Voluntary Support North Surrey

Spelthorne Older People's Forum - September 2024
2024-09-10 11:00 - 12:30 (Europe/London) | Staines Community Centre, Thames Street, Staines-upon-Thames, Spelthorne, TW18 4EA, United Kingdom
Our Spelthorne Older People’s Forum continues to meet on a quarterly basis attracting professionals from both statutory and voluntary services and has proved a valuable way for people to connect and share practice and information.
Anyone who works for an organisation with a connection to older people (there’s no defined aged, but approximately 55+) is welcome, whether their focus is tackling isolation, age-related physical or mental health or another service.
If you’re interested in attending or would like some more information, please contact Elaine at elaine@voluntarysupport.org.uk or give us a call on 01784 465536.

Charity Law for Trustees
2024-09-24 10:00 - 15:00 | VSNS Chertsey Office, 6 The Sainsbury Centre, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 9AG, United Kingdom
There are limited spaces available for this training session. If you’re interested, ensure you book your place as soon as possible.
It is essential that trustees stay up to date with their legal and other responsibilities. Whether you’re a new trustee or have been serving for some time and would like to refresh and update your knowledge, our trustee training on Charity Law and the roles and responsibilities of trustees is for you.
This in-person event will be led by charity law expert, Helen Harvie and the training will take place at Voluntary Support’s Chertsey office.
If you have any questions about this training or are having issues booking your place, please contact Jordan at jordan@voluntarysupport.org.uk.

Runnymede Older People's Forum
2024-09-24 13:30 - 15:00 | Online via Microsoft Teams
Voluntary Support are launching a quarterly forum in Runnymede that focuses on older people (55+) in the borough and highlights the services available to them, funding and developments in that space and provides a platform to discuss any challenges or limitations affecting this age group.
Anyone who works for an organisation with a connection to older people (there’s no defined aged, but approximately 55+) is welcome, whether their focus is tackling isolation, age-related physical or mental health or another service.
The first forum will run on 24 September between 1.30pm and 3pm and will be a chance to hear the findings from the current activity survey being run by Runnymede Borough Council and network with others in the borough with older people.
This Forum will take place online via Teams. You will be sent an invite before the event.
If you’re interested in attending or would like some more information, please contact Jo at jo@voluntarysupport.org.uk or give us a call on 01932 571122.

Grants & Trusts Fundraising Applications Training
2024-10-02 09:30 - 15:00 | VSNS Chertsey Office, 6 The Sainsbury Centre, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 9AG, United Kingdom
We are running our popular Grants & Trusts Fundraising Applications Training on Wednesday 2 October.
This one-day introductory training session will guide attendees through structuring and writing charity applications for national and local grants and trusts.
During the session, we will cover:

Researching the need for your project
Planning
Measuring impact
Finding the appropriate funder
Application structure
Funding Strategy

If you have any questions about the training, please contact Jordan at jordan@voluntarysupport.org.uk.
If you would like to attend, please fill in the short form below.

Recruiting & Managing Young Volunteers (19-25)
2024-10-15 10:00 - 12:30 | Online via Zoom
We are running an online training session on Recruiting & Managing Young Volunteers (19-25) on 15 October. These sessions were formerly delivered under the Time to Change project.
This training will cover:

How your organisation can benefit from young volunteers.
The potential barriers between young people and volunteering and how to break these down.
What young people are looking for in a voluntary role.
Ways of making volunteering roles more appealing and attractive to young people.
How to manage young volunteers effectively.

We also cover issues around board diversity and a lack of young trustees (under 30).
If you have any questions about the training, please contact Jordan at jordan@voluntarysupport.org.uk.
Please complete the short form below if you would like to attend. As this is an online session, you will be sent a link to access the training beforehand.

