Voluntary Action Islington

12/11/2025

The new Charity Governance Code 2025 is here!

The updated Charity Governance Code sets out eight key principles designed to help charities of all sizes strengthen leadership, accountability, and transparency.

It’s a practical guide that supports trustees and charity leaders to reflect on how their organisation is run, covering areas such as leadership, integrity, decision-making, diversity, risk, people, and culture.

Good governance is at the heart of a strong, trusted, and effective charity sector.

Review the Code
Reflect on your governance practices
“Apply or explain” how your organisation meets the principles

Find out more and download the full Code here: https://www.charitygovernancecode.org/

28/10/2025

Looking for new grants and funding to support your work? This month’s booklet is full of opportunities for charities and community groups across London and beyond.

We’ve even broken it down into sections for Black and Minority Ethnic communities, Youth, and Children & Young People so you can find what matters most to you.

Download in Word or PDF here - https://vai.org.uk/services/support-for-groups/fundraising-support-and-information/

Don’t miss out, explore the latest opportunities today!

20/10/2025

The October 2025 Funding Booklet is here!

We’ve packed it full of new funding opportunities and organised it into sections for BME, Youth, and Children & Young People to help you find the ones that matter most.

You can download it in Word or PDF — whichever works best for you.

Check it out here: vai.org.uk/2025/10/10/october-2025-funding-booklet-is-now-out/

Take a look today, your next opportunity could be inside!

20/10/2025

Did you know volunteering can boost mental health? By giving your time, you can gain connection, purpose, and wellbeing.

We’re excited to invite you to the Autumn 25 Volunteering Fair in Islington & Camden:
Tue 21 Oct | 2–4pm | Vibast Centre, 167 Old Street, EC1V 9NH

At the Fair you can:
Meet more than 20 local organisations
Talk with staff from Volunteer Centres in Islington & Camden
Register or refresh your volunteering profile
Explore volunteer opportunities tailored to you

Pop by, get inspired, and join a community doing good, for others and yourself.
Invite a friend, share this post, or drop us a message if you want more info!

14/10/2025

The October Funding Booklet is here!

It’s packed with lots of new funding opportunities ready for you to explore. To make it easier, we’ve organised the booklet into sections for:
Black and Minority Ethnic
Youth
Children & Young People

You can view or download the booklet in Word or PDF format, whichever works best for you.

Click here to take a look and download: https://vai.org.uk/services/support-for-groups/fundraising-support-and-information/

Don’t miss out, check out the latest opportunities today and share with anyone who might benefit!

13/10/2025

We’re delighted to invite Islington and Camden residents to the Autumn 2025 Volunteering Fair, hosted in partnership with Volunteer Centre Islington and Volunteer Centre Camden.

Tuesday 21st October 2025 | 2–4pm |
Vibast Community Centre, 169 Old Street, EC1V 9NH

This event is a fantastic opportunity to:
- Connect with over 20 local organisations
- Explore flexible volunteer roles
- Build skills, confidence, and community connections

No need to book – join us on the day!

13/10/2025

We’re delighted to invite you to our Annual General Meeting & Volunteer of the Year Awards 2025!

Thursday 6th November
5:30pm - 8pm
London Metropolitan University’s Great Hall

This special evening is all about celebrating the inspiring volunteers who make a difference across Islington’s voluntary, community, and faith sectors.

The Mayor of Islington, Cllr Jason Jackson, will present awards in categories including Young Volunteer, Volunteer, Older Volunteer, Volunteering Team, and Trustee of the Year.

Last year, we had over 125 nominees; this year is set to be our biggest yet!

Book your free ticket today: https://ow.ly/1iGj50X9LcI

Let’s come together as a community to celebrate the amazing work of volunteers!

26/09/2025

The video of last year's Islington Volunteer of the Year Awards reminds us why volunteers are the heartbeat of Islington. Their stories show us they deserve to be recognised and are truly representative of community spirit.

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVOv8lKj-Ks

Nominate a volunteer who has made a difference in your life or in the community by completing the form here: https://forms.office.com/e/xgEm3TXTSt

We have 5 categories you can nominate a volunteer for:

1. Young Volunteer of the Year: 16 - 25 years old
2. Volunteer of the Year: 26 - 60 years old
3. Older Volunteer of the Year: 60+ years old
4. Pat Haynes Memorial Trustee of the Year
5. Volunteering Team of the Year

The closing date for nominations is Wednesday 1st October 2025.

Let's make this year's Islington Volunteer of the Year Awards even more unforgettable!

On Wednesday, 6th November 2024, Voluntary Action Islington celebrates its Annual General Meeting & the of the Year Awards 2024.

25/09/2025

Yasin Yahya is a shining example of an inspirational young person who had volunteered from an early age to achieve great things with Pro Touch SA CIC.

Yasin began volunteering at just 15, whilst bringing his younger brother to sports sessions in Islington.

From dedicating 3-5 hours per week to assist the coaching staff, he is now a qualified Football Coach and Referee.

Do you know someone aged 16–25 who has made a lasting impact through volunteering?

Nominate them now for the Islington Young Volunteer of the Year Award 2025! Click the link here: https://ow.ly/ofgv50X2e42

24/09/2025

Nominations for the Islington Volunteer of the Year Awards 2025 are now open and close in 1 week on Wednesday 1st October.

We have 5 categories you can nominate volunteers for who have made a transformative impact:

1. Young Volunteer of the Year: 16 - 25 year olds
2. Volunteer of the Year: 26 - 60 year olds
3. Older Volunteer of the Year: 60+ year olds
4. Pat Haynes Memorial Trustee of the Year
5. Volunteering Team of the Year

There are winner, highly commended and commended awards up for grabs in each category.

Let’s give Islington’s unsung heroes the recognition they deserve!

Nominate your volunteers here now: https://ow.ly/IRxQ50X1wQ7

23/09/2025

Celebrating Volunteers, Inspiring Change.

Last year’s Winner: Latin American Women’s Aid’s Volunteering Team (LAWA)

LAWA’s volunteers, women from the global majority, gave over 2,500 hours between January and September 2024 to support migrant women survivors of domestic violence. Offering services in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, they provided vital assistance with housing, benefits, education, employment, advocacy, and, above all, the resources to escape abuse and rebuild their lives.

Their dedication demonstrates the transformative power of volunteer teams.

Nominations are now open! If you know a team making an outstanding impact, nominate them today: https://ow.ly/rIVY50X0I37

22/09/2025

Do you know a trustee in Islington who has made an incredible impact? Nominate them now for the Pat Haynes Memorial Trustee award.

Last year's winner was Stephen Mullen from Culpeper Community Garden.

He was involved with Culpeper for more than 25 years; starting as a Gardener and ending up as a Trustee and Treasurer - roles he held for the past 12 years!

Be quick to nominate your volunteers - nominations close next Wednesday 1st October.

Volunteers don't just have to be trustees. To nominate them now and to find out more details about the award categories, click here: https://ow.ly/aRbu50X0gLB