Get Involved: Youth Web Development, NEW Pathways to Work Funding & Walk Leader Training

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Welcome to the latest edition of

Doncaster's Voluntary Action Newsletter

Find the latest updates around community funding opportunities, courses, training and information below...


Help us create a stronger online youth space for Doncaster

Doncaster youth logo

We are looking to further enhance and develop the council’s virtual youth offer to children and young people across Doncaster and we need your help!

This work includes a refresh and rebranding of the current GRiD website . Aiming to provide a better online offer to engage with young people so they are more aware of the services, activities and events that are available to them across the city.

As part of this we want to work with the VCF community so the website can become a central point for young people to visit, almost as a ‘one stop shop’ for their age group.

How can you help?

If you're holding any activities or events aimed at those aged 8-18, you can support our development by updating these directly on the 'What's On' section. Once you click the link below, then go to add/edit a listing.

We would appreciate it if you could regularly visit this resource to add any information that is relevant for young people across the city. After answering the questions on the form, look out for the opportunity to tag your event (category, age group, locality and town/village) so it can be easily searched.

Add your activity

If you have competition/offer details or professional photos of young people using your services that we can feature on our website and social media, please contact us at info@sidekickpr.com.

We hope you’re happy to work with us on this exciting project which we are confident will help us all to connect with younger people in Doncaster in a more consistent and engaging way.

 


Funding Opportunities

Pathways to work opportunities

NEW: Pathways to Work funding!

Does your organisation understand the barriers that people face in accessing employment, education and training? Could you deliver inspiring, innovative, targeted support programmes in Doncaster?

If so, apply for Pathways to Work funding before 19 April and make it a reality.

Funding is available for programmes running through to March 2027, and we’re inviting organisations to submit proposals for high‑impact, person‑centred support. This opportunity is part of a South Yorkshire wide approach which brings together health, employment, and skills services to create joined‑up pathways for the people who need them most. The funding plays a vital role in helping reduce economic inactivity – and you can play a big part in creating this change.

With a successful application, your programme will help Doncaster residents overcome barriers, prepare for work, and sustain meaningful employment.

Learn more

Need support with your application? Email: pathways@doncaster.gov.uk


Need Funding or advice on How to Apply for Funding?

Book your free 45-minute appointment at this FREE Funding Advice session. 

South Yorkshire Funding Advice Bureau are running a FREE funding advice surgery for voluntary and community groups and CICs in Doncaster to get help and advice with your project, event, activity or group. 

Rob Billson, a experienced SYFAB funding adviser will be on hand to advise you about sources of grants and funding and other support you can access.

The sessions will take place 

  • Friday 24 April 2026, Oxford Pl, Doncaster DN1 3RH - Book on our webiste.
  • Friday 22 May 2026, Armthorpe Community Centre Welfare Park, Church St, Armthorpe, Doncaster DN3 3AG - Book on our webiste.

To book your place, you need to register with SYFAB. Visit syfab.org.uk and click on ‘Get Started’, then follow the simple steps to registering the group or organisation. Once registered, for each surgery you will see the booking form to book an appointment.

After your appointment, you will be offered up to 2 hours of 'follow-up' advice and support following this surgery.

Register Now

(Once you have booked on a session, you will be contacted to arrange your preferred appointment time on the the surgery date)


Life-changing grants available from The National Lottery Community Fund

Reaching communities

Did you know you can apply for a grant of over £20,001 through Reaching Communities, to make real change in your community? Grants are available for projects that:

  • Help people come together through common places or spaces
  • Promote local solutions to the climate emergency, or improve access to quality natural spaces
  • Help children and young people thrive, by developing their social and emotional skills
  • Support communities to be healthier, by tackling health inequalities and preventing poor health.

The National Lottery Community Fund prioritises funding for people experiencing poverty, disadvantage or discrimination – especially projects that allow people to shape the decisions that affect their lives.

Apply now


Remake Learning Festival: Funding deadline reminder!

If you’re interested in becoming a Remake Learning Festival host—delivering anything from creative workshops to industry insights that take learning beyond the classroom right here in Doncaster - then read on and get your expression of interest in before the application deadline of Monday 13 April!

