Volunteering

Our State of the Sector Survey in 2013 found that there were 3,093 voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations in Manchester, with an estimated income of £477 million. The sector employed the equivalent of 12,400 full time staff and 94,300 volunteers gave 370,000 hours, with an estimated value of £332 million. Decision makers took note of the survey results, we know it increased their understanding of the sector. Some of the key facts (3093 organisations, 94,300 volunteers) are now widely quoted by colleagues in the Council, the NHS and other bodies such as Big Lottery Fund.

Next week, over 35 Manchester voluntary sector organisations will be involved in Spirit Story, a week-long campaign to provide a snapshot of how our work makes a difference to people and communities across the city.

The activities that will be included vary from a youth group to community gardening and a sporting memories group. Even if your organisation isn’t involved, you can follow the stories next week in a number of ways:

Would you like to raise awareness of your organisation? Celebrate your community and the work you do together? Recruit new supporters, volunteers and funds? If so, then we would love for you to hold an event as part of this year's Spirit of Manchester Festival!

Spirit Story is a week-long campaign taking place from 19-23 September that will document the extraordinary everyday work of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in Manchester. Over 30 organisations are now involved but there is still time for your organisation to sign up.

Greater Manchester’s Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner is calling on local people to give up their free time to support young and vulnerable people.

The region’s Appropriate Adult scheme provides support and guidance to young and vulnerable people who have been arrested and have no parent or guardian to call on. 

Last week we launched Sprit Story, a week-long campaign taking place in September that will document the extraordinary everyday stories of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in Manchester. We have already had a great response so please contact us to make sure your organisation is involved!

Who's your hero? Is there a superstar in your area who deserves their moment in the spotlight?

The Be Proud Awards are a great way to celebrate the city's armies of volunteers who make 'Our Manchester' great, and to thank those extraordinary individuals and groups that work hard to help others. These people make a real difference in communities and help to improve local neighbourhoods.

On Thursday 18 August 2016 we announced the winner for our Spirit of Manchester 2016 Best Community Space Award – congratulations to Growing in the City!

This is the first year of the Best Community Space award and we decided that you the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in Manchester should decide the winner. We are delighted that over 700 votes were cast in our online vote.