Information from... Volunteering for Health
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Volunteering for Health Partnership Innovation and Development Fund now open for applications!
The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Volunteering for Health Partnership is delighted to announce the launch of its new Volunteering for Health Innovation and Development Fund, providing NHS organisations across the Integrated Care System with the opportunity to access funding to develop and test innovative approaches to volunteering.
The Fund has been established to support projects that strengthen the role of volunteering in improving health outcomes, enhancing patient and staff experience, and contributing to service transformation across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. As part of the national Volunteering for Health programme, this investment reinforces our shared commitment to creating a thriving volunteering culture across health and care services
Funding of up to £30,000 per project is available to NHS organisations and statutory NHS partners within the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care System. Projects must commence following approval and be completed by 30 April 2027
The Fund will support projects aligned to one or more of four key Volunteering for Health priorities:
- Increasing the volume and diversity of volunteering opportunities
- Improving the volunteer experience
- Supporting staff volunteering and strengthening connections with local communities
- Developing strategic leadership and system-wide learning around volunteering
We are particularly keen to hear from organisations looking to develop new volunteer roles, create more inclusive volunteering opportunities, improve volunteer management and support, strengthen staff volunteering initiatives, or explore innovative approaches that demonstrate how volunteering can contribute to better health and care services.
Successful projects will not only benefit from financial investment but will also become part of a wider learning community, helping to build evidence of impact, share good practice, and support the growth of volunteering across our health and care system. Funded organisations will work collaboratively with the Volunteering for Health Partnership to ensure learning and innovation can be shared and replicated where appropriate.
Speaking about the launch, the Volunteering for Health Partnership said:
“Volunteers make a vital contribution to our health and care system every day. This new Innovation and Development Fund represents an exciting opportunity for NHS organisations to think differently, test new ideas, and demonstrate how volunteering can improve experiences and outcomes for patients, communities, staff and volunteers. We are looking forward to supporting projects that can help shape the future of volunteering across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.”
.
Applications are now open, and eligible organisations are encouraged to submit proposals that deliver measurable impact, promote collaboration, and contribute to a stronger culture of volunteering throughout the Integrated Care System.
For full details and guidance notes visit our webpage on the link below. To discuss a potential proposal, please contact Amanda Carter on 01782 683030 or amanda.carter@vast.org.uk