Charity Networking Event - October 2024
2024-10-31 10:00 - 12:00 | Enterprise, Enterprise House, Vicarage Road, Egham, TW20 9FB, Enterprise House, Egham, TW20 9FB, United Kingdom
This is the new date after our Charity Networking Event on 12 September was re-scheduled. If you signed up to the September event please re-submit your RSVP below.
Our popular quarterly networking event for charities and community groups that will equip you with ideas you can take back to your organisation is a wonderful opportunity to connect with like-minded groups and build relationships with third-sector colleagues and funders alike.
We can confirm that one of our speakers for this quarter’s Charity Networking Event is Amy Sellers, Principal Consultant at Nature Metrics, who will be discussing how charities can become carbon neutral. Amy kindly contributed an article to our August newsletter on this very topic which can be found here.
Further speakers to be confirmed.
If you have any questions about our upcoming Charity Networking Event, please email jordan@voluntarysupport.org.uk. Or you can give us a call on 01932 571122.

Surrey Heath Mental Health Forum - November 2024
2024-11-06 10:30 - 12:00 | Places Leisure, Grand Avenue, Camberley, Surrey Heath, GU15 3QH, United Kingdom
Our Surrey Heath Mental Health Forum continues to meet on a quarterly basis and we are delighted to announce the date for our next forum will be Tuesday 30 July.
This event is for groups based in or operating across Surrey Heath with a connection to mental health, whether that’s through tackling isolation, age-related mental health or disability.
Each meeting has one or two speakers, followed by a roundtable session where people can give an update on their service and share anything new for discussion. It’s a great way to network with other organisations and share information.
If you’re interested in attending, please contact libby@voluntarysupport.org.uk for more details.
Alternatively, you can call Libby at our Camberley office on 01276 402789.

Time to Talk Coffee Morning
2024-11-08 11:00 - 13:30 | Pine Ridge Golf Club, Old Bisley Rd, Frimley, Camberley, Surrey, GU16 9NX, United Kingdom
To mark the end of Befriending Week, Karen, our Time to Talk Befriending Manager for Surrey Heath, is hosting a Coffee morning for all Time to Talk befrienders and befriendees to come together.
Anyone who may be feeling lonely or socially isolated and is in need of some company over a hot beverage is also more than welcome to attend. Come and talk to those in a similar situation and find out more about how Time to Talk can help you.
Equally, anyone interested in becoming a Time to Talk Befriender is welcome to come along to find out more about how to get involved.
This event will take place on Friday 8 November at Pine Ridge Golf Club between 11am and 1.30pm. Tea and coffee will be provided.
Interested? You can book your place using the short form below or get in touch with Karen at karenm@voluntarysupport.org.uk.
If you have any questions about the event, please do get in touch with Karen or Jordan at jordan@voluntarysupport.org.uk.

Safeguarding Training
2024-11-26 09:30 - 12:30 | Stanwell Youth Centre, Hadrian Way, Stanwell, Surrey, TW19 7HE, United Kingdom
This workshop will give a basic overview of what a safeguarding concern is, what is abuse and neglect, and what action to take if you have concerns relating to Children’s and Adult safeguarding. The session will include opportunities for group discussions and case studies to help consolidate learning.
The workshop is aimed at those who work/volunteer in North Surrey, particularly in foodbanks.
This session will take place at Stanwell Youth Centre from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Tuesday, 26 November. You can book your place by completing the short form below.
Please note that spaces are limited for this training session.
If you have any questions about this training, please contact Jordan at jordan@voluntarysupport.org.uk.

Surrey Heath Volunteer Awards 2024
2024-11-28 | Chobham Golf Club, Chobham Road, Knaphill, Woking, GU21 2TZ
Voluntary Support is delighted to announce the date for this year’s Surrey Heath Volunteer Awards 2024.
These awards are our way of honouring the remarkable voluntary sector in Surrey Heath and your opportunity to celebrate and recognise the incredible contributions volunteers make to your organisation and the wider community.
On Thursday 28 November, we will be hosting an awards ceremony in partnership with Surrey Heath Borough Council at Chobham Golf Course.
If you’re a Surrey Heath organisation and want to find out more about the awards or submit a nomination, click here.

Spelthorne Older People's Forum - December 2024
2024-12-03 11:00 - 12:30 | Staines Community Centre, Thames Street, Staines-upon-Thames, Spelthorne, TW18 4EA, United Kingdom
Our Spelthorne Older People’s Forum continues to meet on a quarterly basis attracting professionals from both statutory and voluntary services and has proved a valuable way for people to connect and share practice and information.
Anyone who works for an organisation with a connection to older people (there’s no defined aged, but approximately 55+) is welcome, whether their focus is tackling isolation, age-related physical or mental health or another service.
If you’re interested in attending or would like some more information, please contact Elaine at elaine@voluntarysupport.org.uk or give us a call on 01784 465536.
You can also book your place below and we’ll be in touch with further details.

