An exciting project working across the county to increase the quantity, quality and diversity of youth volunteering.  We help young people, aged 16 – 25, make a positive contribution to their community, whilst utilising their passions and gaining the many benefits that volunteering brings.  As well as feeling good about making a difference, young people develop new and existing skills, increase their confidence, enjoy new experiences, boost their CV and meet new people.

Surrey vinvolved is part of a national initiative funded by v, the youth volunteering charity, and vinvolved teams can be found across the country. In Surrey we have bases at each of the YMCAs in Guildford, Woking and Redhill.  From art projects, to band nights, to drama performances and working with children, vinvolved provides a wide variety of interesting volunteering opportunities.

Surrey vinvolved has 3 main aims:

• To create new volunteering opportunities across all sectors, catering for all interests.
• To broker young people into opportunities and support them to set up their own projects.
• To champion youth-led action through developing and facilitating Youth Action Teams.

Joblessness amongst under 25’s is at a 14 year high, with fears they will become a ‘lost generation’.  Volunteering can help young people develop skills they are missing out on due to unemployment.

“Volunteering increases your ability to communicate, your confidence increases, you gain new skills and experiences and make really good friends. I love volunteering; it is something that sets you apart and gives you unique experiences.” Verity, volunteer, aged 17, Reigate.

“It's great having young volunteers, especially doing youth work because they relate so well to the young people that come along. They are full of energy and ideas. They make sure the project keeps refreshing itself.” Ellie Messham, Manager, Barn Youth Project, Guildford

If you are aged between 16 and 25 and would like to find out more about volunteering or if you are an organisation wanting to involve young people please get in touch on 01737 779979, email Tracey Osborn at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Visit our website: www.surreyvinvolved.org

Youth Action Teams 

Young people have a major influence on what we do via Youth Action Teams.  Surrey’s Youth Action Teams are councils of young volunteers from East Surrey and West Surrey that get together every couple of months to plan and discuss the future events in Vinvolved’s calender. As a group they influence the organisation by putting forward the opinions that they believe represent the majority of the Vinvolved volunteers and prospective volunteers.

Vbuddies

The scheme started in April 2010 anyone who is interested in the scheme should contact John Brunswick on 01737 784970 or 01737 779 979 you can also email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

Young people or their parents can refer themselves directly or local agencies can refer young people they think will benefit from the scheme.  Please download the v.buddies form and return the completed form to John Brunswick at the YMCA Sports and Community Centre. If you are interested in volunteering as a buddy please download the application form and return the completed form to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

Schools Adviser – Community Action Programme for 14-16 Year Olds

Funding from DSFC and managed by V has enabled us to host two ‘Schools Advisers’.  The Advisers, one based in Woking and one in Redhil will work with Schools across Surrey to help them deliver  the new Student Community Action programme which aims to embed a culture of voluntary action in secondary schools across England, enabling all 14 – 16 year olds to complete 50 hours of community action by the age of 19. For more information about this intiative, contact  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

A substantial 3 year grant from V enabled us to set up the Surrey vinvolved team. Since April 2008 we have supported 2115 young people into placements.