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 to contribute to such a special place and help create an enjoyable outdoor space for residents to relax and socialise.

If your organisation is looking for a meaningful team volunteering day, we'd love to help you get involved. There are so many fantastic volunteering opportunities available across the community, and we're happy to match your team with a project that makes a real difference.

To find out more about corporate volunteering opportunities, please contact Kate Jones at kjones@vasws.org.uk.

  

Summer brings a special kind of energy to Guildford and Waverley — parks buzzing with activity, community events filling the calendar, and local organisations launching projects that thrive in the longer, lighter days. It’s the perfect moment to celebrate the volunteers who make so much of this possible, and to welcome new people looking to get involved.

Across Guildford, Waverley, and the surrounding villages, volunteers are stepping into roles that bring people together, support vulnerable residents, and strengthen the fabric of local life. From stewarding at summer fairs to helping run children’s holiday activities, the season offers opportunities for every interest and schedule.

One of the most popular roles this time of year is outdoor volunteering — from conservation days on the North Downs to community gardening projects that keep shared spaces blooming. These activities not only improve the environment but also create a sense of shared pride and belonging.

Local charities are also gearing up for summer fundraising events, which rely on volunteers to run stalls, welcome visitors, and keep everything running smoothly. These events are often the highlight of the season, bringing together families, neighbours, and supporters for a day of fun with a purpose.

For those who prefer quieter, more personal roles, summer is a wonderful time to join befriending programmes. Many older residents feel the absence of routine services during the holiday period, and volunteers offering companionship or practical help can make a huge difference.

  

Whether you have an hour, a day, or a whole season to give, there’s a role waiting for you. Voluntary Action South West Surrey can help match you with opportunities that fit your interests, skills, and availability — from event support to nature projects to community outreach.

Summer is a time of warmth, connection, and shared purpose. By giving even a little of your time, you help create the vibrant, supportive community that makes South West Surrey such a special place to live.

Find our latest volunteering opportunities on our website.  

Join us for an engaging and interactive half-day Mini Conference exploring how Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) can strengthen organisations, improve services and create more welcoming communities.

  

Led by experienced facilitator Ali Fisher from Plans with Purpose, this practical session will move beyond theory to help participants develop a shared understanding of EDI and identify meaningful actions they can take within their own organisations.

  

Through discussion, activities and reflection, you'll explore key concepts including identity, unconscious bias, inclusive language, allyship and active bystander approaches, leaving with greater confidence and practical tools to support a more inclusive culture.

  

Whether you're new to EDI or looking to build on existing knowledge, this workshop offers a supportive environment to learn alongside colleagues from across the voluntary, community and public sectors.

  

You can find out more information, as well as book tickets, on our website.

Places are limited and advance booking is essential. Registration and refreshments will be available from 9:30am, with the workshop beginning promptly at 10:00am. There will be a 15-minute refreshment break during the morning, and the workshop will conclude at 1:00pm.

Attendees are then invited to stay for optional networking and refreshments until 1:30pm.

For more information, please contact Alice Sheppard and Kate Jones at info@vasws.org.uk. 

     

  

Looking for a rewarding way to give back to your community? Why not pop along to the Mini Volunteers' Fair and discover how just an hour of your time each week could make a real difference?

 

Hosted at The Astolat, Coniers Way, Guildford, the event brings together a range of local charities, giving residents the opportunity to learn more about the vital work they do and the volunteer roles they have available. Whether you're looking to meet new people, develop new skills or simply give something back, there's something for everyone. 

 

Visitors are invited to enjoy coffee, cake and an informal chat with representatives from organisations including Home-Start Guildford, Voluntary Action South West Surrey, Family Voice Surrey, Surrey Care Trust, Surrey Community Action, Guildford Poyle Charities, Action for Carers Surrey and Dad Matters. 

 

No booking is required—simply drop in and find out how volunteering can fit around your lifestyle while making a positive impact on others.

