We'd like to thank volunteers for their inspiring and incredible work to support people and organisations across the Wakefield District.

We're looking forward to hearing from organisations this week about how volunteers have helped them to thrive, even throughout the difficult past year.

Did you know:

• 19.4 million people volunteered through a group, club or organisation in 2018/19 (NCVO).
• The most common reason for volunteering is wanting to improve things or help people (NCVO, 2019).
• 81% of volunteers give help locally, in their own neighbourhoods (NCVO, 2019).
• Nova currently has nearly 400 members, who are voluntary and community sector organisations working in some capacity within Wakefield District, most of which rely on volunteers.

This is why we think volunteering is so important!

Time to Celebrate!

Take a look at these fantastic achievements by volunteers supporting organisations in the Wakefield District:

Thank you to all the volunteers who made these achievements possible!

Volunteer Spotlight

It's important to recognise the amazing contribution that volunteers make to our local communities, and that's why we would like to say thank you to Mick, a volunteer at Eastmoor Community Project, who shows what a difference one person can make!

What can you do to support and celebrate volunteers?

Whether your organisation is helped by volunteers or you're a volunteer yourself, there are lots of ways you can join in with Volunteers' Week! The Volunteers' Week website has lots of great resources and information on how to get involved.

Share your volunteering stories and pictures using #VolunteersWeek and #MonthOfCommunity on social media. It will be great to see what everyone has to celebrate!

Nova would like to highlight the following events and resources we have available for those interested in volunteering and organisations looking to recruit volunteers.

Everything you need to know about finding trustees for your organisation

Online Workshop - 1 hour

Does your organisation struggle to recruit the trustees it needs? Could a broader range of trustees with relevant professional skills, networks and life experiences help your charity survive and thrive in the current difficult circumstances?

This workshop will give you practical, proven tricks and tips to recruit and retain trustees.

The session will be delivered by trustee recruitment charity, Getting on Board, and is particularly aimed at trustees, staff or volunteers of small to medium sized charities.

Book your free tickets for 8 June workshop or 9 June workshop now!

Trustee Masterclass - Week of sessions

We are excited to share that Nova, in partnership with Getting on Board, can offer the opportunity for Wakefield District organisations to attend our Trustee Masterclass sessions. The sessions of this masterclass will give your organisation the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of trustee recruitment and retention.

The Trustee Masterclass sessions are on the following dates, and will include:

28 June 2021: Working out who you need on your board
29 June 2021: Writing a compelling trustee advert and information pack
30 June 2021: How to find your new trustees
1 July 2021: Shortlisting and interviewing trustees
2 July 2021: How to ensure your new trustees get off to a flying start

All sessions will take place via Zoom at 12.30pm - 1.30pm each day.

As places on the Trustee Masterclass are limited, your organisation's application will be reviewed by a panel for suitability to the programme.

Please complete the application form (Word) by Friday 11 June 2021 and return to events@nova-wd.org.uk.