A Celebration of Volunteering in Somerset

Struggling to recruit and support your volunteers? You're not alone.

Somerset has a thriving community of volunteers, yet 69% of organisations said they do not have enough, and half say they can’t offer consistent training or support. But what if we could change that?

We’re reimagining volunteering in Somerset — building skill pathways, forging strategic partnerships with the private sector, and creating new ways for organisations and volunteers to collaborate.

We’re inviting organisations and volunteers to join us and share their thoughts on what’s working, what could be better, and how we can support more people to get involved and thrive through volunteering. 

Join the Spark Somerset team, Amanda Naylor OBE, CEO of national charity, Volunteering Matters, and national volunteering experts, Gethyn Williams and Ruth Leonard to share your insights and help co-create a stronger, more connected volunteering landscape in Somerset.

Your voice matters. Be part of the change.

Along with our keynote speakers and presentations there will be interactive workshops on the themes emerging from the vision, inspirational stories from Somerset volunteers, plus, opportunities to connect and collaborate during breaks and over lunch.

About the speakers

Amanda is a passionate advocate for all things volunteering being the CEO of national charity Volunteering Matters. Amanda contributes to national panels and advisory groups, works alongside senior leaders in government, policing, health, and social care and serves as a chair, trustee and strategic advisor across the third sector. 

Gethyn brings extensive experience supporting local and national organisations to create impactful volunteering programmes and campaigns, and was formerly part of the London 2012 Legacy Team, Volunteering Matters, and the Government’s Covid-19 Volunteering unit. He has also contributed to the national Vision for Volunteering, supported The Big Help Out, and developed innovative volunteering approaches in health and care. 

Ruth works with organisations to develop inclusive ways of involving people in volunteering. She’s the co-author of Volunteer Involvement: An Introduction to Theory and Practice and has contributed to strategic work that puts volunteering at the heart of creating solutions. With a strong background in engagement, Ruth is passionate about supporting others to grow their skills in this area. 

Tickets are limited to three per organisation.