Uncategorized Archives - CVS Tendring

Volunteering Looks Like This

by Lorraine King | Jun 2, 2026 | Uncategorized

Volunteers Week 2026: Volunteering Looks Like This

Volunteers Week is the time we pause, reflect and, most importantly, say a heartfelt thank you to all the people who give their time, skills and energy to support others across our community.

At CVST, we see every day the difference volunteers make – whether that is volunteering for us or for the many brilliant organisations across Tendring. From supporting weekly friendship groups, to helping teach others new skills, to bringing ideas, kindness and practical help where it’s needed most – volunteering is at the heart of a stronger, more connected Tendring.

‘Volunteering Looks Like This’

This year, our Volunteers Week campaign is called Volunteering Looks Like This, and it’s all about showing the true diversity of volunteering.

Volunteering doesn’t look just one way.

It looks like:

A volunteer trustee helping guide a local organisation
Someone giving a few hours a month to support a community group
A volunteer befriender offering time and compassion
People sharing professional skills, lived experience or simply a willingness to help
Individuals of all ages, backgrounds and abilities making a difference in their own way

Through our campaign, we’re celebrating real volunteers and real stories – highlighting that every contribution matters, whether it’s a little time or a long-term commitment.

Saying Thank You

To everyone who volunteers – whether through a charity, community group, or informally in your neighbourhood – thank you. Your generosity helps organisations survive and thrive, supports vulnerable people, and builds communities where people care for one another.

We’d also like to thank the organisations who support volunteers, create welcoming opportunities, and recognise the value of volunteering in all its forms.

Why Volunteering Matters

Volunteering matters because it changes lives.

For local charities and community groups, volunteers are often the difference between a service existing or not. They bring time, skills, passion and local knowledge that help organisations respond to real needs in their communities.

For individuals, volunteering can reduce loneliness, improve wellbeing, build confidence and open doors to new skills and opportunities. It allows people to connect and play an active role in shaping the place where they live.

And for communities, volunteering builds resilience and connection. It brings people together across generations and backgrounds, strengthens local networks, and helps ensure that support is there when it’s needed most.

That’s why at CVST, we believe volunteering isn’t just about giving time — it’s about creating stronger, kinder and more inclusive communities.

Get Involved

If you’re interested in volunteering, or if your organisation needs volunteers, CVST is here to help. We can support you to find opportunities, promote roles, and strengthen volunteering across the district.

Look at volunteering opportunities at

This Volunteers’ Week, let’s celebrate the people who make a difference — and show that volunteering really does look like this.

Get ready to write your first funding bid

by admin | Jul 7, 2025 | Uncategorized

Getting ready to write your first bid

Check who the funders are who fund the kinds of activities you are looking for support for. Think about how much money you will realistically need – there are a number of funders who will fund sums up to £1,000 which is often enough to get something off the ground. Your local CVS will often know about local sources of small grants available for smaller community groups and will be happy to help you look for other funders.

Check that you are eligible – does the funder fund CICs? Do they have a limit on how much money was raised last year? Really importantly, do they fund activities in your area? With so much information on social media which covers the whole of the UK and beyond, you will see funds being advertised that are only available in the areas that the company operate in, and it is easy to get carried away. Most funders will have information on their websites that you can use to see whether or not to apply.

Check what it is that the funder wants to support. You can write the best bid in the world but if the funder is only interested in rescuing green goats, there is no point in spending time writing about your plans to develop a local community centre. That’s not to say that you cannot be creative but do be realistic about where the match is between what you and the funder want to achieve. Beware of ‘mission drift’ and starting projects because the funding is available rather than concentrating on what it is that your organisation was set up to do and is really good at.

Check whether the fund covers revenue and or capital costs. Revenue costs are the running costs of the specific project e.g. staffing. Capital costs can, put very simply only be spent on ‘things’. There are rules about what is and isn’t ‘capital’ so worth checking this out if you are looking to buy something with the funding. Also check whether the fund will contribute to the core costs of the project e.g. management, finance, HR all the things that you need to keep things ticking over in the background.

Now, turn to the back page of the application form. Check that you have all the relevant documents that you will need to submit alongside your application for funding. Most commonly this will be your last year’s accounts, a bank statement from the past 3 months, or perhaps some of your policies depending on what you are looking to do, for example, a safeguarding policy is often asked for if you want to deliver a project that benefits vulnerable people. Every funder is different but if you have these all ready then it will save the stress of having to dig them out at the last minute when the clock is ticking for the deadline to submit!

Now you can make a start on the application itself!