 

For further information, contact Kate at kjones@vasws.org.uk

  

Woking Community Furniture Project is seeking an experienced, motivated, and community-focused Furniture Project Manager to lead its well-established charity and help transform lives across the local area.

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled manager who is passionate about making a positive social impact while overseeing the day-to-day operations of a respected community organisation. Offering a salary from £32,000 for a four-day working week, the role combines strategic leadership, operational management, financial oversight, and community engagement.

As the organisation's senior operational leader, the Project Manager will work closely with the Board of Trustees to ensure the charity continues to thrive. They will oversee staff and volunteers, manage finances and compliance, maintain strong relationships with local partners, and help shape the future direction of the charity.

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the charity operates efficiently and sustainably. Responsibilities include supervising the Bookkeeper and Shop Manager, overseeing financial management and payroll, monitoring stock and pricing, maintaining health and safety compliance, and ensuring the organisation meets all regulatory requirements.

Building relationships within the local community is another important aspect of the role. The Project Manager will represent the charity at meetings and events, strengthen partnerships with organisations including local authorities, funding bodies and community groups, and help raise the charity's profile across the region. They will also work alongside Trustees to identify new funding opportunities, prepare funding applications, and support the charity's long-term financial sustainability.

The role would suit someone with proven leadership experience, excellent organisational and financial management skills, and the confidence to work collaboratively with Trustees, employees, volunteers, and external stakeholders. Strong communication skills, strategic thinking, and a commitment to the values of the voluntary sector are essential.

This is more than a management position—it's an opportunity to lead an organisation that delivers meaningful support to local people while promoting reuse, sustainability, and community wellbeing.

If you're looking for a rewarding leadership role where your experience can make a lasting difference, Woking Community Furniture Project would love to hear from you.

For more information and to apply, please contact: Keith - keith@wokingcfp.org.uk.

  

People with experience of NHS care for suspected skin cancer are being invited to help shape the REAL-DERM study, a national research project exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) could support the assessment of suspected skin cancer.

The study is investigating whether AI can help doctors and nurses assess patients more efficiently, reduce waiting times, and work equally well for people with different skin tones. To ensure the research reflects what matters most to patients, the team is recruiting members of a Public Advisors Group.

The opportunity is open to patients, carers, family members, and friends with experience of NHS skin cancer services. No knowledge of research or AI is needed. Public advisors will contribute to the study through online meetings and document reviews and will be paid for their time.

To find out more, email realderm@hiwessex.net by Friday 14 August 2026. The study runs until 2028.

  

Home-Start Guildford is inviting applications for a volunteer Treasurer and Trustee to join its Board and play a key role in supporting families with young children across the local community.

The charity provides practical and emotional support to families facing challenging circumstances, helping parents build confidence, strengthen relationships and create positive outcomes for their children. As demand for these services continues, Home-Start Guildford is looking for an experienced financial professional who shares its commitment to making a lasting difference.

The Treasurer will work alongside fellow Trustees and the Director to oversee the charity's financial health, ensuring robust financial management, effective governance and long-term sustainability. Responsibilities include supporting budgeting and cashflow forecasting, monitoring financial performance, ensuring appropriate financial controls and compliance, and presenting clear financial information to inform strategic decision-making.

In addition to the Treasurer responsibilities, the successful candidate will contribute fully as a Trustee, helping shape the organisation's strategic direction and supporting its mission to help local families thrive.

Home-Start Guildford welcomes applications from individuals with experience in finance, accounting or bookkeeping who can communicate financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues. Charity sector experience is welcomed but is not essential. The organisation is particularly keen to hear from collaborative, strategic thinkers who are willing to offer constructive challenge while working as part of a supportive Board.

The role requires a minimum commitment of around 8–10 hours each month, including Trustee meetings held approximately every six weeks, primarily in Guildford with some online attendance.

