| 14th March 2025
Dear {$firstname},
This is our final Volunteer Newsletter from VARB, before the new organisation with our neighbours from Tandridge Voluntary Action begins. Going forward, Voluntary Action Surrey East (VASE) will be your go-to place for all things volunteering, news, support, and opportunities. Thank you for being part of this journey with us, and we look forward to continuing to support you through VASE! This is a poignant time for our team, and on a personal note, it marks the end of an era for me, as I will be leaving Voluntary Action Reigate & Banstead (VARB) on 31st March. For 30 years, VARB has been dedicated to supporting our community in Reigate & Banstead, and I’ve had the privilege of being part of this journey for more than half of that time in various roles. In my previous role as Volunteer Centre Manager, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting or connecting with many of you in one way or another. As I move on, I want to sincerely thank you for your support and dedication to volunteering in our community. I wish you all the very best for the future. You have us for 2 more weeks, so please share your favourite VARB memories on our social media channels – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, and Bluesky. *** GDPR - as we are merging with TVA to form VASE, your details are going to be transferred to the new organisation VASE. Please contact: [email protected] if you DO NOT want your data passed to the new organisation. ***
In this edition: - Charity Spotlight: MenWalkTalk offering peer support to men over 18.
- Volunteering opportunities include: Trustees, Treasurer, Mentors, Delivery Drivers and Walk Leaders amongst others.
- VARB News: Workwell and Community Health Fair.
- Training: Free Social Media training and Surrey Youth Focus training.
- One-off Volunteering: Run Series.
- Paid roles
Two members of the VARB team are launching a new collaboration to offer social media and comms training to charities. As a gift to you, they are offering free online social media training for volunteers. This training, led by the experienced team behind our monthly volunteer newsletter, is designed to help you harness the power of social media to amplify your charity’s impact. Please see below more details and how to sign up. Wishing you all best wishes for the future, from me and my team, Lisa Faisca Chief Officer
Voluntary Action Reigate & Banstead (VARB)
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MenWalkTalk Offers peer-support through walking groups, MenWalkTalk aim to reduce stigma around men's mental health and offer men a safe space and opportunity to talk openly about their issues. They support, organise and deliver Walk & Talk groups for Men aged over 18 across England. Although they have an awareness of Mental Health and experience in supporting those who may be struggling, they do not replace any therapeutic interventions. Volunteer Walk Leader Are you passionate about mental health and enjoy spending time outdoors? Join MenWalkTalk as a Volunteer Walk Leader and make a real difference in our community! As a Walk Leader, you’ll guide local walking groups, create a supportive space for men to talk openly about mental health, and help foster meaningful connections. Whether you’re encouraging a conversation or ensuring everyone’s safety, your role will be vital in promoting well-being and inclusion. If you’re empathetic, reliable, and love meeting new people, this is the perfect opportunity to combine your love for the outdoors with a rewarding cause. Volunteer Campaigner As a Volunteer Campaigner for MenWalkTalk, you’ll play a key role in helping men access the support they need in a comfortable, non-judgmental environment. By supporting local walk leaders, promoting the walks, and connecting with organisations, you’ll help reduce isolation and encourage open conversations. If you’re a great communicator, enjoy building relationships, and want to make a real difference, this role is perfect for you! Help us make sure no man walks alone. |
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‼️ Our website will close 31/03/2025, so please check www.vase.org.uk for updates‼️ But in the meantime our website as you know is an AMAZING source of information - we offer hundreds of volunteering opportunities on there! You can easily search for opportunities by postcode, interests, activities, and availability.
