We’re proud to be one of just 12 areas in the country to be awarded Volunteering for Health funding. This has enabled us to invest in volunteering as a key part of the health and social care landscape in Somerset. While some organisations may not consider health as their core mission, almost every volunteer-involving group contributes to the wellbeing of their communities. 

At the heart of this initiative is a clear vision and strategy: to bring together voluntary organisations, local councils, the NHS, and any group working with volunteers.  

Working with experienced consultants, Gethyn Williams and Ruth Leonard our goal is to make volunteering easier to access, more inclusive and truly valued.

What’s shaping our volunteering strategy?

Community based Volunteer for Health pilots

We’re running two programmes in Frome and Wincanton to test new approaches to volunteering, gather insights about what’s working well and help us shape the Vision. 

Research

In early 2025, we worked with Wonder Insight to conduct research that enabled us to better understand the barriers and motivations to volunteering in Somerset.  

Drawing on feedback from 255 current, lapsed and potential volunteers and over 70 organisations, the responses highlight key issues such as: 

• over-reliance on an ageing volunteer population
•  lack of capacity to support volunteers
• limited collaboration between VCFSEs

Just as importantly, they identify opportunities to engage with younger people and businesses, develop skills-based pathways, and reimagine volunteering to make it more inclusive and accessible. 

These insights will inform the priorities and help ensure the Vision is based on what volunteers and organisations have told us they need.