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At our annual lunch on 10 June we celebrated the dedication and outstanding achievements of members of the local community.

What we do

We help individuals find volunteering opportunities that suit them best. We work with local organisations to find volunteers for recurring and one-off projects. We advise organisations about creating schemes that give employees the opportunity to volunteer. We provide advice, support and training.

Composite image of volunteers in action
Some volunteer activities L to R: Trimming undergrowth in Filnore Woods; helping in the Lions Bookshop;caring for donkeys at the local sanctuary; giving computer advice in Thornbury Library.

Be a volunteer!

A volunteer serving tea in the café.
Volunteers run the Over 60s Café.

Volunteering is about giving your time to a good cause. You don’t get paid, but you do get the chance to use your talents, develop new skills, and experience the pleasure that comes from making a real difference to other people’s lives, as well as your own.

Who can be a volunteer?

Anyone. Whatever your age, background or work experience, you will have a skill someone needs. No matter how busy you are, there will be something you can do. It can be trickier to find volunteer roles if you are under 16, but not impossible. Just ask us.

What can I do?

Anything. (Almost.) More than 100 different volunteer roles are available in the Thornbury area, from driving to gardening, fundraising to shop work, befriending to administration. There’s something for everyone.

How do I get started?

Search our opportunities to find one you like, then follow it up with us. Or you can ask us to suggest an opportunity that inspires you. (Contact details are at the bottom of the page.) Either way, it’s best to register with us first so we know a little about you and your interests. See also our frequently asked questions page.

Find a volunteer!

Red Cross volunteers at an event.
Red Cross volunteers at an event.

Every month, new people register to volunteer with us from all walks of life. We provide a range of services to help you to find the volunteers you need.

More than just great volunteers

With nearly three decades of experience, we know that finding a volunteer is only the start. Planning is essential to successfully place and retain volunteers. That’s why we can also provide you with good practice advice, resources, support and training and help you provide successful experiences for both yourselves and your volunteers. We can also help you set up an employer-supported volunteering scheme.

Getting started

To start recruiting volunteers, you need to complete our organisation registration form and register your volunteering opportunities so that we can promote them for you. For information and advice at any time, get in touch with us. (Our contact details are at the bottom of the page.) See also our frequently asked questions page.

Volunteer Awards Lunch

We proudly celebrated the remarkable contributions of local volunteers at our volunteer awards lunch held on 10 June 2026.

The event brought together community members to recognise the impact and dedication of those who give their time and talents to make a difference.

Our Chair, Catherine Mason, said: ‘Volunteering helps individuals, organisations and the wider community. The awards lunch was buzzing with the spirit this creates for all. The awards celebrated the work of inspirational people, but the lunch was a celebration of everything volunteering. We are always glad to have played a part in finding and matching volunteers.’

Guests at the volunteer lunch in the United Reform Church.
Guests at the volunteer awards lunch in the United Reform Church, Thornbury.

The Alan Hudson Award was presented to The Armstrong in recognition of the restoration of Cossham Hall. More details.

The Clare Fardell Award was presented to Phoebe Jones and Chelsea Horseman, honouring their outstanding volunteer work. More details.

The award winners embody the spirit of generosity and dedication that makes our work possible. We are deeply grateful for their contributions.