The importance of volunteering and how to get involved in the Newcastle community

In a world where individualism reigns supreme, personal success has become the central pursuit of everyday life, following the mantra “you don’t owe anyone anything” as if it is some universal truth. We are told to be self-sufficient, even if that means stepping on those around us to get there. This quiet cultural shift has led to the erosion of the local community.

Despite this, volunteering stands as one of the most powerful ways to rekindle that sense of community. It invites us to step beyond ourselves, to act without expectation of reward, and to rediscover the good that comes from giving freely. Honest volunteering isn’t performative for the sake of appearances, but about finding genuine passion in service and aligning your actions with causes that move you.

Community also fosters countless chances for growth, both for those offering help and for those receiving it. Communication, empathy, teamwork, and leadership all emerge from engaging with others in meaningful ways. By working together toward shared goals, we not only strengthen our communities but also cultivate the social and emotional intelligence that fuels both personal and professional development. In this sense, helping others becomes a form of mutual enrichment. Each act of involvement, however small, can make a huge impact on someone's life who truly needs it.

NUSU’s Go Volunteer programme offers a plethora of opportunities to get involved, ranging from projects like North East Solidarity and Teaching (N.E.S.T), which supports refugees and asylum seekers in the region, to Nightline, a confidential student listening service. They also have more creative initiatives, such as Procrastiknitting, where students craft for charity and even write for The Courier! For those with busier academic schedules, NUSU provides ‘micro-volunteering’ and ‘one-offs’ for those who may not have the time to commit fully.

Outside of university, from the myriad of charity shops that line the city’s streets, to local food banks, museums, and environmental projects, there are countless avenues to make a tangible difference. Whether it’s supporting vulnerable groups at the People’s Kitchen, helping preserve the natural landscape with Ouseburn Trust, or contributing to cultural and creative causes at North East Museums, Newcastle offers a wide network of organisations driven by a shared commitment to community wellbeing. You can find these through websites such as the Newcastle Volunteer Centre, Get Volunteering and Volunteering Matters.