Click on the opportunity highlighted in orange to find out more. If you are interested, then you can make a "Quick Enquiry" using the black button on our website. 👂Relate Mid & East Surrey would love you to join their friendly team as a Health and Safety Volunteer at Relate Mid & East Surrey! In this vital role, you’ll help ensure thier charity meets health and safety regulations while keeping their staff, volunteers, and clients safe. Whether you have experience in health and safety or are eager to learn, this is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the charity sector. You’ll work with a supportive team, and know that your contributions are making a real difference in people’s lives. ♥️Loveworks are looking for Food Bank Delivery Drivers to assist with delivering food bank parcels to their venues in the Loveworks' van. You’ll be collecting parcels from their warehouse in Redhill and delivering them to their Food Bank locations on Wednesday to Friday mornings. Once deliveries are complete, you'll return any remaining items to the warehouse. If you hold a clean, valid UK driving licence, are over 30, and are happy to help lift heavy crates of food, this is the perfect opportunity to make a direct impact in your community. They also need reliable Standby Food Bank Delivery Drivers to assist with food bank deliveries at short notice. Sometimes, regular delivery drivers are unavailable, and need volunteers to step in and deliver food parcels to beneficiaries in Merstham, Reigate, and Netherne on the Hill. Deliveries usually take around two hours, and they will always consider your availability and preferred time commitment. If you have a reasonable-sized car, are willing to lift heavy shopping bags, and can help with deliveries to flats without lifts, this is a flexible and rewarding opportunity to support those in need in your community. Your contribution, even at short notice, can make a huge difference!
🏫Urgent Help Required! Are you looking to make a life-changing difference to a young person’s future? MCR Pathways is seeking Volunteer Mentors across Surrey to support disadvantaged or care-experienced young people in schools. As a mentor, you’ll provide invaluable relationship-based support, helping a young person realise their potential and build confidence in their abilities. No specific experience is required – just a genuine desire to listen, care, and be there for them. You’ll receive full training, including safeguarding information, and support throughout your journey. Volunteering takes place at schools across Surrey, including The Beacon School in Banstead.
🏠Surrey Independent Visitor Service - Are you looking to make a real difference in a young person’s life? Surrey’s Independent Visitor Service needs adult volunteers (21+) to spend time with children in care, offering one-to-one support and fun activities once a month as an Independent Visitor. In return, you'll receive training, ongoing support, and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve made a positive impact. A commitment of at least two years is required, and full training will be provided. If you're reliable, enjoy spending time with young people, and are ready to make a lasting impact, join them at their Online Open Evenings on 2nd April or 9th April to learn more. Can’t make it? Get in touch, and they'll help you get started! 🌿 Join the Gatton Park Gardening Team! - If you love the outdoors and want to be part of a warm, welcoming team, why not volunteer in the historic gardens of Gatton Park? Whether you’re clearing brambles, planting new flowers, or helping to care for the greenhouses, there’s something for everyone – no experience needed! Plus, as a Volunteer Gardener, you’ll be invited to attend exclusive Gatton Trust events for free. So, come for the gardening, stay for the friendship, and enjoy your time there surrounded by nature and great company! 🪢MHA Communities East Surrey enables older people to maintain their independence and live later life well. Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back? As a Volunteer Befriender, you’ll help combat loneliness and isolation by offering a friendly face and a listening ear to older people in their own homes. A simple chat each week can brighten someone’s day and help them feel connected. If you have a heart for helping others, this is the perfect role for you! Flexible hours to fit around you and the person you're supporting. No qualifications needed – just your kind heart and great listening skills. *********************************************************** Trusteeship – Make a Meaningful Difference! Becoming a trustee is an incredible way to support a charity and create lasting change. Trustees play a vital role in steering the charity’s mission, making key decisions, and ensuring resources are used wisely. Your expertise and passion can shape the charity’s future and help it reach its goals. It’s a rewarding opportunity to champion a cause you care about and make a real impact.
Why You?
Anyone can be a trustee! Whether you’re just starting your career or are well established in paid employment or not, your unique background is valuable. Boards flourish with a diverse mix of skills, knowledge, age, and experiences. It can also help your C.V.
