There are so many ways that people freely share their time and skills in our communities - either in an 'official role' or just by being a good neighbour.
To mark Volunteers' Week 2021, we took the opportunity to make people aware of lots of different ways they can participate in volunteering in the local area and beyond.
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Thank you to everyone who generously contributes to care for other people and make positive things happen here!
LOCAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Listed below are a number of current volunteering opportunities in the local area, either being advertised by local organisations or recommended by people already volunteering there.
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If you spot something missing or out of date, please use the contact form at the bottom of the page to let us know!
Manor Farm Community Garden
Regular work days and volunteering opportunities to help get at a small, community led garden in Manor Farm off the ground.
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FIND OUT MORE
EMAIL: manorfarmgarden@gmail.com
WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/ManorFarmCommunityGarden
PHONE: n/a
the vench, lockleaze
We couldn’t do what we do without our incredible team of volunteers at The Vench. Our volunteers come from all walks of life. Whatever has brought you here, welcome to the family! We have over 50 volunteers who support us with FOODclub, cooking for children, marketing, business administration, sustainability and much more. Everyone is unique and brings their own set of skills and, most importantly, passion to the table.
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FIND OUT MORE
EMAIL: lockleaze@groundwork.org.uk
WEBSITE: www.thevench.co.uk
PHONE: 07710 392 078
Fundraising officer
Manor Farm Community Hub CIC is looking for an enthusiastic person to work with them to help identify and apply for funding for a community building they hope to manage, as well as for small specific projects.
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FIND OUT MORE
EMAIL: vice-chair@manorfarmcommunityhub.org.uk
WEBSITE: www.manorfarmcommunityhub.org.uk
PHONE: n/a
friends of horfield library
Have you seen the colourful fence, all over flowers and butterflies, next to Horfield Library? That was the first public event that the Friends organised – but we’re not just a knitting circle. We’re keen to involve a diverse group of people in bringing the library and the green space next to it back to life. Join us to help plan and organise activities, raise funds, and make the most of this precious resource.
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FIND OUT MORE
EMAIL: fohlbristol@gmail.com
WEBSITE: https://www.facebook.com/Friends-of-Horfield-Library-106852540921815
PHONE: n/a
community engagement officer
Help Manor Farm Community Hub CIC to develop an effective engagement and communication strategy to engage people in the local area, a vital part of creating a business plan to secure the lease on a new community facility in Manor Farm.
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FIND OUT MORE
EMAIL: vice-chair@manorfarmcommunityhub.org.uk
WEBSITE: www.manorfarmcommunityhub.org.uk
PHONE: n/a
digital friends
This opportunity, at North Bristol Advice Centre, will play a key role in helping to tackle digital exclusion in the community. You may be working remotely and supporting clients over the phone and online to improve their digital skills and help them access vital online resources...and we hope to reinstate face to face contact soon too.
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FIND OUT MORE
EMAIL: volunteering@northbristoladvice.org.uk
WEBSITE: www.northbristoladvice.org.uk
PHONE: 0117 951 5751
newletter deliverers
The new Lockleaze ward councillors will be producing regular (probably quarterly) newsletters, keeping residents informed on local issues and their work. If you can spare an hour or two to help please get in touch with Councillor Heather Mack.
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FIND OUT MORE
EMAIL: cllr.heather.mack@bristol.gov.uk
WEBSITE: n/a
PHONE: n/a
horfield cevc Primary school PTA
The Parent Teacher Association plans events and fundraises for projects that support the school. Join the 'helpers list' by emailing the Chair of the PTA.
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FIND OUT MORE
EMAIL: horfieldsachair@gmail.com
WEBSITE: www.horfieldceprimaryschool.org/key-info/school-association-1
PHONE: n/a
litter picking
Lots of people in the local area go out of their way to keep the streets and green spaces clean and tidy, for wildlife and everyone else to enjoy! All you need is a pair of gloves and a bin bag, although a litter picker can be handy too.
For support to organise a group litter pick, with access to litter pickers and a waste collection at the end, contact Bristol Waste Company.
