Voluntary Action
North Somerset
Your local independent charity, who for over 25 years have been the champion of the non-profit-making sector across North Somerset. This year we’ve fine-tuned and our mission to better serve our community, ensuring we make the biggest possible impact.
Our Vision
‘A world where individuals and organisations are empowered, and everyone feels connected and engaged.’
Our Mission
‘To inspire, lead, support, advocate, and influence people to take positive action in creating a more connected, inclusive, and thriving community for everyone.’
Our Objectives
To advocate and develop leadership within non-profit-making organisations.
To encourage and develop partnerships and collaborations.
To create, develop, and strengthen a dynamic non-profit-making sector.
To develop and grow volunteering.
Our Values
Collaboration: We believe in working together with partners, volunteers, and the community to achieve greater impact.
Empowerment: We empower individuals to realise their potential and make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others.
Inclusivity: We embrace diversity to create an environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued.
Innovation: We continuously seek new and creative ways to address social challenges and drive positive change.
Resilience: In an everchanging world we seek innovative solutions for ourselves and encourage others to do the same.
If you’re looking for a volunteering opportunity, click the orange button below. If you are looking for some volunteers and want to register the opportunities on our online database, then click the blue button below:
Thank you to the VANS Trustees!![]()
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This Trustees’ Week, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to our incredible Board of Trustees. Your dedication, expertise, and unwavering belief in the power of communities make everything we do at VANS possible.![]()
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You give your time, energy, and wisdom freely to help us champion the voluntary sector in North Somerset - ensuring local people and organisations have the support, voice, and opportunities they deserve. From strategic leadership to guiding us through times of change, your impact is felt in every project, every partnership, and every person we support. Thank you for leading the way.![]()
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Why Trustees Are so important![]()
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Trustees are the backbone of charities like VANS. They bring vision, accountability, and leadership - helping to shape our direction, safeguard our values, and ensure that we make a real, lasting difference. They:![]()
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• Champion our mission and keep us focused on our purpose.![]()
• Provide expertise, guidance, and good governance.![]()
• Give their time voluntarily to help build stronger communities.![]()
• Their leadership ensures that local voices are heard, voluntary organisations are supported, and North Somerset continues to thrive.![]()
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The difference VANS Trustees have made to North Somerset![]()
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Thanks to the dedication of our Trustees, VANS has: ![]()
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• Supported hundreds of local charities and community groups, helping them grow stronger and more sustainable.![]()
• Driven strategic initiatives that connect people to volunteering and increase opportunities for all.![]()
• Amplified community voices - making sure local needs are heard at a regional and national level.![]()
• Provided guidance that allows VANS to respond swiftly and effectively to changing community needs.![]()
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Their leadership has enabled VANS to play a vital role in building connection, resilience, and opportunity across North Somerset. We are proud to celebrate the people who make this possible - our Trustees. 💙
Creative People and Places Announcement ⭐️![]()
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Community Voices Lead the Way! A new North Somerset consortium has secured funding from Arts Council England's Creative People and Places fund. We are absolutely delighted to be the lead organisation on this! 👈![]()
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The groundbreaking part? This cultural offer will be co-designed entirely by a Citizens' Panel - putting local residents, not just organisations, at the centre of decision-making. This is grassroots change in action! 👍![]()
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"We can build a future where people feel connected, joyful, and valued through culture.” – Dr. Mandy Gardner, VANS.![]()
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We are proud to be collaborating with Super Culture, Race Equality North Somerset, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Alliance Homes Group and others. Launching Spring 2026!![]()
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Find out more by heading to SuperCulture.org.uk
North Somerset Carers' Consultation![]()
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Are you looking after a loved one in North Somerset? Whether you’re helping someone to do their shopping, or giving full time care, please take part in this consultation to help shape the future of support for carers where you live.![]()
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You can attend a drop-in (with free tea and cake!) or complete a print or online questionnaire. There are also vouchers worth £250 and £75 to be won.![]()
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Run by independent charity, The Carers’ Centre for Bath and North East Somerset, the consultation will result in recommendations for North Somerset Council to consider.![]()
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Share your experiences and say what support you need to help you manage the challenges of caring. And spread the word to others you know who are caring: every voice matters.
