New Fund Launched to Help More People Get Involved in Volunteering

A new fund has launched in Norfolk and Waveney to help more people experience the benefits of volunteering — especially those who may not usually get the chance. The Get Involved Innovation Fund is offering grants of up to £7,500 to local charities and community groups who want to explore new and creative ways to support people into volunteering.

The focus is on making volunteering more accessible for three key groups:

• Adults with learning disabilities
• People who are neurodivergent or autistic
• Young people who are currently in care or who have recently left care

These individuals often face extra barriers to getting involved — from a lack of support, to not being asked, or not knowing where to start. This fund aims to break down those barriers and open up volunteering to everyone, helping more people feel confident, included, and connected to their communities.

Supporting New Ideas That Make a Difference

The fund is designed to help local organisations test out new approaches. Whether it’s launching a new activity, adapting an existing one, or reaching out to people in a different way — the key is that it’s something new for your group, and it’s focused on welcoming people who haven’t volunteered before.

Projects can take place in the community or in health and care settings. They could be anything from gardening groups or youth theatre to skills sessions or peer support circles. What matters is that they help people become “volunteering ready” — building confidence, learning what volunteering involves, and having a real chance to give it a go.

The funding can cover costs like venue hire, staff time, transport, personal support, and equipment — whatever is needed to make your idea happen.

Simple, Supportive Application Process

The application process has been kept simple and friendly. It starts with a short Expression of Interest form. Once submitted, your group will be invited to chat through your idea with the Volunteering Innovation Manager. You’ll also get support with planning, delivering, and evaluating your project — including how to collect stories and feedback from participants.

Groups can apply more than once, and if a first bid isn’t successful, you’ll be offered help to strengthen your proposal before trying again. Multiple application rounds will run between May 2025 and March 2027.

This is a great opportunity for not-for-profit organisations working in Norfolk or Waveney who already support one or more of the target groups to try something new and have a lasting impact.

Why Volunteering Matters

Volunteering can be life changing. It’s not just about giving back — it’s also about gaining new skills, building confidence, meeting people, and improving mental and physical wellbeing. Research shows that volunteering can reduce loneliness, anxiety, and depression, and help people feel more connected to their community.

But we know that not everyone feels that volunteering is “for them.” That’s something we want to change.

Part of a National Programme

The Get Involved Innovation Fund is part of Volunteering for Health, a £10 million national programme funded by NHS England, NHS Charities Together, and CW+ (the charity for Chelsea and Westminster Hospital). The goal is to make volunteering more inclusive, particularly for people who experience unfair health inequalities.

The Norfolk and Waveney programme is a partnership between NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, Norfolk County Council, Voluntary Norfolk, Community Action Norfolk, Community Action Suffolk, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and the Institute for Volunteering Research at the University of East Anglia.

Together, we’re working to ensure more people have the opportunity to take part in volunteering — and experience all the benefits it brings.

Find Out More

To learn more or to submit your Expression of Interest, click here.