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FIND OUT MORE
EMAIL: n/a
WEBSITE: www.bristolwastecompany.co.uk/household/get-involved/litter-picking-kits
PHONE: 0117 304 9580
north bristol foodbank
Started in Horfield, North Bristol & South Glos Foodbank supports thousands of people each year with access to emergency food provision when they are facing a financial crisis. The local community have been a huge support, ensuring that food stocks are kept topped up ready for those who need help. There are regular and one-off opportunities to volunteer here!
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FIND OUT MORE
EMAIL: info@nbsg.foodbank.org.uk
WEBSITE: www.nbsg.foodbank.org.uk
PHONE: 0117 979 1399
school governor
Governors are responsible for overseeing the management side of a school, holding senior leadership to account and ensuring that schools are meeting their strategic objectives. Anyone can be a school governor, as long as you are over 18 and show an interest in the school, what is happening in education and the local community. You should also have enough time to attend governing body meetings and fully commit to the role
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FIND OUT MORE
Get in touch with one of our local primary or secondary schools for details about current opportunities.
Horfield Health Centre
Patients at the health centre are​ able to volunteer their time to support other patients. During the Covid-19 pandemic this has involved making telephone calls, but there have previously been (and in the future will be) opportunities to provide transport support.
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FIND OUT MORE
EMAIL: horfield.health@nhs.net
WEBSITE: www.horfieldhealthcentre.nhs.uk
PHONE: 0117 969 5391
Boing! SOFTPLAY FAMILY CENTRE
Boing! is a not-for-profit social enterprise softplay family centre complete with cafe for parents/carers of 0-5 year olds. We are looking for volunteers to help in our cafe anytime between 9am and 4pm. Jobs may include, preparing food, serving customers, taking payment, clearing up and loading the dishwasher. No experience is necessary - full training will be given; we will also provide accredited first aid and food hygiene training. If you are interested please contact Jess or Hayley.
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FIND OUT MORE
EMAIL: info@boingsoftplay.com
WEBSITE: www.boingsoftplay.com
PHONE: n/a
ashley down old boys rugby club
Based just along the path from Lockleaze Sports Centre, ADOB offer rugby for men, women and young people. There are a large number of volunteer roles that make everything happen - from coaching to committee!
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FIND OUT MORE
EMAIL: n/a
WEBSITE: www.pitchero.com/clubs/ashleydownoldboys
PHONE: n/a
friends of filton avenue school
We are all volunteers who aim to support the school by developing effective relationships with the school and the parent/carer community, and also by fundraising to provide facilities and equipment to the school to enhance the education of the pupils. Some examples of what we have done to raise money are as follows; winter and summer fairs, film nights, discos, cakes sales, plant sales, uniform sales,
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FIND OUT MORE
EMAIL: ffa@filtonavenue.com
WEBSITE: www.filtonavenue.com/together/friends-of-filton
PHONE: 0117 969 5391
reading buddies
Several local primary school recruit volunteer reading buddies who dedicate time each week to support children to engage and develop their reading skills.
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FIND OUT MORE
Get in touch with one of our local primary or secondary schools for details about current opportunities.
209th bristol scout group
The 209th Bristol Scout Group (based in Lockleaze) has had a big intake of young people recently. To continue the great work we do we need more leaders or helpers. If you can give an hour or two a week or a month, we hope you can volunteer with us.
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FIND OUT MORE
EMAIL: info@209thbristol.org
WEBSITE: www.209thlockleazescoutgroup.co.uk
PHONE: n/a
giving blood
With the donation centre just nearby at Southmead Hospital, donating your blood is a great way to help other people. Giving blood saves lives. The blood given is a lifeline in an emergency and for people who need long-term treatments. There is a need for new blood donors from all backgrounds to ensure there is the right blood available for patients who need it.
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FIND OUT MORE
EMAIL: n/a
WEBSITE: www.blood.co.uk
PHONE: 0300 123 23 23
OTHER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Listed below are a number of volunteer opportunities based in other areas that people living in Lockleaze and Horfield are involved with.
