Volunteer Durham

01/04/2026

We absolutely love this 🩷

Ann is one of our most dedicated and inspiring volunteers, a familiar face at so many of our events, always bringing warmth, positivity and a big smile 😊

It truly wouldn’t be the same without her. The impact she has on both our team and the community is incredible, and we’re so grateful to have her as part of Volunteer Durham.

A huge thank you, Ann you’re amazing 🩷

26/03/2026

Another inspiring volunteer story 🤩
Emma’s journey shows how volunteering can build confidence, open doors, and truly change lives, both for volunteers and the people they support 👏

💜she thrives volunteering: Emma’s Story 💜

For the past two years, Emma has been a dedicated volunteer at The Louisa Centre, where her journey has been shaped by personal growth, new skills and a deep commitment to supporting local children.

When she first began volunteering, Emma never imagined how much confidence she would gain. Surrounded by supportive teachers and mentors, she found inspiration in their guidance and encouragement - helping her grow into the role she proudly holds today.

Through Volunteer Durham, Emma has achieved both her Level 1 and Level 2 teaching qualifications. These milestones not only strengthened her teaching skills but also opened doors to new opportunities she hadn’t previously considered.

Volunteering has brought meaningful change to Emma’s life. She describes feeling a renewed sense of happiness and fulfilment, knowing the time she gives genuinely makes a difference to the young people she works with.

Two of the most rewarding parts of her role are:
• Building strong rapport with the children, creating a positive and trusting environment.
• Seeing a child succeed using the skills she has taught them and recognising that she played a part in their progress.

Emma’s story is a testament to how volunteering can spark personal transformation while enriching the lives of others. Her passion, confidence and commitment continue to inspire those around her, just as she was inspired when she first began.

19/03/2026

So proud to see one of our amazing volunteers, Naomi, featured 💫
From volunteering to becoming a qualified swim teacher, what an inspiring journey! 👏 A huge well done to Naomi and a brilliant example of where volunteering can take you.

🌊 From Volunteer to Swim Teacher: Naomi’s Journey of Growth and Determination

Naomi Rushman, 42, from Seaham, shows what can be achieved when passion, opportunity and support come together.

In 2023, Naomi began volunteering as a Swim Teaching Assistant at Chester-le-Street Leisure Centre through Volunteer Durham. Supporting children in their lessons, she helped young swimmers build confidence in the water while assisting the teaching team. At the time, she simply enjoyed being part of the team and making a positive difference.

With encouragement from colleagues and the Swim Coordinator, Naomi achieved her Level 1 Swim Teaching Assistant qualification in May 2024. She didn’t stop there, in 2025 she gained her Level 2 Swim Teacher qualification and her Reach and Rescue Award, all funded through Volunteer Durham.

That commitment paid off. In August, Naomi successfully secured two roles: a Casual Swim Teacher at Chester-le-Street Leisure Centre and a contracted Swim Teacher post at Peterlee Leisure Centre.

Now employed as a swim teacher, Naomi says she loves helping children learn this essential life skill and enjoys working alongside supportive colleagues across the leisure centres. Her journey shows how volunteering can open doors, build confidence, and create new career opportunities.

Alongside her teaching, Naomi has another incredible achievement to celebrate. She’s been competing in swimming with Special Olympics for almost 10 years, training with Sunderland Special Olympics and travelling across the country to compete. She recently medalled at a competition and hopes to be selected for the National Games this August to represent her region and England.

In recognition of her dedication, Naomi has also been invited to become an Athlete Leader and Ambassador for Special Olympics Great Britain, after previously serving as athlete representative on her club’s committee.

Naomi’s story shows that with support, encouragement, and a bit of determination, you can grow, follow your passions, and really make things happen.

28/01/2026

Digital Volunteers Needed – Could You Help?

Do you enjoy helping others and feel confident with basic computers, tablets, or mobile phones? We’re looking for friendly volunteers to support people with simple digital queries at our monthly drop-in session.

📍Where: Belmont Library
⏲️When: 1st Monday of each month, 12–2pm
⏱️ Time commitment: Just 2 hours a month

No formal teaching experience needed. Just patience, a willingness to help, and basic digital skills.