Volunteering as Treasurer offers the opportunity to use professional skills to make a meaningful impact in the local community while gaining valuable experience in charity governance, leadership and strategic financial oversight.

Anyone interested in learning more about the role can visit the Home-Start Guildford website to download the Treasurer and Trustee Information Pack and find details of how to apply.

The Brigitte Trust is inviting people to take part in The Things We Carry, a free creative arts workshop facilitated by Damn Cheek Productions on Tuesday 15 September, from 10.00am to 1.00pm at Clandon Wood Nature Reserve & Natural Burial Ground.

This gentle, welcoming workshop offers a creative space to explore grief, memory, love and what it means to keep living through imaginative activities such as writing, making and reflecting. There is no pressure to share personal experiences, no artistic ability is needed, and everyone is welcome.

With participants' permission, elements of the work created may contribute to a public art installation for the Mole Valley Arts Alive Festival 2026.

Places are free but limited. To book, please email Mandy East at mandy.east@brigittetrust.com.

  

The Friends of Right at Home befriending service is calling on compassionate volunteers to help tackle loneliness in the local community. The initiative encourages people to give just one hour every other week to spend time with someone who may be feeling isolated, proving that even a simple chat over a cup of tea can have a lasting impact.

 

The programme is designed to be flexible and rewarding, making it easy for volunteers to fit meaningful community support into their lives. Whether it's sharing stories, enjoying a conversation, or simply being a friendly face, every visit helps improve the wellbeing of someone who may otherwise feel alone. 

 

To ensure volunteers feel fully prepared, comprehensive training and ongoing support are provided throughout their journey.

Anyone interested in becoming a befriender can find out more by speaking to Liz: liz.young@rightathomegf.co.uk

 

By giving just an hour every other week, volunteers have the opportunity to make a genuine difference—building friendships, strengthening the community, and reminding people that they are not alone.

  

Unpaid carers in Waverley are invited to attend a series of free dementia training sessions at The Clockhouse Community Centre, Milford, from 11 August to 13 October. Held weekly from 3.30pm–4.30pm.

There are also sessions being held in Surrey Heath. These will be held at SABP Foundation Trust, Ground floor, Theta Building from 3 September to 5 November. Held weekly from 1pm-2pm.

The sessions cover practical topics including understanding dementia, managing behaviours, falls prevention, nutrition, personal care, carer wellbeing, technology in care, advanced dementia care and financial advice.

The programme is designed to help carers build confidence, gain practical skills and access valuable support while caring for someone living with dementia. Free transport is available for those who need it.

To book a place, email communitiesandpreventionprojects@surreycc.gov.uk or call 0300 200 1005. Text 07527 182 861 for deaf or hard of hearing enquiries.

  

Could your community benefit from funding to improve resilience to flooding, heatwaves, wildfires or power outages?

Surrey County Council's new Community Resilience Toolkit helps community groups, Parish and Town Councils develop a local resilience action plan. Once your plan is complete, you can apply for funding to deliver projects that strengthen your community's resilience.

The toolkit, application guidance and webinar recording are available here.

  

Many young people in Guildford provide regular care for a parent, sibling or other family member, often balancing these responsibilities alongside school and everyday life. The Guildford Young Carers Fund helps ensure these remarkable young people receive the support they deserve.

Managed by the Community Foundation for Surrey as part of Guildford Philanthropy, the fund provides grants of up to £400 for young carers aged 5–18 living in the Borough of Guildford. Grants can help with educational resources, school trips, extracurricular activities, specialist equipment and other opportunities that improve wellbeing, build confidence and reduce isolation.

Established during Councillor Mike Parsons' mayoral year in 2018/19, the fund continues to make a meaningful difference by helping young carers access experiences that enrich their lives and support their personal development.

Every grant helps a young carer feel recognised, supported and able to enjoy opportunities beyond their caring role. Find out more and support the fund through the Community Foundation for Surrey.