Our volunteering directory supports volunteering opportunities to boost happiness and wellbeing 

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This International Day of Happiness (Wednesday 20 March), we’re spreading the word about our Volunteering in North Yorkshire directory (VINY) and the proven benefits of volunteering to boost happiness and wellbeing.

VINY is a free, online website supporting organisations who are searching for volunteers. North Yorkshire based charities, social enterprises and social impact organisations can advertise their voluntary roles on the directory and respond to people who show interest in their volunteering opportunity.

This International Day of Happiness, we want potential volunteers to reap the benefits of volunteering their time and skills to charitable organisations they would like to support.

The National Council for Voluntary Organisation’s (NCVO) report states that over three-quarters of volunteers (77%) reported that volunteering improved their mental health and wellbeing. While Action for Happiness shares, ‘Giving to others through volunteering and in other ways has been associated with reduced depression and anxiety and increased personal wellbeing and happiness… Volunteering is one way to actively participate in social and community life, and strongly associated with happiness and life satisfaction.’

Potential volunteers can use VINY to search for opportunities by location, flexibility and cause. The messaging function allows potential volunteers to contact organisations directly and easily.

Jane Colthup, Chief Executive of Community First Yorkshire, says: “When you volunteer, you’re not only giving the gift of your time to make someone else happy, you’re also helping yourself to feel happy. This International Day of Happiness is a great focus for people to ask themselves ‘What could I do to be happier?’ – if you’re looking for an answer, then volunteering could be it.

“Helping others and feeling more connected to your local community is a brilliant way to boost your spirits.”

We interviewed Marie Curie volunteers to hear about their experiences of combatting loneliness and boosting their happiness through volunteering.

Explore the Volunteering in North Yorkshire directory (VINY) this International Day of Happiness .

Yorkshire communities ‘Go Green’ for Village Halls Week

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Village halls across North, South and West Yorkshire will be taking part in the annual Village Halls Week celebrations, to showcase and encourage green initiatives within community buildings.

Between 18-24 March, Village Halls Week is a national campaign celebrating village halls for their contributions to their local communities. This year’s theme of ‘Go Green’ will look at how community buildings can become more energy efficient and how village committees can support environmentally friendly behaviours within their own communities.

Throughout the week-long celebration, participating village halls will host their own events, share environmental practices and gain inspiration from environmentally successful community buildings.

Sally Scales, chair at Whixley Village Hall, shares her thoughts: “From pantomimes and festive celebrations to coffee mornings and sports matches, Whixley Village Hall is truly the centre of our community, and has been ever since 1935.

“The Village Halls Week campaign and its ‘Go Green’ messaging has never felt more vital, and now more than ever we need to focus on preserving our community buildings for the next generation. Funding is available for green initiatives, and our village hall is undertaking a decarbonisation project which includes a complete replacement of our old and inefficient heating system. We feel proud to be helping to secure the future of this vital community space. I’d heartily encourage any village hall to use this week as a time to focus on how their venue can go green.”

Jane Colthup, chief executive at Community First Yorkshire, continued: “Village Halls Week provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate the beating hearts of our communities, and this year’s theme of ‘Go Green’ will allow our communities to share knowledge and gain inspiration, helping to preserve our environment and allow our community buildings to thrive for many more successful years to come.

“Whixley Village Hall is the perfect example of what community buildings can do to work towards their green goals, and we’re keen to actively encourage community groups to get in touch with us to see what funding is available to them.”

Community First Yorkshire provides support and advice to village halls across North, South and West Yorkshire, including training, resources and bespoke one to one support. The organisation is the Rural Community Council for North, South and West Yorkshire and a strong advocate for rural issues.

Village Halls Week takes place from Monday 18 to Sunday 24 March 2024.

VCSE non-selective hustings for Combined Authority Mayoral candidates

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Residents in York and North Yorkshire will elect the first ever York and North Yorkshire Mayor on 2 May for the new Combined Authority, giving people more control over investment in our region and how public services are run. But what does this mean for the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector?

What questions would you ask of Mayoral candidates about their plans to support charities, community groups and social enterprises in our region?

Come along to a non-selective hustings at the Priory Street Centre in York on 16 April (10am – 12 noon) being hosted by Community First Yorkshire and York CVS. People who work or volunteer in the sector are invited to hear from Mayoral candidates and pose questions.

Book your place here.

Not able to attend, email your questions to comms@yorkcvs.org.uk and we will aim to ask these on your behalf during the hustings.