Below are some of the local organisations currently looking for new board members. ✨Voluntary Action Surrey East (VASE): Embarking on an ambitious journey, two established organisations - Tandridge Voluntary Action (TVA) and Voluntary Action Reigate and Banstead (VARB), are being brought together to create an innovative and more effective support organisation. This merger represents a strategic reimagining of how VASE will serve both communities. They are currently looking for the following trustee roles: - Do you want to get in at the forefront of Voluntary Action in East Surrey? This is an amazing role to get your teeth into. As VASE’s first Chair Of Trustees you will focus on the organisation’s strategic development and build the governance capacity of the inaugural board of VASE. This will be very much a hands-on role, requiring in the first six months at least 2-3 hours per week, and thereafter approximately 5-10 hours a month.
- Or perhaps you are a dab hand with numbers and have a passion for making a real difference? VASE is on the lookout for its first ever Treasurer a hands-on role where you will help shape financial systems, guide strategic decisions. With just 1-2 hours a week to start (and a manageable 4-6 hours a month after that), you'll be the financial mastermind behind the big community plans. If spreadsheets and strategy are your cup of tea, get your application in.
- Ready to help shape the future of VASE? As a Trustee, you’ll be at the heart of its governance, playing a key role in shaping the strategy, vision, and mission of the organisation.
📜 Community Foundation for Surrey distribute grants awards in Surrey. Are you passionate about supporting local communities and making a real difference? Join as a Trustee and help shape the strategic direction and fundraising priorities of the Foundation. You’ll work alongside a dedicated team to tackle disparities and support the most vulnerable in Surrey. They are seeking someone with experience in running small charities or community organisations who can represent grassroots voices and bring fresh perspectives to their Board. No prior trustee experience needed – full induction and support provided. 👛The Reigate and Banstead Community Fund (RBCF) is looking for new panel board members to help distribute grants to local charities and causes that address real need and deprivation. As a Panel Board Member, you’ll play a key role in raising funds, deciding where grants go, and helping to shape the future of the Fund. If you have a background in fundraising, marketing, or business networking – or simply a desire to make a difference – this is your chance to contribute to a cause that has already supported over £85,000 in local grants. For more information on becoming a trustee, visit our Trustee website page. |
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Reigate & Banstead Community Health Fair, Thursday 20th March in Tadworth Reigate & Banstead Borough Council are holding a Community Health Fair next week. Get info from different health professionals, help to install the NHS app and browse different stands. Details:
📅Thursday 20th March
📍Tadworth Leisure Centre, KT20 5FB 🕰️10am - 3pm
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WorkWell – A new initiative to support the health and wellbeing of Surrey residents to stay in work. Have you been unwell and had to take time off work recently? If you’re a Surrey resident and have had time off work or are at risk of taking time off due to your health, you may be eligible for a free one-to-one confidential coach. Depending on your needs, a WorkWell coach can offer you support and help you to access specialist advice in skills and employment, mental health and physical activity within 7 days! For more information and to complete a referral form visit: surreycc.gov.uk/workwell |
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RUN SERIES
🏃♂️Ready to be part of something exciting this September?💥
Join the Run Reigate Race Volunteer Crew to help make the race day a huge success! Whether you’re marshalling the route, assisting at the water stations, driving, cycling, or handing out medals, your help is crucial to creating an amazing experience for the runners. In return, they’ll reward you with a free race entry for a future event, a stylish 'RaceCrew' t-shirt, and memories to last a lifetime. If you’re 18+ and love an early start, they’d love to have you on their team! Sign up now for a day of fun, fitness, and fantastic community vibes. When & Where 📆 Sunday 21st September ⏰6 hours from 7am 📍Reigate Priory Park, Reigate, RH2 7RL Don't forget we also have our Micro Volunteering page, where we share one-off or easy to access volunteering opportunities. |
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Boost Your Impact: Free Social Media Training for Volunteers! Social media is a powerful tool for charities, but are you using it to its full potential? Register to join a free online social media training for volunteers and learn how to create engaging content, grow your charity’s online presence, and connect with your community! What you’ll learn: - Best practices for social media management
- How to engage your audience effectively
- Tips for creating shareable content
This online training is brought to you by the team at Voluntary Action Reigate & Banstead, and spaces are limited! Register now to secure your spot! |
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