Charity Networking Event - December 2024
2024-12-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Enterprise, Enterprise House, Vicarage Road, Egham, TW20 9FB, Enterprise House, Egham, TW20 9FB, United Kingdom
Our popular quarterly charity networking event for charities and community groups that will equip you with ideas you can take back to your organisation is a wonderful opportunity to connect with like-minded groups and build relationships with third-sector colleagues and funders alike.
We’re delighted to welcome Jason Gaskell from Surrey Community Action who will be speaking on the state of the charity sector. We will also be hearing from Voluntary Support’s CEO, Solette Sheppardson, on the highlights of 2024 in North Surrey.
For the organisation spotlight section of this event, we will hear from Claire Hopkins from Surplus to Supper before we round off with a fun quiz for our last Charity Networking Event of 2024!
The second half of the event will then focus on networking over tea, coffee and biscuits.
If you have any questions about our upcoming Charity Networking Event, please email jordan@voluntarysupport.org.uk. Or you can give us a call on 01932 571122.

Safeguarding Training
2024-12-07 09:30 - 12:30 | Christ Church Hall, Warwick Ave, Staines, Spelthorne, TW18 1DP, United Kingdom
This workshop will give a basic overview of what a safeguarding concern is, what is abuse and neglect, and what action to take if you have concerns relating to Children’s and Adult safeguarding. The session will include opportunities for group discussions and case studies to help consolidate learning.
The workshop is aimed at those who work/volunteer in North Surrey, particularly in foodbanks.
This session will take place at Christ Church Hall in Staines from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Saturday, 7 December. You can book your place by completing the short form below.
Should you wish to attend Saturday’s session, please call us on 01932 571122 to book your place.
Please note that spaces are limited for this training session.
If you have any questions about this training, please contact Jordan at jordan@voluntarysupport.org.uk.

Runnymede Older People's Forum
2025-01-22 13:30 - 15:00 | Online via Microsoft Teams
Voluntary Support are running their next quarterly Runnymede Older People’s Forum in January. This forum focuses on older people (55+) in the borough and highlights the services available to them, funding and developments in that space and provides a platform to discuss any challenges or limitations affecting this age group.
These forums attract professionals from both statutory and voluntary services and is a great way for people to connect and share practice and information.
Anyone who works for an organisation with a connection to older people (there’s no defined aged, but approximately 55+) is welcome, whether their focus is tackling isolation, age-related physical or mental health or another service.
The forum will run on Wednesday 22 January between 1.30pm and 3pm and will take place on Teams. You will be sent an invite before the event.
If you’re interested in attending or would like some more information, please contact Jo at jo@voluntarysupport.org.uk or give us a call on 01932 571122.

Time to Talk Day - Coffee Morning
2025-02-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Chertsey Library, Guildford St, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 9BE
This Thursday is Time to Talk Day – a brilliant initiative from Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, in partnership with Co-op, to encourage meaningful conversations about mental health with friends, family, and colleagues.
Our Runnymede Befriending Manager, Clair, will be at Chertsey Library from 10am to 12pm on 6 February to talk to anyone who may be interested in Voluntary Support’s Time to Talk Befriending service.
At the same time, our Surrey Heath Befriending Manager, Karen, will be at Pine Ridge Golf Club between 10am and 11.30am.
Whether you’re interested in becoming one of our wonderful volunteer befrienders or want to refer someone who may be in need of a befriender, Clair and Karen will be there to answer your questions over a brew.
No need to sign up, just pop on down and say hello!

Basic Safeguarding Awareness Training
2025-02-08 09:30 - 12:30 | Christ Church Hall, Warwick Ave, Staines, Spelthorne, TW18 1DP, United Kingdom
Please note that this is the re-scheduled date for the Basic Safeguarding Awareness training after the session on Saturday, 7 December was postponed.
This workshop will give a basic overview of what a safeguarding concern is, what is abuse and neglect, and what action to take if you have concerns relating to Children’s and Adult safeguarding. The session will include opportunities for group discussions and case studies to help consolidate learning.
The workshop is aimed at those who work/volunteer in North Surrey, particularly in foodbanks.
This session will take place at Christ Church Hall in Staines from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Saturday, 8 February. You can book your place by completing the short form below.
Please note that spaces are limited for this training session.
If you have any questions about this training, please contact Jordan at jordan@voluntarysupport.org.uk.

