Volunteer Durham

Volunteer Durham Volunteer Durham is a programme aimed at attracting new volunteers into volunteering and sustaining existing volunteers in County Durham.

As Volunteers’ Week comes to a close, we want to say one final huge thank you to all of our volunteers.Across Culture, S...
07/06/2026

As Volunteers’ Week comes to a close, we want to say one final huge thank you to all of our volunteers.

Across Culture, Sport and Tourism, volunteers give their time in so many different ways, supporting events, exhibitions, libraries, leisure, wellbeing activities, sport and community projects.

This week has been a chance to celebrate just a small number of the stories, memories and contributions that make volunteering so special.

To every volunteer: thank you for your time, kindness, commitment and enthusiasm. You are truly appreciated.

Our Volunteer Week prize draw winners will be selected on Wednesday 10 June and announced shortly afterwards.

Today for Volunteers’ Week, we’re sharing Duncan and Clare’s story about volunteering with the Library Books on Wheels S...
06/06/2026

Today for Volunteers’ Week, we’re sharing Duncan and Clare’s story about volunteering with the Library Books on Wheels Service.

Duncan and Clare have been volunteering for the past 16 months and said they have enjoyed it so much that they now support three routes from different libraries every month.

They shared that Books on Wheels is “an essential and important service”, helping people who find it difficult to visit their local library access books, audiobooks and other resources from home.

For Duncan and Clare, the role has become about much more than delivering books. They said they have come to know the people they visit very well, sharing family news, life stories and monthly catch-ups along the way.

They added that it is “a pleasure and a privilege” to listen to some of their customers talk about their memories and life history, and they hope they also provide a little companionship and friendship.

Thank you, Duncan and Clare, for the kindness, care and commitment you bring to this wonderful service.

Today’s Volunteers’ Week story comes from Jen, one of our long-standing volunteers, who has supported us for a number of...
05/06/2026

Today’s Volunteers’ Week story comes from Jen, one of our long-standing volunteers, who has supported us for a number of years across many different events.

Most recently, Jen supported the Memory of a Journey exhibition at Durham Town Hall. She shared how lovely it was to see people’s excitement when they came to view the thousands of peg dolls on display, each one inspired by favourite journeys from adults and children across County Durham and the Tees Valley.

The exhibition brought people together through creativity, memories and shared stories and volunteers helped make visitors feel welcome throughout the day.

Thank you, Jen, for your continued support over the years, and thank you to everyone who has supported this special exhibition.

For Volunteers’ Week, The Walk Leaders and Wellbeing volunteers joined us and the Wellbeing team yesterday in Seaham for...
04/06/2026

For Volunteers’ Week, The Walk Leaders and Wellbeing volunteers joined us and the Wellbeing team yesterday in Seaham for a walk, fresh air and fish & chips by the seaside a lovely way to celebrate together and a reminder of the role volunteering can play in supporting wellbeing, confidence and connection.

The weather held off just in time, and everyone was able to sit down and enjoy some well-earned fish and chips together after a lovely walk along the seafront.

The Walk Leaders and Wellbeing volunteers help create welcoming opportunities for people to get active, meet others and enjoy the outdoors at their own pace.

Thank you to everyone who gives their time to support others through movement, encouragement and kindness.

Move County Durham

Today we’re celebrating Ann as part of Volunteers’ Week.Ann is one of our amazing long-standing volunteers and has suppo...
04/06/2026

Today we’re celebrating Ann as part of Volunteers’ Week.

Ann is one of our amazing long-standing volunteers and has supported so many events and activities over the years, always bringing warmth, energy and enthusiasm to everything she does.

After being encouraged to volunteer at Lumiere, Ann says volunteering “truly changed my life”. Since then, she has gone on to support a wide range of opportunities, including Lumiere, food festivals, art and craft events at Wharton Park and Hardwick Park, events at The Story, activities at Durham Town Hall and leading walks.

