Launched in 2024, Working4Good is a dedicated service which provides free specialised training and support to help build stronger foundations for future volunteers and volunteering in Hull.

Designed and delivered by Hull CVS, the creation of this service was shaped from research conducted in 2023 to understand:

• the needs of and barriers faced by people locally around volunteering and employment.
• the types and quality of routine training provided to local volunteers.
• which opportunities are available to young people.

From this research, we found that whilst volunteering provides anyone with the chance to make a difference, try activities in a safe environment and the opportunity to build local communities, for some, taking that first step is the most difficult and there needs to be some kind of entry-level support available.

While volunteers do undergo some form of training, we found the quantity and quality can differ organisation to organisation, as it largely depends on factors such as funding, capacity and knowledge.

When looking at volunteering opportunities for young people, we found the some difficulties included a lack of specialised roles or organisations not having the relevant policies, procedures and insurance in place.

With the above in mind, we designed Working4Good to offer three different strands of support:

Volunteer Academy Training Programme

The Volunteer Academy Training Programme is a Hull-based initiative which provides volunteers with a robust package of practical information and advice to improve their overall experience.

By imparting knowledge that conforms to current legislation and guidelines at no cost to the individual or organisation, this programme helps to address the gap between the quantity and quality of training offered to volunteers in Hull.

Volunteer to Employment Programme

The Volunteer to Employment Programme was designed to offer individuals person-centred support by understanding their needs and long-term ambitions and working with them at their pace to ensure they gain maximum benefit from their volunteering journey.

Youth Work Experience Programme

The Youth Work Experience Programme provides addresses the barriers faced by an offer of support to local organisations so they can offer opportunities to those under 18 years old and a dedicated platform for them to advertise and young people to find local opportunities.

In 2024 - 25, Working4Good:

• Welcomed 215 Attendees (with 62% aged 16 to 25 years old)
• Supported 76 People (through dedicated one-to-one sessions)
• Sourced 195 Volunteering Opportunities (with particular interest in Community, Health and Older People)
• Supported 39 Students (through education setting based drop-in sessions)

The impact and benefit of the support offered through Working4Good could not be better said than feedback we received from a local volunteer:

"I found out about the Voluntary Academy Training Programme via Facebook. I applied for the training which was most helpful. I had not been in an office environment for many years, so attending a course; examining and re-writing course content; enjoying a lovely lunch; benefiting greatly from excellent training; I must say that it boosted me to no end.

You then offered ongoing one-to-one sessions, which I was happy to attend. I have attended two meetings so far and I was most impressed by the teams willingness to help me log on to online volunteering opportunities; discuss what might be available to me and most importantly, examine volunteering opportunities that could support my long-term educational wishes. Age was no barrier throughout my encounters with Working4Good.

I have found you enthusiastic, helpful, encouraging and indeed I think I found the strength and resolve to apply for a long-standing educational course, in no small measure, thanks to you."

If you are interested in finding out more about our Year One Impact, please visit: https://working4good.org.uk/year-one-impact/