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If you spot something missing or out of date, please use the contact form at the bottom of the page to let us know!
Barnardo's Charity shop (Cheswick village)
We have loads of amazing stock donated to us every week, and this all needs to be sorted, tagged and put on the shop-floor for sale! Making sure our shops look fantastic is another task you can get involved with. You may also be required to help out on the till too, but we will show you how that works during your time volunteering with us.
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FIND OUT MORE
EMAIL: volunteering@barnardos.org.uk
WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/barnardoscheswick
PHONE: 0117 969 8822
boxes of hope
Help to put together boxes of food and supplies for families in 'need' at B&A Church on Gloucester Rd.
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FIND OUT MORE
EMAIL: info@babristol.org
WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/BAChurchBristol
PHONE: 0117 329 1525
pets as therapy
Do you have a pet dog with a great temperament? Perhaps you would like to share the wonderful benefits of their companionship with others in your community?
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FIND OUT MORE
EMAIL: reception@petsastherapy.org
WEBSITE: www.petsastherapy.org
PHONE: 01865 671440
friends of badock's wood
We have an existing litter pick group and we sometimes ask for volunteers to help with specific tasks e.g. weeding. Anyone wanting to help out or to join our mailing list or just want to know more about the group they can contact using the details below.
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FIND OUT MORE
EMAIL: fobwsecretary@yahoo.co.uk
WEBSITE: www.fobw.org.uk
PHONE: n/a
St Peter's hospice
St Peter’s Hospice is a local charity that provides care and support to adults who are living with a progressive life-limiting illness in the Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset area. There are volunteer roles available in their charity shops, at the hospice, in the community and in the fundraising team.
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FIND OUT MORE
EMAIL: website@stpetershospice.org
WEBSITE: www.stpetershospice.org
PHONE: 0117 915 9400
changes bristol
Lots of different opportunities to support people with their mental health, including Peer Support Meeting Facilitators, Befriending Volunteers, fundraising, office roles, marketing and as a Trustee. One local resident who volunteers with them said: "The training is really good and the group's are amazing."
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FIND OUT MORE
EMAIL: info@changesbristol.org.uk
WEBSITE: www.changesbristol.org.uk
PHONE: 0117 941 1123
barton camp
Bristol Children's Help Society provide subsidised holiday camps to ensure children with any form of disadvantage can experience outdoor adventure and enjoy a great time. ​
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FIND OUT MORE
EMAIL: n/a
WEBSITE: www.bartoncamp.org
PHONE: n/a
the wave project
Facilitating surf therapy courses for young people to help improve their emotional and physical wellbeing. There are lots of roles available: surf mentors, shop assistants, events volunteers, office interns and fundraisers.​
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FIND OUT MORE
EMAIL: info@waveproject.co.uk
WEBSITE: www.waveproject.co.uk
PHONE: 01637 820830
hedgehog rescue bristol & South Glos
Hedgehog Rescue is a voluntary organisation that cares for sick, injured and orphaned hedgehogs in Bristol and surrounding area. Volunteers can get involved in helping with marketing as well as picking up injured hedgehogs.​
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FIND OUT MORE
EMAIL: hedgehogrescue@live.com
WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/Hedgehogrescuesouthgloucestershire
PHONE: n/a
Avon & Wiltshire mental health partnership
The involvement of service users, their friends and relatives, carers and local people within NHS services is greatly valued. With their help, AWP can improve their understanding of different groups' needs, and tailor their services accordingly.
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FIND OUT MORE
EMAIL: n/a
WEBSITE: www.awp.nhs.uk/about-us/working-for-us/get-involved
PHONE: 01225 325680
community care packages
A free food delivery service during the current crisis, for anyone who can't get out or afford fresh fruit and veg.
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FIND OUT MORE
EMAIL: communityvegbristol@gmail.com
WEBSITE: www.fundsurfer.com/crowdfund/community-care-package
PHONE: n/a