Volunteer Groups in Whitley Bay

Whitley Bay has a vibrant volunteer scene, anchored by the Big Local community initiative and supported by North Tyneside-wide organisations like VODA. Here is the guide to getting involved.

Whitley Bay Big Local

Whitley Bay Big Local is a community-led initiative that enables people who live or work in the Big Local area to get together and improve the town. A small team of workers is supported by over 50 regular volunteers, and they are always looking for more.

Best for: Whitley Bay Big Local relies on over 50 regular volunteers to run a community cafe, community shop, and a calendar of local activities. New volunteers are always welcome.

Volunteering roles include helping run activities, supporting the cafe team, running the community shop, and helping with events and outreach.

Peer Talk

Peer Talk supports people aged 18 and over who are living with anxiety. Volunteer facilitators help run support groups in Whitley Bay, providing a safe space for people to talk. Training is provided.

Age UK North Tyneside

Age UK North Tyneside offers befriending opportunities, reducing social isolation and loneliness by matching volunteers with older people in the borough. Befriending can be face-to-face visits, regular phone calls, or both.

Whitley Bay and District Scouts

Scouting in Whitley Bay and the surrounding area relies on adult volunteers to run meetings, camps, and activities for young people. If you have a few hours a week or can help at occasional events, the local Scout groups are always looking for leaders and assistants.

VODA

VODA (Voluntary Organisations Development Agency) is the central hub for volunteering in North Tyneside. Their volunteering team can match you with an organisation that suits your interests, from environmental projects to working with young people or older adults. Email volunteering@voda.org.uk or use their online search platform.

Parkrun

Whitley Bay parkrun is a free weekly 5k event that depends entirely on volunteers for course set-up, marshalling, timekeeping, and barcode scanning. No experience needed and families are welcome. Check the parkrun website for details.

Litter Picking

Several informal groups run beach and promenade litter picks along the Whitley Bay seafront. North Tyneside Council can loan equipment (litter pickers, bags, high-visibility vests) to any group -- contact the council's environmental services team to arrange.

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Know a volunteer group in Whitley Bay we should add? Get in touch via our contact page.