Surrey Heath Mental Health Forum - February 2025
2025-02-11 10:30 - 12:00 | Places Leisure, Grand Avenue, Camberley, Surrey Heath, GU15 3QH, United Kingdom
Our Surrey Heath Mental Health Forum continues to meet on a quarterly basis and we are delighted to announce the date for our next forum will be Tuesday 11 February 2025.
This event is for groups based in or operating across Surrey Heath with a connection to mental health, whether that’s through tackling isolation, age-related mental health or disability.
Each meeting has one or two speakers, followed by a roundtable session where people can give an update on their service and share anything new for discussion. It’s a great way to network with other organisations and share information.
If you’re interested in attending, please contact libby@voluntarysupport.org.uk for more details. You can also book your place by completing the short form below.
Alternatively, you can call Libby at our Camberley office on 01276 402789.

Reconnect, Reset, Rebuild
2025-02-12 11:00 - 12:30 | Camberley Theatre, Knoll Road, Camberley, Surrey, GU15 3SY
On Wednesday 12 February, we will be hosting an interactive event to explore how we can work together to improve health and wellbeing in Surrey Heath.
The way people live their lives has a profound effect on health outcomes. This event provides a valuable opportunity to work together, share ideas, amplify voices and define priorities that can help shape our communities.
Building on insights from the recent Darzi review, Grenfell recommendations, and the new 10-year plan for the NHS, we will:

Identify what matters most to our local communities.
Explore new opportunities and aspirations.
Build stronger connections across communities and organisations.

This free event will take place at Camberley Theatre between 11am and 12.30pm and will be facilitated by Frimley NHS Integrated Care Board.
Tea and coffee will be provided.
Come and join the conversation as we reconnect, reset, and rebuild toward a healthier future.
Find out more and secure your place here.

Grants & Trusts Fundraising Applications Training
2025-02-19 09:30 - 15:00 | VSNS Chertsey Office, 6 The Sainsbury Centre, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 9AG, United Kingdom
We are running our popular Grants & Trusts Fundraising Applications Training on Wednesday, 19 February.
This one-day introductory training session will guide attendees through structuring and writing charity applications for national and local grants and trusts.
During the session, we will cover:

Researching the need for your project
Planning
Measuring impact
Finding the appropriate funder
Application structure
Funding Strategy

If you have any questions about the training, please contact Jordan at jordan@voluntarysupport.org.uk or Alison at alison@voluntarysupport.org.uk.
If you would like to attend, please fill in the short form below.

First Aid Training - Emergency First Aid at Work
2025-03-04 09:30 - 12:30 | High Cross Church, 1 Knoll Road, Camberley, Surrey, GU15 3SY, United Kingdom
Please note that there are no longer any spaces on this training. If you’re interested in future training, please contact Libby at libby@voluntarysupport.org.uk.
Join us for our First Aid Training on Tuesday 4 March at High Cross Church, Camberley.
This training includes three hours of e-learning followed by a three-hour practical assessment, leading to a certified Emergency First Aid at Work Qualification. The three hours of e-learning must be completed prior to the practical assessment on 4 March.
This training costs £20 per person.
Please email Libby at libby@voluntarysupport.org.uk to book your place.

Spelthorne Older People's Forum - March 2025
2025-03-04 11:00 - 12:30 | Staines Community Centre, Thames Street, Staines-upon-Thames, Spelthorne, TW18 4EA, United Kingdom

Time to Talk - Chatter & Cheer at Costa, Virginia Water
2025-03-13 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-03-19 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-03-26 11:00 - 12:00 | Costa Coffee, Virginia Water, 1 Station Parade, Virginia Water, Runnymede, GU25 4AA, United Kingdom
Feeling lonely or looking for company? Our Time to Talk Befriending service can help.
Join us for Chatter & Cheer, a friendly and welcoming social group where you can enjoy a friendly conversation over a coffee!
Whether you’re new to the area, want to meet new people, or simply fancy a chat, this is a relaxed and supportive space for everyone.
This group will commence on Wednesday 26 February 2025 between 10am and 11am at Costa Coffee, Virginia Water. This group will then take place every Wednesday at the same time and place thereafter.
Come along and connect with others in a warm and friendly setting. No need to book – just drop in!
For more information, contact Clair, our Runnymede Befriending Manager or call us on 01932 571122.