👉 Interested or want to find out more?
📧 Email: cultureandsportvolunteers@durham.gov.uk

23/12/2025

🎄✨ Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from everyone at Volunteer Durham! ✨🎄

As we look back on the year, we want to say a huge thank you to all our incredible volunteers. Your time, kindness and commitment make a real difference in our communities, and we couldn’t do what we do without you.

We hope you enjoy a well-earned festive break and look forward to an exciting New Year ahead, filled with new opportunities to get involved.

Thank you for everything you do, see you in 2026! 💫

05/12/2025

Happy International Volunteer Day to all the amazing volunteers across County Durham! 🤝🥰

Today we celebrate the incredible people who give their time, skills and passion to support our communities.

Within Volunteer Durham, our volunteers make a huge contribution to Culture, Sport and Tourism, from leading community walks and supporting group sessions, to helping in our leisure centres, leading group activities in our libraries, and assisting with some of Durham’s most memorable events.

Your energy and commitment help create vibrant, inclusive spaces where people can connect, stay active, learn, and feel part of something special.

Thank you to every volunteer for the difference you make each and every day ✨💫

17/11/2025

A Huge Thank You to Our Lumiere Volunteers!

Lumiere Durham has now come to a close, and we want to say the biggest thank you to every single volunteer who gave their time, energy, and kindness over the three evenings.

In rain, wind, crowds, and the unexpected, you showed the true spirit of Durham; welcoming visitors, supporting each other, and spreading positivity throughout the city. Whether it was your first Lumiere or your ninth, you made a real difference.

Thank you for your passion, your generosity, and your unwavering spirit. You made Lumiere shine. ✨

24/09/2025

From 13–15 November 2025, Durham will once again be transformed by Lumiere, the UK’s largest light art biennial and we need brilliant volunteers to help make it shine ✨

As a Lumiere volunteer, you’ll:
✨ Welcome thousands of visitors to our city
✨ Help people explore the spectacular artworks
✨ Share your local knowledge and passion for Durham
✨ Play a vital role in making the event run smoothly

Want to get involved?
Sign up here: volunteerculturesport.durham.gov.uk
(Select Lumiere Durham 2025)

Please share this opportunity with friends, family, and networks.

04/09/2025

To mark the 200th anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, Southpaw Company is bringing history to life with STEAM, a spectacular outdoor performance that celebrates our region’s proud heritage.

To sign up, visit: southpaw.org.uk/take-part/steam
Or email info@southpaw.org.uk for more details.

We hope many of you will seize this unique chance to be part of history.

07/08/2025

🌟 Lumiere Durham 2025 – Volunteer with Us! 🌟

This November, Durham will once again be transformed by Lumiere, the UK’s largest light art festival and we need amazing volunteers to help make it shine ✨

Whether you’ve volunteered before or are thinking about getting involved for the first time, this is your chance to be part of something truly special.

💫 As a Lumiere volunteer, you’ll:

✨Welcome thousands of visitors to our city

✨Help people explore the spectacular artworks

✨Share your local knowledge and love for Durham

✨Play a key role in making the event run smoothly

📍Want to find out more or sign up?
Visit: volunteerculturesport.durham.gov.uk
(Select Lumiere Durham 2025)

Please help us spread the word! Share this opportunity and encourage others to get involved.

Move County Durham The Story Durham Durham County Council County Durham Libraries

04/08/2025

What a weekend at Seaham Food Festival! 🌞

A massive THANK YOU to our fantastic volunteers who gave up their time and energy to help make the event such a success! 🙌

We enjoyed two glorious sunny days packed with tasty treats, family fun, and brilliant entertainment. Our volunteers were right at the heart of it all, whether supporting traders, guiding visitors, or helping families enjoy the activities, they made a real difference 💛

Take a look at some of the brilliant moments we captured over the weekend 📸

25/07/2025

📸 Lovely to Receive Photos from Our Volunteers! 💛

A huge thank you to our amazing volunteers who kindly shared these fantastic photos from the BRASS 2025 events last weekend! It’s always such a joy to see the festival through your eyes and capture the atmosphere, music, and community spirit that make BRASS so special. 🎷🎺🎶
We’re so grateful to all the volunteers who gave their time and energy to help make this year’s events a success. Your support truly brings these events to life!