Check out our Funding Portal for current funding opportunities here Funding portal – CVS Tendring

Volunteering is the beating heart of CVST

by admin | Jun 1, 2025 | Uncategorized

Volunteers’ Week 2025: Celebrating the Heartbeat of CVST

At CVST, volunteering isn’t just a helpful extra – it’s the very foundation of what we do. From running community events to keeping our information hubs buzzing and encouraging healthier, more active lifestyles, our work simply wouldn’t be possible without the incredible dedication of our volunteers.

Our small but mighty core staff team are backed by nearly 200 volunteers who give their time, energy, and passion to support our community. Over the past year, they’ve collectively donated almost 19,000 hours – a staggering contribution that equates to just under quarter of a million pounds in value at minimum wage rates. But, of course, their impact goes far beyond the financial.

Our Volunteer Coordinator, Nicky, is at the heart of this success. Her talent for spotting potential in everyone she meets has helped build a diverse and dynamic volunteer team. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned helper, every volunteer who joins CVST has a one-to-one interview so we can find out what drives you, what you enjoy, and how we can create a ‘you’-shaped role in our organisation.

Every volunteer is then given relevant training and allocated meaningful tasks, and – crucially – ongoing support and appreciation. We also invest in our paid staff to make sure they understand the vital role volunteers play and how to support them effectively. When someone gives their time to work alongside us, we take seriously our responsibility to make that time worthwhile and rewarding.

The benefits go both ways. At CVST we know that we wouldn’t be able to achieve all that we set out to do in our community without volunteer’s input. And many of our volunteers tell us that being part of CVST boosts their self-esteem, wellbeing, and sense of purpose – a powerful reminder of how volunteering can change lives!

And, of course, we never miss a chance to say thank you. From festive get-togethers at Christmas to recognition at our AGM and a “bit of a do” every Volunteers’ Week, we make celebrating our volunteers a priority. This year, our Summer Garden Party at the beautifully restored St Osyth Priory was a joyful highlight – complete with a picnic lunch and VIP tours as a small token of our immense gratitude.

Volunteers previously enjoying a day at the beach hut for Volunteers Week and enjoying looking at the history of CVST.

This Volunteers’ Week 2025, we raise a heartfelt thank you to every single person who gives their time to CVST and to the volunteers at the countless other organisations and groups in Tendring.

Volunteers visiting St Osyth Priory for Volunteers Week 2025

How we’re supporting the microbiome of Tendring

by admin | Feb 14, 2025 | Infrastructure, Uncategorized

How would you feel if someone compared your organisation or group to a ‘gut microbiome’?

At CVST, we know that small, local voluntary groups are the heart of our communities. They offer vital support, tackle local challenges, and build connections that improve people’s well-being. But when it comes to big health and care systems—like Integrated Care Systems (ICS)—these groups often struggle to get involved. That’s where CVST comes in.

In this article, The Value of the Voluntary Sector Microbiome in Integrated Care Systems, published by the University of Exeter in partnership with NAVCA small voluntary groups and organisations are described as part of a wider “microbiome”—a network of tiny but essential parts that keep the whole system healthy. (You can read the article here if you are interested https://www.navca.org.uk/unseen-but-essential)

Just like the bacteria in our gut that helps us to function properly, it’s the existence of large numbers of small local groups which help create strong, resilient communities. Without them, the system – our communities – just don’t work as well.

Integrated Care Systems bring together the NHS, local councils, and community organisations to improve services. While this sounds great, small voluntary groups often face challenges in contributing.

Whilst many voluntary groups have valuable insights, they don’t always have the systems in place to share them with larger organisations. Most smaller groups run on limited resources making it hard to take part in bigger partnerships. Bureaucratic red tape can make it tough for smaller groups to access funding or have a voice in decision-making.

Despite these challenges, small local groups have deep roots in their communities, making them essential for delivering care, reducing loneliness, and supporting mental health.

At CVST, we’re dedicated to making sure these groups get the support they need to thrive. With support from the National Lottery Community Fund here’s what we’re doing to help:

Helping groups access funding – We offer support with funding applications and with making links with funders.
Simplifying partnerships – We work with ICS leaders to make it easier for small groups to get involved.
Boosting skills & training – From governance to data management, we provide training and guidance to help groups strengthen their operations.
Encouraging collaboration – We create opportunities and run networks for small groups to work together, share knowledge, and amplify their impact.

If you’re part of a local voluntary group and want to learn more about how CVST can support you, get in touch! Telephone us on 01255 425692 or email admin@cvstendring.org.uk

Because when small voluntary and community groups are stronger, the communities they support are stronger too.

Find out more about CVST’s infrastructure offer, and support available for community groups and charities by visiting our website page Infrastructure Lottery Grant – CVS Tendring