Silver Cord
Silver Cord is a befriending service available to anyone in Tameside and Glossop who is experiencing the distressing effects of social isolation and loneliness. The service is free to those in need and is provided by trained, DBS-checked volunteers from partner churches across Tameside.
Silver Cord wanted to recognise and celebrate the invaluable work and dedication that their volunteers provide and were successful in applying for The Volunteer Celebration Fund last year.
Volunteers were invited to a celebration evening which also included beneficiaries who were able to share their stories of how support from Silver Cord has positively impacted their lives.
“Hearing the stories from the beneficiaries was a highlight for all as we have never had that before at a volunteer event.
One beneficiary shared their experience of how much the calls through lockdown, the doorstep visit on Christmas Day with a meal, gifts, and now feeling welcomed at The Living Room has meant to her. She encouraged us all that it may not seem like much to the person volunteering, but how big and profound an impact it has. She closed with 'I can't thank you enough, you've made such a difference.
Thank you for making the application so straight forward and for enabling and encouraging us to celebrate our volunteers in this way.”
Debs Peyton | Silver Cord
Droylsden and District Foodbank
Droylsden and District Foodbank is a project founded by local churches and community groups, working together towards stopping hunger in our local area.
Everyday people in the UK go hungry for reasons ranging from redundancy to receiving an unexpected bill on a low income. A simple box of food makes a big difference, with foodbanks helping prevent crime, housing loss, family breakdown and mental health problems.
Volunteers are the driving force behind foodbanks. There are thousands of volunteers across the UK, helping The Trussell Trust Foodbank Network get emergency food to people in crisis.
Droylsden and District Foodbank volunteers undertake a variety of roles such as ensuring that food is in date, working in the warehouse through to informal chats with clients over a cup of tea, to discuss their situation and signpost them to further support.
These volunteers make a real difference to the life of someone in crisis.
In 2025 the Foodbank applied to the Volunteer Celebration Fund to host a celebratory meal for 25 of their volunteers. It was an opportunity to thank them for another busy 12 months and to spend some relaxation time enjoying each other’s company.
“Droylsden & District Foodbank was founded in 2013 and may of our current volunteers have been working with us over that time. We have also gained new volunteers over the years and enabling all of our active volunteers to be able to get together to celebrate their work and spend time together gives new energy to our Foodbank project.”
Pat Catterall | Droylsden and District Foodbank
Ambitions (Tameside)
Ambitions is a voluntary community organisation serving adults with learning and physical disabilities in Oldham, Tameside and North Manchester. They are dedicated to fostering a supportive community where adults with learning and physical disabilities can thrive through engaging social activities.
Their team of passionate volunteers are at the heart of Ambitions, working tirelessly to create inclusive and engaging activities for the community. Their dedication ensures that every event is a step towards a brighter future for adults with learning and physical disabilities. To show their appreciation, Ambitions organise volunteer social events twice a year.
In 2025 they were successful in their application to The Volunteer Celebration Fund. A social bowling night was arranged at King Pins Manchester. This was an opportunity to bring volunteers together from different boroughs who rarely met in person. The event included bowling, curling, shuffleboard and food, in a private area, ensuring everyone celebrated together.
“Amid rising living costs and financial pressures in the social care sector, it's harder for members to join regular activities. The celebration fund helps support our volunteer events without straining our finances, which is crucial during challenging times”.
Jonathan Griffiths-Barnes | Ambitions
The Volunteer Celebration Fund 2026
The application window will be open for two weeks from Tuesday, 21 April 2026, to Tuesday, 5 May 2026.
