From today, our telephone number has changed. You can now reach VODA on 0191 323 2040. Please update your records, share with your team and feel free to get in touch if you need any support.

Find a great-value, eco-friendly gift this Christmas! Visit the Pre-Loved Bike Event at the Linskill Centre, Sat 15 Nov, 10am–12pm. Over 50 children’s bikes, all safety-checked. First come, first served. Proceeds support Linskill Charity with North Tyneside Council.

VODA's telephone number is changing. From the 17 November our new number will be 0191 323 2040.

The latest VODA ebulletin is out now – your essential update for North Tyneside’s VCSE. Inside this issue: 18 new funding opportunities, last chance to book the AGM, VODA’s new phone number, Trustees’ Week highlights, training, volunteering and more. Read it online: voda.org.uk/enews

Great session today for the North Tyneside Mental Health Alliance on Working with Eating Disorders for Professionals, delivered by Eating Distress North East. Members left feeling more confident and better equipped to support those in their care. Contact [email protected] for Alliance info.

It’s Trustees’ Week! Strengthen your skills as a Trustee with VODA’s free, in-person training. Join our next Trustee Roles & Responsibilities session on Friday 21 November, 10am–12pm at VODA. Book your place: voda.org.uk/training  #TrusteesWeek

North Tyneside Council’s Housing and Property Service is holding advice drop-ins for tenants this winter. Pop by to ask questions or get support on repairs, neighbourhoods, tenancy or Homefinder. No booking needed. Details: https://haveyoursay.northtyneside.gov.uk/come-and-have-a-chat

It’s #TrusteesWeek – a great time to celebrate trustees and boost confidence in managing charity finances. The Charity Commission’s Trustee Finance Toolkit offers practical guides to help boards strengthen financial understanding:

Celebrate Trustees Week with us at our Trustee Networking Brunch on Wed 5 Nov, 10am–12pm at VODA, Wallsend. Enjoy brunch, connect with fellow trustees and be inspired by our guest speaker. Spaces are limited – book now at voda.org.uk/trustee-brunch .

It’s #TrusteesWeek – a time to celebrate the amazing trustees who lead, support and strengthen our local charities and community groups. Across North Tyneside, your time and expertise help organisations thrive. Find events and resources at www.trusteesweek.org .

Less than two weeks to go until VODA’s AGM 2025 on Tues 11 Nov. Spaces are filling fast – book soon to hear from Jackie Laughton, celebrate the VCSE Awards, and connect with local colleagues. 👉 voda.org.uk/agm

Discover how effective campaigning can drive real change. Our latest article shares practical tips to help charities and community groups make a difference on social issues. Read more:

Celebrate Trustees Week with us at our Trustee Networking Brunch on Wed 5 Nov, 10am–12pm at VODA, Wallsend. Enjoy brunch, connect with fellow trustees and be inspired by our guest speaker. Spaces are limited – book now at voda.org.uk/trustee-brunch .

Join the Community Foundation’s Trustees’ Week webinar Diversity and Boardroom Behaviour on 7 Nov, 12–1pm. Explore how to build inclusive, respectful boards where every trustee feels valued & able to contribute.

Whether you’re in the North Tyneside VCSE sector or looking for local jobs or volunteering, the VODA Ebulletin is for you. Get updates, funding news, events, opportunities and more. Sign up at voda.org.uk/ebulletin to stay connected with your community.

Thinking about becoming a trustee or want to build confidence in your role? Join our free Trustee Roles and Responsibilities session on Fri 21 Nov, 10am–12pm at VODA, Wallsend. A friendly, practical session for North Tyneside VCSE trustees. Book now: voda.org.uk/training

A big thank you to Si Beckwith for delivering another brilliant Introduction to Podcasting workshop for local charities and community groups at VODA. Si is a valued Sector Connector partner, and we’re grateful for his ongoing support and generosity in sharing his expertise.

