We've been eagerly awaiting the launch of the Citizen Coin app that recognises and rewards volunteering. You may remember from our update in April that our team have been supporting this exciting development and ensuring our local VCSE sector is part of decision-making.

Well now we're pleased to share that Citizen Coin is live!

Anybody can sign up to Citizen Coin, including those who already volunteer or those who would like to. It's provided, free to use by all, by Wakefield Council.

It has many benefits, including:

• An increase in the number of volunteers for organisations
• The ability to reward people for doing social good
• A boost in wellbeing
• Helping to make Wakefield District a better place to live

Residents can sign up to volunteering activities listed by organisations on the app.

How can your organisation use Citizen Coin?

Citizen Coin is a free platform for you to advertise volunteering opportunities, with an easy sign up process for 'rewarding agencies'.

As a VCSE organisation, you can advertise activities and reward participants - new and existing - with Citizen Coins which can then be exchanged at local participating retailers for discounts on goods and services.

It's quick and easy to list different activities, and there are already 37 retailers in Wakefield City Centre where your volunteers can exchange their coins. Some examples include:

• £1 pastries from Throwback Coffee House (a Nova team favourite)
• A free coworking day at 2-Work Tileyard North
• Breakfast offer at Bradleys
• Free adult swim at pools around the district

The app also generates reports that show how many volunteers have signed up to activities and the amount of Citizen Coins given out.

Nova will be holding some training sessions for VCSE organisations to learn more about Citizen Coin and how to use it:

• Thursday 5 September from 1.30pm to 3pm - In person at Community Awareness Programme (WF1 1DH)
• Wednesday 18 September from 5.30pm to 6.30pm - Online‍
• Wednesday 25 September from 1.30pm to 3pm - In person at Pontefract Library (WF8 1BD)

This is a fantastic investment in volunteering for our district and we'd encourage all of our members to make the most of it! If your organisation would like to be part of Citizen Coin, please email citizencoin@wakefield.gov.uk or visit https://citizencoin.uk to find out more and sign up.