equipment), organizing events, recruitment (adult volunteers and cadets).
Please get in touch to find out more using the details below.
Tel: 07803259511
www.mythornbury.co.uk/thornbury/d...
Email:
We help people find something worthwhile to do in their local community whilst having fun and making friends. We have volunteering opportunities for every age, gender, disability, skill level and time available.
We have opportunities for those interested in volunteering with all age groups and opportunities in conservation, fundraising, driving, befriending, admin, IT, craft and much more. Most of these require no specific experience; just a willingness to help others. Any amount of time that you are able to spare would help, once a week or month or maybe just a few hours as a one-off can make all the difference.
Click here or visit our Facebook page to find out latest vacancies.
If your group or organisation needs volunteers we can publicise these opportunities.
For more information please call in 10.30am-12noon Monday-Friday, phone us or click below. You really can make a difference!
The Town Hall, 35 High Street, Thornbury BS35 2AR
Tel: 01454 413392
www.volunteer-thornbury.co.uk/
Email:
Tortworth Forest Centre is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company which aims to improve lives by reconnecting people with nature, through conservation, wellbeing programmes, outdoor events, courses and volunteering opportunities.
The Centre is based at Tortworth Arboretum, a historically and culturally rich woodland. There is huge potential to bring this unique place back to use and to share it with people who want to learn about woodlands and develop outdoor skills - so get in touch if you want to be a part of it.
Tortworth Arboretum, off Tortworth Road, Tortworth GL12 8HH
Tel: 07717 201 329
tortwortharboretum.org/
Email:
Tytherington village hall is the hub at the centre of village life. As a Committee we are currently looking for several people from within the village to join us on the committee. In addition the committee are also looking for someone who is willing to take on the role of treasurer.
These are obviously voluntary roles providing the ideal opportunity to support and drive community engagement by ensuring the effective management of such a vital landmark.
If anybody would be interested in joining a friendly and proactive committee please do not hesitate to contact Richard Williams on 07971 492438.
We are always on the lookout for new volunteers, and we have been very pleased to welcome new members in recent months. These include young people keen to make a positive impact in the community, as well as new residents who are working in the shop as a way of getting to know people and establish links in the village.
If you can help, we shall be very pleased to hear from you. Email below, phone the shop or pop in.
Itchington Road, Tytherington GL12 8QE
Tel: 01454 417618
tytherington-pc.gov.uk/the-parish...
Email:
We have a speaker plus refreshments with time put aside for members to meet and make new friends. We cover all eye conditions from blindness to failing eyesight, and volunteers are welcome.
Meet at the Old Grammar School Rooms, High Street, Chipping Sodbury BS37 6BJ
Tel: 01454 851507
Email:
A volunteer service for Yate, Chipping Sodbury and locality. This service is mobile and focused on reaching out into the community. Volunteer Co-ordinator Alex Swatton attends local events and community locations to speak with people who are interested in volunteering.
Tel: 07929 787478
southernbrooks.org.uk/volunteer-c...
Email:
We aim too ensure every road in Yate, Sodbury and surrounding areas has a verified point of contact to serve local residents in case of self isolation.
We’re looking for volunteers to support Yate Heritage Centre! Our team are always happy to chat about volunteering, application support and full training is provided. To make a volunteer application, click below or call 01454 869441.