Charity Networking Event - March 2025
2025-03-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Enterprise, Enterprise House, Vicarage Road, Egham, TW20 9FB, Enterprise House, Egham, TW20 9FB, United Kingdom
Join us for our first Charity Networking Event of 2025. We run these events quarterly to bring together charities and community groups across North Surrey to connect, share ideas, and gain valuable insights to support their work.
This is a great opportunity to build relationships with fellow third-sector colleagues and potential funders.
The first hour of the session will feature speakers sharing insights on key topics for the sector. In the second half, you’ll have a chance to network over tea and coffee, exchanging ideas and making new connections.
We’re pleased to announce that our first speaker will be Mark Nuti, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing and Public Health for Surrey County Council. He will be discussing devolution and its impact on Surrey, as the county has been selected for the first wave of reorganisation. This follows the decision to delay May’s County Council elections as part of the process.
We’ll also hear from Helen Frary, Voluntary Support’s Chair of Trustees, on trusteeship, and Jo Buckell, our Runnymede and Corporate Engagement Manager, on skill-sharing between charities and businesses.
The event will take place at Enterprise in Egham between 10am and 12pm and you can book your place using the short form below.
For any questions, please contact Jordan at jordan@voluntarysupport.org.uk or call us on 01932 571122.

Dementia Friends Information Session - March 2025
2025-03-15 10:00 - 11:00 | VSNS Chertsey Office, 6 The Sainsbury Centre, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 9AG, United Kingdom
We have five spaces available for a dementia information session on Saturday 15 March, 10am-11am at our Chertsey office.
Delivered by Dementia Friends Champion, Mariecar Lightwood-Clark from Home Instead Richmond, this session is aimed at increasing the understanding of dementia and its impact on those affected by looking at key messages that are explained through discussion, video and activities, including the bookcase analogy, and a short video of Barbara who is living with dementia.
If you want any more information or want to secure your place, please contact Clair at clair@voluntarysupport.org.uk.

Time to Talk - Chatter & Cheer at Chertsey Library
2025-03-17 14:00 - 15:30, 2025-03-24 14:00 - 15:30, 2025-03-31 14:00 - 15:30 | Chertsey Library, Guildford St, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 9BE
Feeling lonely or looking for company? Our Time to Talk Befriending service can help.
Join us for Chatter & Cheer, a friendly and welcoming social group where you can enjoy a friendly conversation over a cuppa and a biscuit or two!
Whether you’re new to the area, want to meet new people, or simply fancy a chat, this is a relaxed and supportive space for everyone.
This group will commence on Monday 17 March 2025 between 2pm and 3.30pm at Chertsey Library. This group will then take place every Monday at the same time and place thereafter.
Come along and connect with others in a warm and friendly setting. No need to book – just drop in!
For more information, contact Clair, our Runnymede Befriending Manager or call us on 01932 571122.

Volunteer Managers Forum - March 2025
2025-03-27 10:00 - 11:30 | Online via Zoom
Join us for Voluntary Support North Surrey’s Volunteer Managers Forum on Thursday, 27th March, from 10:00am to 11:30am. Open to anyone who works or volunteers in North Surrey and is involved in recruiting, managing, or supervising volunteers, this online session provides a valuable opportunity to connect with others in similar roles.
Volunteer management can sometimes feel like a solitary role within an organisation. Our forum offers a supportive space to share experiences, discuss challenges, and explore best practices for volunteer recruitment and retention. Whether you’re new to managing volunteers or have years of experience, this is a great opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and gain insights to strengthen your volunteer programme.
An agenda for the forum will be available in due course, outlining the topics for discussion.
To book your place, please complete the short form below. If you have any questions, please email Alison at alison@voluntarysupport.org.uk.