Visit the dedicated Remake Learning web page to learn more, explore the FAQs, get support, and express your interest in being part of something amazing.

Apply here


Training Opportunities

DBS safeguarding campaign

Is your organisation confident in its safeguarding responsibilities?

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is offering a free pop-up clinic in Leeds to help faith organisations understand the legal duty to refer individuals to DBS when safeguarding concerns arise.

The session is led by DBS Regional Outreach Adviser Natasha Beveridge and covers everything from DBS check eligibility to making a quality barring referral. Whether you are new to safeguarding or want to refresh your knowledge, this is a valuable opportunity to get guidance tailored to faith settings.

Event details: Wednesday 22 April 2026, 9:30am–1:00pm, Radisson Blu Hotel, Leeds City Centre, The Headrow, #No. 1 Leeds LS1 8TL

Register here

Places are free to book.


Walk Leader Training

Help others get moving, feel better, and enjoy our local green spaces

Becoming a Walk Leader is a fantastic way to make a real difference in Doncaster's communities. Walking groups rely on enthusiastic, supportive volunteers who enjoy being outdoors, meeting new people, and helping others feel confident and welcome. Whether you're passionate about health, love exploring local parks and trails, or simply enjoy a good chat while walking, becoming a Walk Leader is a rewarding and meaningful way to give back.

We offer three flexible training options to support you in becoming a confident and capable Walk Leader. Whether you're leading Ramblers Wellbeing Walks or community walks through your organisation, there's an option to suit your needs.

Become a walk leader


Volunteering and Events

Volunteering Opportunity: Make a difference and help local scout group

23rd Owston Scout Group in Carcroft, are made up of Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. All bursting with energy and ready for adventure, all they need now are a few amazing adults to join the team!

The group are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help shape unforgettable experiences, support young people and be a part of something genuinely rewarding. If you're up for fun, friendship and making a real difference, they would love to hear from you. 

Positions they are looking to fill are Section Leader and Parent Helper. For more information on the role responsibilities or how to get involved contact them via email or their page


You Ask, We Deliver! Women's Wellbeing Event Stainforth

Well Doncaster

Our upcoming Women’s Wellbeing Event is shaped by YOUR feedback to bring you the best support for your health and wellbeing. Expect walk‑in health checks, on-site smear tests, mindful workshops, talks from healthcare professionals & family-friendly activities.

Plus—arrive early to be one of the first 100 people to grab a goody bag! The full agenda and line-up are coming soon, so keep an eye on Facebook and Eventbrite… places are already being booked, so don’t miss out!

Find out more


Volunteering Opportunity: Are you passionate about arts and culture in Doncaster?

ArtBomb is looking for volunteers to support us with hosting exhibitions in our shopfront space on Hall Gate, Doncaster city-centre. Lovingly dubbed "the lab", ArtBomb is less a traditional gallery, than a friendly community space where passersby can wander in and interact with a wide of art forms. 

This is a public-facing role which will involve:-

  • Hosting ArtBomb's shop space, inviting people in and discussing the artwork with members of the public (no art knowledge necessary)
  • Making sure the shop looks tidy and inviting
  • Collecting audience feedback by gently encouraging people to leave feedback and their email address in the notebook provided 
  • Tracking audience numbers using the counter provided 

We are happy to sit down and discuss whatever it is you’re hoping to get out of the volunteering experience, such as a great reference for your CV, networking opportunities, or the chance to meet new, like-minded people. 

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, please email jennie@artbombuk.com or apply through our website: 

Find out more


Health, Wealth and Happiness Event! 

Join us at Central Family Hub, on 11 April 2026, 11am - 3pm for a fun inspiring day all about boosting your health, wealth and happiness! Meet great people, enjoy exciting activities and discover tips to live a healthier life. 

Book your place here


Foster for Doncaster

We are looking for people in our community who can help a local child feel safe, supported, and hopeful. You don’t need to be a superhero; your ‘ordinary’ can be the extraordinary foundations a child in care needs to build a brighter future.

Discover more about the difference you can make to a Doncaster Child.

Foster for Doncaster


Please forward this email on to anyone who may find it useful or interesting.