This month, we proudly celebrated Volunteers Week (1st–7th June 2025) – a national campaign to recognise the incredible contributions volunteers make to communities across the UK. At Nuvo Wellbeing, our volunteers are at the heart of what we do, helping us to deliver life-changing projects across East Durham and beyond.
To honour the occasion, we hosted a week full of gratitude, celebration, and inspiration. From shout-outs on social media to volunteer spotlights and special thank-you events, we took the time to acknowledge the dedication and compassion of every single person who gives their time to support our mission.
But our commitment to volunteering doesn’t stop at just one week. Throughout the year, we continue to invest in meaningful opportunities for people to give back to their communities, develop new skills, and improve their wellbeing. Two of our standout programmes that champion this ethos are NuVolunteering and Active Advantage.
💜 NuVolunteering
Funded by The National Lottery, NuVolunteering was designed to tackle loneliness, improve physical and mental health, and enhance social inclusion in deprived areas of East Durham.
At the heart of this programme are free community dance sessions and a volunteering scheme that builds confidence, skills, and self-esteem. Here’s what we achieved:
- 163 participants engaged in our sessions
- 8 individuals completed Level 2 Seated Dance and Exercise training
- 98% of participants reported improved physical fitness and mental wellbeing
- 89% felt more socially included after just six months
This programme is about more than movement – it’s about meaningful connections, personal growth, and community empowerment.
💪 Active Advantage: Volunteering Training
Thanks to support from Believe Housing, our Active Advantage programme brought weekly dance and fitness sessions to East Durham, promoting health, happiness, and community spirit.
As well as offering sessions that supported 63 individuals’ wellbeing, we provided:
- Volunteer opportunities in a supportive, inclusive environment
- Coaching and training to help participants gain new skills and contribute locally
The impact has been extraordinary – with a Social Return on Investment (SROI) of £206.07 for every £1 spent, amounting to a total social value of £2,038,385 – far surpassing our target of £150,738!
A Huge Thank You 💐
To all our volunteers – whether you’ve supported a single event or committed to weekly sessions – we are truly grateful. You’re not only helping us deliver our programmes; you’re uplifting entire communities.
If you’re interested in volunteering with us or want to find out more about our programmes, get in touch or visit our website – we’d love to have you on board!
Here’s to our volunteers – past, present and future – and to building healthier, happier communities together. ❤️