Join VODA’s AGM 2025 on 11 Nov at Wallsend Community Hub & Library. Hear about our achievements, help appoint new trustees, hear from Jackie Laughton, and network with VCSE colleagues. Celebrate the VCSE Awards 2025 too! 👉 Book: voda.org.uk/events

It’s Get Online Week. Good Things Foundation has launched the AI Gateway – a free, easy-to-use platform to help everyone build confidence and understanding around artificial intelligence.

Our latest Governance blog breaks down the new Data Use and Access Act 2025 – what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and what it means for your organisation. Here’s what you need to know: https://voda.org.uk/data-use-and-access-act-2025-what-it-means-for-your-organisation/

In her latest CEO Blog, Vicky Smith shares upcoming VODA events — from the VCSE Leaders’ Forum on Funding to Meet the Funder sessions and our AGM & Sector Awards on 11 Nov (nominations close 23 Oct). Book at voda.org.uk/events or watch the vlog: youtu.be/k8MVWPBuOGI

The latest VODA ebulletin is out now, featuring all the essential news, funding, events and training for the North Tyneside VCSE. Read it online at voda.org.uk/enews

Celebrate NS800 at the Nile Street Party on Sat 1 Nov, 12–4pm! Enjoy live music, poetry, dance, creative stalls, kids’ activities and street food. Free community fun for all ages. 🎟 Book your free ticket: ticketsource.co.uk/creativesofnorthshields

New workshop for voluntary & community organisations on boosting visibility. Learn low-cost tools for brand strategy, content, multimedia, and ethical considerations. Delivered by We Are Intertwined CIC at VODA, Wallsend on 23 Oct, 10–12. Refreshments provided. Book: voda.org.uk/training

When you donate, remember to #TickTheBox! It takes seconds, but it can make a lifetime of difference to others. Gift Aid helps charities do so much more with every donation. #GiftAidAwarenessDay @cfgsocial.bsky.social

Grants of £250–£2,000 are available for not-for-profit groups improving local communities. Focus areas include education, wellbeing, environment and sport. Miller Homes operates in Scotland, the North and the Midlands. Apply by 15 Oct: https://www.millerhomes.co.uk/corporate/community-fund

Autumn is a great time to reflect and set new goals for your organisation. 🍂 Rebecca, VODA’s Governance Advisor, shares advice on reviewing areas for development and addressing governance queries. If you’d like to chat, you can reach her at [email protected] .

New workshop for voluntary & community organisations on boosting visibility. Learn low-cost tools for brand strategy, content, multimedia, and ethical considerations. Delivered by We Are Intertwined CIC at VODA, Wallsend on 23 Oct, 10–12. Refreshments provided. Book: voda.org.uk/training

15 members of the North Tyneside Mental Health Alliance completed a 2-day Mental Health First Aider course with Emm Charlton from Tyneside & Northumberland Mind. Attendees said it was “brilliant” and “really useful”. Find out more: [email protected]

Wallsend RFC is inviting local women and girls to take part in a free RugbyFest open training session on Saturday 4 October, 12–1.30pm at St Peter’s Fields. No experience is needed – just come along, get active and give rugby a try. Open to all girls over 12 and women over 18.

From April to September, 11 gardens in North Tyneside received the Good Neighbours treatment. Volunteers kept gardens tidy and welcoming, with a special thanks to the Explorer Scouts who gave over 32 hours of their time. Your efforts have made a real difference — thank you! 🌼💚

Join VODA’s AGM 2025 on 11 Nov at Wallsend Community Hub & Library. Hear about our achievements, help appoint new trustees, hear from Jackie Laughton, and network with VCSE colleagues. Celebrate the VCSE Awards 2025 too! 👉 Book: voda.org.uk/events

Join the North Tyneside Mental Health Alliance Networking Event on Wed 19 Nov, 9.30–2.45 at The Exchange, North Shields. 57 VCSE member orgs, collaboration with health & statutory partners, and a focus on improving mental health support across the borough. Lunch provided. 👉 voda.org.uk/events

