Want to have your say about volunteering in Dudley Borough?

Volunteering 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. We also 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 in Dudley Borough, and we want to co-produce it with you!

Findings from recent co-production sessions

We recently ran two volunteer strategy co-production sessions, which bought together volunteers, individuals who run good causes and statutory partners. Rather than leading these sessions with a fixed focus, we spent time listening to the experiences of those involved and creating a space for honest discussion.

A common theme from these sessions included acknowledging that individuals thrive in different environments and roles, so it is key to be flexible, adaptable, clear with the expected commitment, and to recognise that “everyone is in their own place” when starting their volunteer journey. There was a focus on young people too, with the need to adapt volunteer opportunities to engage and support young people in their skills and goals.

From these sessions so far, it is clear that volunteering creates a feeling of inclusion within a good cause, contributes positively to both the individual and the good cause and “as a society, we function better when giving back”.