Volunteering
At GAVO, we connect people and organisations across Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, and Newport with volunteering opportunities.
Whether you want to volunteer yourself, or you're an organisation looking for volunteers and guidance, - we’re here to help!
Why Volunteer?
What Volunteering Can Do For You?
-
Learn new skills and try new things
-
Build confidence and self-belief
-
Meet new people and make friends
-
Improve mental health and wellbeing
-
Reduce stress and feel more balanced
-
Boost creativity and problem-solving skills
-
Get a sense of purpose and belonging
-
Explore different careers or interests
-
Gain hands-on experience for work, college, or university
-
Feel proud of your achievements
-
Challenge yourself and step out of your comfort zone
-
Inspire others and be a role model
Volunteering isn’t just about giving your time - it can make a real difference and even change lives.
Like when 77 volunteers came together in Caerphilly to plant trees, turning an afternoon into creating a lasting legacy for families and wildlife.
Like when someone who felt isolated and shy joined a knitting group to make items for a local charity, now they’re close friends, chatting away, and even hosting coffee mornings to fundraise.
Or when someone volunteered on a befriending line, that led them to a career change, and now they manage one themselves!
And when a young man in Newport started volunteering at a community arts hub, he stepped out of his comfort zone, found a passion for art, gained confidence, and grew into a leadership role.
How We Can Help
For individuals:
-
Discover volunteering opportunities in your local area
-
Get guidance on roles that match your skills, interests, and availability
-
Access support and recognition for your volunteering
-
Connect with friendly staff who can help you take the first step
.png)
For organisations/ groups/ projects:
-
Find volunteers who match your needs
-
Get advice on recruitment, training, and retention
-
Access tools and guidance to run successful volunteer programs
-
Benefit from our recognition schemes and support networks
To get started, speak to a Volunteering Officer in your area:
The Volunteering Team
Bethan Crowley
Volunteering Officer
& Joint Regional Strategic Lead
​
Monmouthshire
07376023546
Chris Irving
Youth Volunteering Officer
& Joint Regional Strategic Lead
​
Monmouthshire
07483128060
Recognition
Registering for the GAVO Volunteer Recognition Certification Scheme is a great way of showing how you have dedicated your time, when applying for College, University and employment and help you stand out from the crowd and become more attractive in this competitive economic climate.
Recognition certificates are a great way of showing off your skills and attributes, in addition to your qualifications. The Scheme is open to both new and existing Volunteers and registering is simple.
The Youth Volunteers Fund supports small projects and activities, which are led by young people, providing volunteering opportunities for the causes they care about within their communities.
​
Young people are given the power to make decisions on project activity, how they contribute, celebrate & champion their volunteering, and that of others.
​
Applications are considered, selected and recommended by a local Youth Panel aged 14-25 years, thus ensuring the projects are created and approved by, and directly benefit young people and their communities.
​
For the latest information, Check out the Volunteering News Section.
Say Hello
If you are living in Gwent and have a Volunteering query, please feel free to get in touch with the team directly using the contact details above, or by the Team email address below.
