‘Lend a Hand’ for Volunteers’ Week

As part of the UK-wide celebrations for Volunteers’ Week 2025, Bristol Charities is inviting local residents to a special event at the Vassall Community Hub to celebrate current volunteers—and inspire new people to get involved.

Some of our lovely Food Club Volunteers

The event, titled “Lend a Hand”, will take place on Thursday 5th June, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm, and is open to everyone. It promises a relaxed afternoon of refreshments, conversation, and creativity, where guests can meet the team, learn about the Hub’s community work, and explore ways to get involved themselves.

Attendees can enjoy tea, coffee, and homemade cakes, as well as take part in a fun, hands-on craft activity—creating colourful tassels to decorate the Hub for future events. No previous experience is required, and Bristol Charities staff will be on hand to guide participants through the process.

Polly Tisdall, Volunteer Coordinator at the Hub, said:

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming people in to celebrate the fantastic work our volunteers do, and to talk about the exciting ways they can get involved.

Our volunteers have already had a huge impact at the Community Hub. Their hard work has enabled us to run some great projects that wouldn’t have been sustainable without them—from digital inclusion workshops for older people to supporting key programmes like Tea and Tots, the Food Club, and our Hub Drop-In sessions. They’re an invaluable part of our local community.”

Volunteering at the Hub doesn’t just benefit the community—it’s deeply rewarding for those who take part. A 2020 study for Journal of Happiness found that people who volunteer report higher life satisfaction and improved mental health, compared with those who don’t & we’re already seeing this statistic play out in real terms for our current volunteers.

Zoe Williams, Community Hub Manager, added:

“It is so lovely to see our volunteers flourishing. There’s a real sense of community developing, friendships forming, and a spirit of people going above and beyond to help one another.

Many of our volunteers have told us how much it’s helped them personally—whether it’s building local connections, gaining valuable work experience, or simply finding a renewed sense of purpose.”

Digital Skills sessions run by volunteers from UWE

Whether you’re looking for a regular commitment or just curious about what’s going on locally, the “Lend a Hand” event offers the perfect opportunity to drop in, say hello, and find out more.

Current volunteering opportunities include:

• Community Hub Drop-In Welcome Volunteers – Thursdays, 11:00 am–2:00 pm

  Support a weekly Drop-In with soup, drinks, conversation and signposting.

• Promotions & Events Volunteers – Flexible times on Wednesdays or Fridays

  Help distribute posters and promote events around the local area.

• Food Club Delivery Volunteers – Wednesdays, 9:30 am–1:00 pm

  Assist with receiving and sorting food deliveries for the weekly Food Club.

• Lunch Club Volunteers – Tuesdays, 11:00 am–3:00 pm

  Welcome and serve older people at a friendly weekly lunch gathering.

  
  

Further information about current volunteer roles can be found on the Bristol Charities website: https://bristolcharities.org.uk/about/volunteer/

Volunteers’ Week 2025 runs from Monday 2nd to Sunday 8th June. Now in its 41st year, this national campaign celebrates the invaluable contributions of volunteers across the UK, and gives organisations like Bristol Charities the chance to say thank you—and encourage even more people to get involved.