Every day, volunteers give their time, energy, skills and compassion to support communities, strengthen organisations and help people feel less alone. Whether it’s supporting local groups, helping at events, mentoring, fundraising, befriending or simply being there when needed, volunteers play a vital role in the life of our city. Read more
This Sunday marks International Women’s Day (8 March) — a global moment to celebrate the achievements of women and to reflect on the progress still needed to achieve gender equality. This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” is a powerful reminder that when people give their time, skills and support, the benefits ripple far beyond the individual. One of the most meaningful ways to “give” is through volunteering. Read more
Young people are being invited to explore careers in health and care through a series of micro-volunteering projects taking place over the Easter holidays and beyond. Part of the Volunteering for Health programme, these opportunities offer a chance to get involved in real health-focused projects, each supported by different clinical areas. Read more
In the autumn of 2022, BVSC set out to create a Vision for volunteering for Birmingham. Building on the national Vision from NCVO and partners, the Birmingham Vision was co-produced with volunteers, community groups, public sector and academic partners through a series of events across the city. It’s a shared plan for making volunteering stronger, fairer, and more accessible for everyone. Read more
If your plans for the year ahead include doing something for your community, Volunteer Brum is a good place to start. From group volunteering and one-off events to roles you can do from home, there are opportunities to fit around real life. Take a look and see what’s out there! Read more
As 2025 draws to a close, Volunteer Brum is marking a big milestone: more than 2,000 people have signed up to giving their time through the platform. It’s quite something when you remember that Volunteer Brum only launched in March. In just nine months, the response has gone far beyond anything we expected. People across Birmingham are clearly keen to get stuck in and lend a hand. Read more
Winter goodwill often leads to a surge in volunteer enquiries. Giving your opportunities a once-over now means you’ll be ready when people come looking for something worthwhile to do in the new year. Read more
Every year, on the Tuesday after Black Friday, we mark Giving Tuesday. The idea may have started in the United States, but in recent times, it has grown into a global movement that inspires millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. Put simply, it’s a reminder that generosity isn’t only about reaching for your purse or wallet. It’s about looking out for one another in ways that actually make a difference. Read more
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) is the highest recognition given to local volunteering groups in the UK. It carries the same status as an MBE, and once awarded, it lasts for life. Previously known as The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the KAVS shines a light on the very best of local voluntary groups and the difference they make in their communities. Read more
According to survey statistics, Birmngham has a higher-than-average number of people who say they feel lonely. Loneliness and isolation can affect anyone, but it’s particularly common among older adults. Across Birmingham, charities and volunteers are working hard to change that, offering befriending services both in person and over the phone. One of those charities is Re-engage, which helps older people build vital social connections as their circles shrink in older age. Read more
Community kitchens, foodbanks and meal projects across Birmingham are facing record demand, with over 22,000 food bank visits recorded in just two weeks this spring - a 64% rise since 2023. Behind this response are dedicated volunteers whose hard work keeps food support services running, and more are urgently needed. Read more
BVSC has launched Volunteer Brum, a digital platform designed to connect Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations in Birmingham with volunteers keen to support local services, activities, and events. The platform also offers residents opportunities to make a meaningful impact in their community. We're offering some free webinars to support organisations to upload their opportunities to the platform. Read more
Trustees’ Week takes place every year at the beginning of November. It provides an ideal time to reflect upon and celebrate the work of nearly a million trustees across the UK. It’s also a chance to connect with others, share experiences, and learn more about what being a trustee involves. There are a range of events, training sessions and resources available to help you build skills and confidence. Read more
The Birmingham Volunteer Coordinators Network is a friendly and supportive peer network for anyone involved in managing, coordinating, or supporting volunteers in Birmingham. Whether you're a volunteer coordinator, manager, or someone who works closely with volunteers, this is a space for you to connect with others who understand the challenges and rewards of your role. Read more
A new era of community action is launching this week with Volunteer Brum, a brand-new platform designed to connect local people with meaningful volunteering opportunities across Birmingham. Read more
Last month, BVSC launched Volunteer Brum, a digital platform designed to connect Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations in Birmingham with volunteers keen to support local services, activities, and events. The platform also offers residents opportunities to make a meaningful impact in their community. Read more
80,000 students study in Birmingham across 8 universities. Many of them look to volunteer during their time here to get to know the city, meet people and gain skills and experience. This Student Volunteers Week, Sam from Birmingham City University (BCU) gives some advice on how you can engage students in volunteering. Read more
Radio Lollipop is an independent charity offering a radio and play service just for kids in hospital. The charity is UK wide and has been operating in Birmingham Children’s Hospital since 1981, working from its radio studio and with children at the bedside. Read more
Together with Birmingham Community Healthcare Charity, BVSC has been awarded a grant as part of Volunteering for Health - a £10 million programme being delivered in partnership by NHS England, NHS Charities Together and CW+, the official charity of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Read more
Better Pathways is a Birmingham-based mental health charity, dedicated to supporting people with poor mental health, learning disabilities and other neurodiverse conditions into paid employment, education, training and volunteering. Read more
From June 7th – 9th Birmingham came together for the national Big Help Out, a weekend of volunteering action to support local people, communities and good causes. People from across the city gave their time and skills to support local charities, voluntary and community groups. This blog shines a light on some of the amazing activities that happened, and the difference made by those who volunteered. Read more
Medaille Trust is a national charity that supports survivors of modern slavery and trafficking across England. We do this via our safehouse accommodation and through our outreach projects - the Moving on Project (of which we have five hubs across England). We also partner with law enforcement authorities and deliver awareness raising of modern slavery and trafficking in communities and to organisations. Read more
This week is National Volunteers’ Week (June 3rd – 9th 2024). It’s a chance for us to recognise, celebrate and thank volunteers across the country for all they contribute to their local communities and wider society, and an opportunity to inspire others to give volunteering a go. Many charities, community groups and local services across Birmingham involve or are led by volunteers who give their time, skills and energy to support local people and good causes. Read more
Birmingham is coming together for the Big Help Out, a weekend of volunteering action from 7-9 June that supports local people, communities and good causes across the city. There are lots of ways for people to get involved through giving a small amount of their time, including helping Food Cycle to serve meals and reduce food pover Read more