Nominations are open for the North Tyneside VCSE Awards 2025! Celebrate the organisations, volunteers, young people and trustees making a real difference. Deadline 23 Oct. Winners announced 11 Nov at VODA’s AGM. Nominate now: https://voda.org.uk/awards

It may feel early, but now’s the time for charities to plan Christmas campaigns. Set goals, create content and involve your team to make the biggest impact. Read our guide for tips and inspiration: https://voda.org.uk/why-september-is-the-sweet-spot-for-charity-christmas-campaigns/

The latest VODA ebulletin is out now, featuring all the essential news, funding, events and training for the North Tyneside VCSE. Read it online at voda.org.uk/enews

Join Launchpad for a World Mental Health Day celebration 📅 Wednesday 8 October 🕚 11am – 3pm 📍 Cullercoats Crescent Club The event is open to all and is a great opportunity to come together, share experiences, and put mental health at the heart of our community.

Nominations are open for the North Tyneside VCSE Awards 2025! Celebrate local organisations, volunteers, young people and trustees making a real difference. Deadline: 23 Oct. Winners announced 11 Nov at VODA’s AGM. Nominate today: voda.org.uk/awards

Do you know someone who struggles with phones, tablets, or computers? Help Me Be Digital offers free one-to-one support at weekly drop-ins: Tues (Oxford Centre), Wed (Wallsend Library), Thurs (North Shields Library), all 10–12. Share this with someone who might benefit. Info: voda.org.uk/digital

eBay’s Big Give with @easyuk offers TEN £500 unrestricted funding pots to community organisations in September. Find out how to get your organisation in the draw here: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/community/

North Tyneside Volunteer Network Meeting – Tue 9 Sept, 10–11.30am at VODA, Wallsend & on Zoom. Includes an update on volunteer recruitment and DBS checks from the Disclosure and Barring Service.  📅 Book your place here: voda.org.uk/events

We’ve got a great line-up of free Sector Connector training sessions for charities, community groups and volunteers in North Tyneside, Newcastle/Gateshead & Northumberland. Topics include DBS checks, podcasting, Microsoft 365 tips, digital skills & more. Book at voda.org.uk/training

Charities and community groups will be at the Volunteer Fair sharing opportunities to get involved. Pop along on 13 Sept, 11–4, Beacon Centre, North Shields. Fun for all as part of North Tyneside Together.

The North East Economic Inactivity Trailblazer VCSE Small Grant Programme is open. Grants of £40k–£70k are available to support communities in Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, Sunderland & Durham. Deadline 10 Sept. Apply: https://ow.ly/FzTP50WISTR

Breaking Barriers – The Next Steps PROPS is hosting its next event on 2 September, 5–7.30pm at Christ Church, North Shields. The evening will share updates on new projects, recovery support and ways to challenge stigma around addiction. 📞 0191 226 3440 for details.

Free Sector Connector Training – All Things DBS. Join this free workshop with the Disclosure and Barring Service on 16 Sept, 10–11.30. Attend online via Teams or in person at VODA, Wallsend. Open to VCSE in North Tyneside, Northumberland, Newcastle & Gateshead. Booking: voda.org.uk/training

Funding alert: Grants of £25K–£500K for new digital inclusion projects in England. Support for testing innovative approaches or replicating proven models in new areas. Deadline: 10 Sept 2025. Details: https://find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/digital-inclusion-innovation-fund-2

Food justice isn’t just about food on the table – it’s about fairness, dignity and community. Our latest blog shares practical ways to take action, from supporting local food banks and community cafés to joining national campaigns. Read more: https://voda.org.uk/get-active-for-food-justice/

Has your organisation reviewed its policies recently? Our latest blog explains why safeguarding, finance and data protection policies need regular updates – plus where to find free example templates.  📄 Read the full blog here: https://voda.org.uk/why-reviewing-your-charitys-policies-matters/

Urgent call for volunteers! Can you help someone in North Tyneside with shopping, a hospital return visit, gardening or a small DIY task? Just an hour or two can make a big difference. Full support provided. 📧 [email protected] 📞 0191 643 2626