Volunteering
We have opportunities for people to train as trustees, administrators, social policy campaigners and more. With so many different roles available you should be able to find a way to get involved. Find out more about what is in it for you if you join Newcastle Healthy City. You could:
- become a trustee board member, responsible for the development of a project
- support the smooth running of the office as an administrator or receptionist
- help us campaign for change as a social policy campaigner gathering evidence about communities issues to change policies
- provide IT support
- fundraise for the NHC or help get issues covered in the local media.
What do our volunteers do?
Administrators
Receptionists
IT support co-ordinators
Trustee board members
Campaigners
Some projects also involve volunteers in other roles, such as press and PR, fundraising, volunteer recruitment and community liaison.
Administrators
Administrators ensure that office systems run smoothly. There are many different administrative roles - we can match your skills and time available to the NHC's needs. Tasks may include:
- using spreadsheets, databases and word processing packages
- maintaining and developing administrative systems
- stock control of leaflets and materials and updating information
- helping to arrange events
- receiving and sending faxes, mail, email and telephone calls
- taking notes and minutes at meetings.
Receptionists
Receptionists are the public face of the projects. This role would suit people who are methodical, organised and patient. As a receptionist, you would:
- greet people and make them feel comfortable
- arrange appointments and answer phone calls
- provide information on the service to clients
- manage the waiting room
- keep records
IT support co-ordinators
The NHC is increasingly taking advantage of developments in Information Technology. As an IT support volunteer you may be involved in a variety of areas, depending on your skills and the time you have available, for example:
- supporting and training users in day-to-day use of IT systems
- troubleshooting hardware and software problems
- maintaining and developing networks
- designing spreadsheets, databases and websites.
Trustee board members
We are an independent charity, governed by our own board of trustees, who are ultimately responsible for the quality and range of the projects. Day-to-day control is delegated to the Chief Executive, but trustees:
- set the overall direction and support the development of Newcastle Healthy City
- ensure the project meets the needs of the local community and any appropriate standards
- employ staff and control finances
- ensure the organisation complies with relevant laws.
Trustee boards need people from all sections of the community with a wide range of different skills, experience and perspectives. Trustee boards tend to meet in the evenings, making this a flexible role, which trustees often fit around a full-time job. A full induction into the trustee board's role and responsibilities will be provided.
Campaigners
Campaigners use information from problems or issues brought to the projects by service users to help bring about real change by influencing local and national policy. This is a flexible role, which can sometimes be partly carried out away from the office and outside opening hours. It can involve:
- completing and collating evidence that inform about the issues
- identifying and raising issues in the relevant forums
- training staff and volunteers in spotting particular issues
- conducting research and writing reports on local issues
- media campaigning and liaising with other projects and agencies to provide a voice for clients.
For more on our social policy work, please visit the Campaigns section.
Getting in touch
Please email us to find out more about being a volunteer or contact us in person, by letter or phone.
Volunteer information request [Emailable form]
