Let’s create an inclusive future for volunteering together!

The nature of volunteering is changing, both locally and nationally.

A combination of rising health and well-being challenges, the cost-of-living crisis, digital advances, shrinking workforces, cross-cultural needs and other drivers mean that Dudley Borough needs to explore how we engage, motivate and retain volunteers.

Volunteering also needs to be considered in a meaningful way that keeps pace with people’s changing needs and aspirations on the one hand and the needs of volunteer-involving groups on the other.

Looking at data provided by the Dudley Volunteer Centre, we have also identified three cohorts in Dudley Borough who find it hard to access volunteering opportunities, people who would arguably benefit most from engaging in volunteering. These are:

• Those who face barriers or are disabled by responses to their physical, mental health or learning ability
• Migrants, refugees and asylum seekers whose first language is not English
• Young people (aged 17 and below)

We want to be more ambitious, and for volunteer-involving organisations to be more ambitious, when it comes to developing their volunteering opportunities.

That’s why we’re looking to launch a volunteer strategy, and we want to co-produce it with you!

We see inclusive volunteering as providing the opportunity for everyone to volunteer, regardless of their individual, social, economic or cultural backgrounds or contexts. These opportunities are important for those who may require some extra support or innovative thinking when developing volunteering opportunities.

We would like to invite individuals, groups and organisations from across the voluntary sector to register their interest in co-producing this strategy. We would love to hear from individuals, groups and organisations who:

• Are looking to recruit and retain volunteers
• Want to change or innovate their current volunteer opportunities
• Already offer volunteering opportunities that are inclusive so that we can learn what works
• Have lived experience of facing barriers to volunteering, such as health, age or language barriers
• Currently volunteer and would like to share their experiences
• Want to offer more volunteer opportunities but are facing barriers, such as funding, capacity or not knowing where to start

We believe that co-producing this strategy with those who volunteer or offer volunteer opportunities will help to embed your voices, insights and ideas in the strategy so that is is meaningful, impactful and can work towards changing the landscape of volunteering so that is is accessible, diverse and welcoming.

You can register your interest to be involved in co-producing the strategy here.

Let’s make volunteering inclusive – together.