Ann shared how much she enjoys interacting with the public, performers and visitors, helping people feel welcome and making events even more memorable. From chatting to visitors at The Story, to helping with the Memory of a Journey peg doll display, and even encouraging visitors to find Where’s Wally, Ann’s kindness and positivity shine through.

Volunteering has brought Ann friendship, purpose and many special memories, and she continues to make such a positive difference across County Durham.

Thank you, Ann, for everything you do. We are so grateful for your time, dedication and wonderful support.

Today we’re celebrating Carol as part of Volunteers’ Week.Carol has been volunteering for 35 years, mostly at events, an...
03/06/2026

Today we’re celebrating Carol as part of Volunteers’ Week.

Carol has been volunteering for 35 years, mostly at events, and as well as Volunteer Durham she has supported opportunities across County Durham, Gateshead, Sunderland, Northumberland and Newcastle. During Covid, she also volunteered as an NHS Check and Chat Volunteer for two years, helping to make sure people living alone were managing okay.

Most recently, Carol volunteered at Locomotion, which she described as “a brilliant day” that was “so meticulously organised”.

Through volunteering, Carol was also nominated to attend the Buckingham Palace Garden Party, a day she said she will never forget.

Carol shared that volunteering builds confidence, helps people work together, supports mental health, and is a great way to meet people and give back to the community.

Thank you, Carol, for everything you have given to volunteering over the years.

02/06/2026

A lovely Volunteers’ Week message from staff at The Story. We would like to add our thanks to all volunteers who give their time, knowledge and enthusiasm. Your contribution makes a real difference and is greatly appreciated.

Today for Volunteers’ Week, we’re sharing Yvonne’s volunteering story.Yvonne’s first volunteering role was helping to bu...
02/06/2026

Today for Volunteers’ Week, we’re sharing Yvonne’s volunteering story.

Yvonne’s first volunteering role was helping to build one of the Artichoke installations for Lumiere 2025, working alongside an artist designer and a team of volunteers to help create a lit installation in the cloisters of Durham Cathedral.

As she was registered with us, Yvonne got to hear about volunteering at her local theatre, Consett Empire and she has been volunteering and supporting at the Theatre ever since.

Yvonne said she is proud to wear her volunteer uniform, enjoys being part of a small and friendly team, and always comes home with a big smile after her shift.

Thank you, Yvonne, for supporting Volunteer Durham and for sharing such a brilliant example of what volunteering can mean.

It’s Volunteers’ Week 2026!From Monday 1 June to Sunday 7 June, we’ll be celebrating the amazing volunteers who give the...
01/06/2026

It’s Volunteers’ Week 2026!

From Monday 1 June to Sunday 7 June, we’ll be celebrating the amazing volunteers who give their time, energy and enthusiasm across Culture, Sport and Tourism in County Durham. The difference they make is truly appreciated.

As part of this year’s celebrations, we also invited our active volunteers to share their stories and photos with us. Everyone who sent something in has been entered into our Volunteer Week prize draw, with the chance to win one of two £50 Amazon vouchers.

Throughout the week, we’ll be sharing some of those wonderful stories and saying a huge thank you to all of our volunteers.

Thank you Volunteers for everything you do.

As Mental Health Awareness Week comes to a close, we’re reflecting on this year’s theme: Action.Our mental health is sha...
15/05/2026

As Mental Health Awareness Week comes to a close, we’re reflecting on this year’s theme: Action.

Our mental health is shaped by the places we live, the support around us, and the sense of connection we feel in our communities. While we cannot control everything, small actions can still make a real difference.

Volunteering is one way people can take action, strengthening communities, reducing isolation, and helping people feel seen, supported, and valued.

To everyone who volunteers: Thank you! The time, care, and compassion you give helps create stronger, healthier communities for us all.

Find out more about Mental Health Awareness Week here:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week

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DCC Culture & Sport, Neighbourhoods, 7 Hills, Greenhills Business Park, Enterprise Way
County Durham
DL166JB

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03000 266555

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