Volunteers’ Week is an annual celebration of volunteers across the UK. The week-long event starts on the first Monday in June every year and is a chance to recognise, celebrate and thank the UK’s incredible volunteers for all they contribute to our local communities, the voluntary sector, and society as a whole.
This year, Volunteers’ Week is celebrating its' 40th anniversary after being first established in 1984, by what was then known as Volunteering England.
We are, as always, joining in the celebrations and have a packed schedule of events across Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside to bring you. We'll also be sharing some wonderful and inspiring stories from our members who are already volunteering, making a difference, changing lives, improving neighbourhoods, and contributing positively to their local area.
Action Together and volunteering
Action Together are the accredited Volunteer Centre for Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside.
We connect volunteers with local volunteer opportunities, helping people give their time and support to charities in their community.
Last year 1,590 people registered to volunteer with Action Together in Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside.
Last year we set out our 'Vision for Volunteering' Strategy 2023-2028 and it outlines our plans and promises for the next five years. Our organisational strategy will ensure that we develop and champion volunteering to empower more local people to share their skills, capacity and social capital. Find out about the strategy behind our volunteering work here:
www.actiontogether.org.uk/volunteering-strategy-2023-2028
Action Together supports volunteers, and voluntary organisations
How to volunteer
Our Volunteering Team can help you find an opportunity that fits alongside your other commitments and is appropriately matched with your relevant skills and experiences, as well as your reasons for volunteering.
You can register to volunteer by calling us on 0161 339 2345, emailing volunteering@actiontogether.org.uk or by using our online directory here: www.actiontogether.org.uk/volunteering where we host hundreds of local volunteering opportunities from local groups and organisations across Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside.
You can also join the thousands of local volunteers who receive our monthly Volunteer eBulletin to find out about the latest opportunities near you. Click HERE to subscribe to our Volunteer eBulletin
Supporting groups and organisations
We support voluntary and community organisations to develop their volunteer roles and processes.
Organisations can contact us to find out more about the support available by calling 0161 339 2345 or emailing volunteering@actiontogether.org.uk. Our online Volunteer Manager Zone has lots of information and resources for people who work with volunteers. Take a look here: www.actiontogether.org.uk/volunteer-manager-zone
Volunteer Celebration Fund 2024
Last month we once again launched our popular Volunteer Celebration Fund to local voluntary organisations. Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise groups in Oldham, Rochdale or Tameside were able apply for funds to support an activity during 2024 to thank and celebrate their volunteers for the fantastic contribution they make!
Grants of up to £500 were available to groups that included one, or more, of the following priorities: Recruit | Retain | Recognise
As ever, this fund proved unbelievably popular and has now closed with all funds allocated. We are excited to hear all the wonderful stories of events and celebrations that our member organisations hold...remember to share your stories with us and tag us on social media @WeActTogether
Until we get to share the news of this years' celebrations, take a look at these amazing activities that our members were able to deliver using grants from our Volunteer Celebration Fund during 2023: www.actiontogether.org.uk/volunteer-celebration-fund-our-success-stories-2023
Action Together events happening this Volunteers' Week
Oldham Roadshow
Our Oldham Volunteering Team are teaming up with Oldham Active for the Oldham Community Leisure Roadshow and will be available in a different OCL venue each day promoting local volunteering opportunities.
| Monday 3 June | 10am-1pm | Royton Leisure Centre, Oldham OL2 6QZ |
| Tuesday 4 June | 4pm-7pm | Oldham Leisure Centre, Oldham OL9 6AF |
| Wednesday 5 June | 1pm-4pm | Saddleworth Leisure Centre, Oldham OL3 6HQ |
| Thursday 6 June | 1pm-4pm | Failsworth Leisure Centre, Failsworth M35 9HA |
| Friday 7 June | 10am-1pm | Chadderton Leisure Centre, Oldham OL9 0JW |
Rochdale Volunteer Hub
Pop along to our drop-in Volunteer Hub and chat to Phil and Asma from our Volunteering Team to see how we could help you!
| Friday 7 June | 9am-12pm | Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU |
Tameside Volunteer Hub
Join us at the Tameside Drop-in Volunteer Hub to chat with our Volunteering Team to see how we can help you find a role that is right for you!
| Friday 7 June | 10am-11:30am | St Barnabus Church, Hattersley Road SK14 3EQ |
Volunteer Voices
From individuals volunteering with local causes, to organisations connecting to opportunities via our employer supported volunteering offer, we're supporting people and communities to do the things they love, and change the things they don’t.
Here are just a few stories to give you snapshot of the amazing work we know happens every day in our communities...
Now it's your turn!
Volunteering offers vital help to people in need, worthwhile causes, and the community, but the benefits can be even greater for you, the volunteer. The right match can help you to find friends, connect with the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career.
Have our volunteer stories inspired you to get involved? If so, get in touch with our team to start your volunteering journey.
Call us on 0161 339 2345, email us at volunteering@actiontogether.org.uk or register yourself using our online directory