The power of volunteering – there are plenty of ways to get involved in your community

Tuesday, 2 June 2026

Volunteers’ Week is an annual national campaign held from the first Monday in June to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers. 

Have you considered volunteering? There are plenty of ways to get involved in your local community...

For many people volunteering is about wanting to give something back, but for others it can open the door to friendship, connection and a sense of place. 

Feeling part of a community also helps to keep us motivated and is proven to support our mental health and wellbeing.  

Giving your time and skills may also mean others can live well and stay independent for longer, especially if they don’t have relatives close by.  

If you are new to the East Riding, maybe you moved to the area to study or retire, be closer to family, or perhaps your children have left home, it might be the ‘something’ you are looking for.  

Some people may feel lonely; want to learn new skills or remain part of a sector they loved working in. Whatever the reason we all have something to give. 

Richard is chairman for Western Wolds Men in Sheds: 

I'd moved into the area, my wife found the group and said it looked like something I might be interested in. 

“The woodwork is the reason for coming down, but it’s actually about the human contact and the support network – it's a dynamic group that has a life of its own. 

“The comments that people have made about what a difference it's made to them is quite moving, quite inspiring.

Find out more about your nearest Men’s Shed, visit: www.meninshedshumber.co.uk or email: info@meninshedshumber.co.uk

Ciaran is part of the Brough Social Club run by Age UK Hull and East Yorkshire: 

Volunteering at the club has given me a reason to get to know the people in my community better – one of the nicest things I've found is a feeling of mutual respect and understanding.

Find out more about varied opportunities to volunteer with Age UK Hull and East Yorkshire including social groups, the telephone befriending service, digital champions and Home Visitor Befriender service by heading to the Age UK Hull and East Yorkshire volunteering webpage.

What does the council offer? 

walking for health 2026

The council’s team of health and wellbeing coordinators help to develop opportunities for groups and connect residents, from the well-established Walking for Health scheme of free guided walks led by volunteers to fun and inclusive Active Communities sessions for all ages. If you are interested in leading a Walking for Health group, please call the team: (01482) 395320

Councillor Anne Handley, Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: 

Our volunteers are at the heart of East Riding, and I feel incredibly passionate and proud of the difference they make, something many of our residents will agree with. 

“As a council, we want to create and support even more opportunities for local voluntary organisations to grow and succeed. We are working closely with our community partners to further invest in prevention and early intervention. 

“We know that the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector plays a vital role in helping our residents live happy, healthy lives.

Community groups and activities: 

www.eastridinghealthandwellbeing.co.uk
www.eastridingculture.co.uk/active-communities 

Get outside and explore:  
www.eastridingcoastandcountryside.co.uk

The pandemic shone a light on the value and power of community spirit and volunteers played a key role in the response. Since then, our voluntary and community organisations have gone from strength to strength by incorporating volunteers as a key part of their work. 

Time2Volunteer with HEY Smile

If you are looking for further inspiration time2volunteer.org is a volunteering platform for Hull and East Riding. Managed by Hull CVS and HEY Smile Foundation the website is a great place to start, bringing all possibilities of volunteering to one place. Search for opportunities or register your interest, there are also useful resources and learning opportunities.  

Call (01482) 590 270 or email: community@heysmilefoundation.org regarding opportunities in East Riding.

HEY Smile Foundation chief executive Jamie Lewis adds: 

Volunteering can be a great way to stay active, reduce social isolation, build confidence, and feel part of the community – as a charity we are working closely with the council, businesses and VCSE to strengthen our local communities and make meaningful impact – including looking at how we can further support adult social care.

Inspired to volunteer? Watch our case study videos...

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