Voluntary Action South West Surrey

06/10/2026

Can you spare a few hours a week on a Thursday afternoon? The wonderful Guildford Club for the Disabled really need help to make teas for their visitors! They also need some assistance on their minibus, helping people on and off. This is a wonderful place for people who don't have the opportunity to get out much, they have great entertainment and lots of fun! If you can help please contact Kate [email protected] or call on 07513 825132

06/10/2026

🌱 What a fantastic day of learning, sharing and reflection!

Last week, we brought people together for our VASWS EDI Mini Conference – Building Inclusive Organisations: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Practice.

It was a really positive and thought-provoking session, giving everyone the opportunity to explore what EDI means in practice, why it matters, and what we can each do to make our organisations more inclusive.

We were especially encouraged by the feedback from participants. People described starting the workshop feeling “nervous”, “uneasy” and “questioning”, but finishing feeling “more confident”, “inspired”, “empowered” and “positive.”

💭 We explored the importance of:

✨ Listening to different lived experiences
✨ Being curious and challenging our assumptions
✨ Supporting others and being an active ally
✨ Having the confidence to challenge exclusionary behaviour
✨ Moving beyond EDI as a tick-box exercise
✨ Making meaningful changes to organisational culture

One participant summed up their experience simply:

“EDI isn't scary!” 💜

A huge thank you to everyone who came along, shared their thoughts and experiences, and helped make the day such a positive and open space for learning.

And a special thank you to Ali Fisher from Plans with Purpose for leading such an engaging session.

The conversations don't stop here. Now comes the important part — taking what we've learned and putting it into practice. 🌱

06/10/2026

It's that time again! Join us on Monday 12th October, 12:30-1pm to find out more about local volunteering opportunities. The best part is it's online, so you can enjoy your lunch and tune in from the comfort of your own home.
So far, we have confirmed presenters from Guildford Food Bank Action for Carers Surrey Dad Matters UK and FATN Talking Newspaper.
Link in the comments (no need to register)

30/09/2026

🔧 Farnham Repair Café – Saturday 10 October

Got something that needs fixing rather than throwing away? Farnham Repair Café is back on Saturday 10 October, 10am–1pm at The Spire Church, South Street, Farnham.

Friendly volunteer repairers will be on hand to help with:
🔌 Electrical items
💻 Laptops
🚲 Bikes
🪑 Furniture
🔧 Mechanical items
👕 Clothing

The session is free and no booking is required. Up to three items can be brought, although only one item will be examined at a time.

Please note that laptops, bikes, furniture and larger or unusual items should be notified in advance by emailing [email protected].

Items should be clean, and the Repair Café cannot accept petrol-driven products, industrial equipment, three-phase power tools, mobile phones or clothing alterations.

📍 The Spire Church, South Street, Farnham, GU9 7QU
🕙 10am–1pm (last repair booking 12.30pm)

Why throw it away when it might be repairable? ♻️

28/09/2026

Alice, one of our volunteer coordinators, will be at Farnham Maltings on Wednesday 30th September, 9:30-12:30pm to chat about volunteering. This isn't a volunteer fair, it's an opportunity to have a 1:1 chat with Alice about what you would like to do. No pressure to sign up!

We support 100s of organisations to find volunteeers, including Brightwells Gostrey, Home-Start in Waverley, Creative Response Farnham Library Farnham Community Farm Hale Community Centre The Hedgehogs Farnham Farnham Assist The Woodlarks Centre Farnham and many, many more!
If you prefer to chat at another time, contact Alice at 07936 364336/[email protected]

24/09/2026

Our final Lunch & Learn video is from Cancer Testing Services
There are several interesting volunteering roles available, including phlebotomist. Find out more in the comments.

Apply at: https://app.betterimpact.com/PublicEnterprise/EnterpriseS...

23/09/2026

23/09/2026

Imagine going to a school that has no natural surroundings, no grass or trees to enjoy. This is the case for many children who visit Sayers Croft in Ewhurst. By volunteering you can help people connect with nature, enjoy the outdoors and care for this special place. Link to apply in the comments.

Apply at:https://app.betterimpact.com/PublicEnterprise/EnterpriseSe...

23/09/2026

Calling Haslemere Volunteers Creative Response would love your help! Please contact Kate at [email protected] or call 07513 825132 Many thanks.

22/09/2026

Could you be a Guide Dogs UK puppy raiser? One thing we love about our online Volunteer Lunch & Learn sessions is that the opportunities to volunteer are so diverse. Link to apply or find our more in the comments.

Apply at: https://app.betterimpact.com/PublicEnterprise/EnterpriseG...