Cumbria Volunteering Strategy Engagement Workshop – Carlisle

Volunteers are pivotal to the work of many of our local organisations and volunteering is a powerful force for change on both a local and national level, but we know that currently it isn’t equally accessible or enjoyable for everyone. Over recent years we have seen many changes to the way in which people volunteer because of the pandemic, cost of living crisis and a rise in loneliness and as a result volunteering needs to adapt to remain relevant, strong and attractive for both existing and future volunteers.

Cumbria CVS is committed to future proofing volunteering activity across the county and over the next few months will be running a series of engagement workshops with local community groups, third sector organisations, key stakeholders and partners and volunteers from local communities to develop a Cumbria Volunteering Strategy.

Working with the themes outlined in the Vision for Volunteering; a movement set up to create a local voice to influence and encourage a more diverse, inclusive and person-centred future for volunteering, the workshops will explore how volunteering needs to adapt to fit our changing world.

We are inviting YOU to come along to share your Vision for the Future of Volunteering in Cumbria to the:

Cumbria Volunteering Strategy Engagement Workshop

Tuesday 21 October 2025 from 1-3pm

Cumbria CVS, Shaddongate Resource Centre, Shaddongate, Carlisle

Whether you a charity needing volunteers, a current or past volunteer, a member of the community, organisation, partner or key stakeholder we would encourage you to book your place today at this session.

Together we aim to look at the Cumbria Vision for Volunteering five key themes which are:

• Awareness and appreciation
• Power
• Equity and inclusion
• Collaboration
• Experimentation

We want to look at what does volunteering look like locally?

What are the challenges around volunteering in our local area?

What are the opportunities around volunteering in our local area?

We are aware one of the key challenges is around the recruitment of volunteers but we want to look at how together we can take to start working towards the future described in each of the Vision for Volunteering Themes.

How can we ensure that volunteers are at the centre of discussions and their voices and views are respected and heard? If you know of any volunteers that want to get involved we would love them to join our engagement workshops too!

Cumbria CVS is planning to launch the Volunteering Strategy in 2026 and we are keen to ensure that we are involving our local community, volunteers, charities, organisations and key stakeholders and partners to shape and influence the strategy for volunteering in Cumbria so together we can help strengthen Volunteering across the county.

Eligibility Statement:
This course is exclusively for individuals and organizations within the voluntary sector in Cumbria, this includes charities, community groups, community interest companies, friendly societies, social clubs, many sports clubs, churches and other faith groups, and voluntary organisations. Bookings from those outside this sector may not be accepted, If you are from outside the sector or want to check if you can book a place please contact  via info@cumbriacvs.org.uk

To book your please, click here.