News

Time Banking Tameside

Time Banking Tameside is an exciting new project that enables you to use those skills available in your community for free - all you have to do is offer the skills you have in return. More information...

Free Training for Volunteers

Train to Gain gives the opportunity to unlock hidden potential, remove stigma and further qualify the existing workforce. Train to Gain is primarily aimed at employed individuals but it’s recognised that there is a community of unpaid volunteers who perform similar tasks to those of an employee and where these volunteers are identified within a workplace they should be afforded the same access to vocational learning through Train to Gain as an employee. More information...

GMPA Volunteering Information Sessions

From 6pm on Monday 22nd March Greater Manchester Police Authority are holding an information session in the Salford Suite at Salford Civic Centre, Chorley Road, Swinton, for those who are interested in becoming a GMPA volunteer. If you are interested in attending please email to confirm attendance. Alternatively, phone on 0161 793 2920. To find out more visit their website

Into Employment

Volunteering can be a great stepping stone back into employment, see how Lin and Stacy got back into employment after volunteering.

Job Vacancies

Why not put your experience volunteering to use in paid employment? We're now advertising selected job opportunities working in the local voluntary and community sector. Latest opportunities and more information...

One-off Volunteering Opportunities

How volunteering can help you back into employment

Stacy Isaac attended Tameside Jobs fair back in a January last year and on that day made a decision to make a fresh start, so enrolled onto a short course. It was whilst attending the course run by Marie Bowker from Groundwork Tameside that she was present for a volunteering information session run by Volunteer Centre Tameside.

In February Stacy completed a Pre Volunteer Course held at Yew Tree Community Centre, where she then applied to volunteer with Age Concern as a Volunteer Befriender.

What did you gain from attending a Pre Volunteer Course?

I had not worked for many years due to caring for a family member, the Pre Volunteer Course gave me opportunity to meet and work with new people.

What inspired you to become a volunteer?

I wanted to gain confidence and as I had not worked for a while and wanted to get back into a working environment, it seemed like the best option, to get me started.

What training and support did you receive whilst volunteering with Age Concern?

I attended training sessions which were very informative and helped prepare me for both my voluntary role and paid employment.

What would you say to other people who are thinking about volunteering?

I would tell them to "Go for it" you can always find time and it’s helped me tremendously, my life has completely turned around.

Stacy is now in full time employment as a Carer with Home Support Services, helping older people live independently and she continues to volunteer as a Befriender with Age Concern Tameside.