Vintage Volunteers
Vintage Volunteers was a supported volunteering programme designed to help people aged 60+ (and later 50+) find meaningful opportunities, improve wellbeing, and stay connected to their communities.
Vintage Volunteers was created in response to the growing need to support people in later life to remain active, connected, and involved in their communities. Delivered by VAST, the project brought together individuals, organisations, and opportunities through a personalised and supportive approach to volunteering.
The programme focused on supported, flexible volunteering, recognising that people have different motivations, needs, and life circumstances. Participants were guided through the entire journey—from initial conversations about their interests and skills, to finding the right placement and receiving ongoing support.
Vintage Volunteers developed a strong reputation as a trusted volunteering hub, matching individuals to meaningful roles while also supporting organisations to create more inclusive and accessible opportunities.
The impact of the project extended beyond volunteering placements. Participants reported improved wellbeing, increased confidence, stronger social connections, and reduced loneliness, highlighting the powerful role volunteering can play in supporting healthy ageing.
The project also demonstrated the value of person-centred volunteering, ensuring that placements were tailored to individuals’ interests and abilities, and allowing flexibility to adapt or pause when needed. This approach helped many participants sustain their involvement and gain long-term benefits.
Journey Makers
Journey Makers was a scheme that emerged in Autumn 2020 following a directive from the Department of Transport around encouraging and supporting the public to return to using public transport. The effect of prolonged lockdowns had left many feeling nervous, uncertain about the rules, and uncomfortable, and so Journey Makers aimed to recruit volunteers to reassure passengers, remind them about social distancing and face coverings, and to offer a friendly face at Hanley Bus Station. The role proved to be an enjoyable experience and was well-received by both the volunteers and the passengers they were supporting.
Spitfires and Oatcakes
Organised by the Vintage Volunteers team in April 2018, four ‘Spitfires and Oatcakes’ events were held around the city to encourage communities to come together and share memories and family stories of wartime across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. It was a place to share and hear precious memories and local stories of wartime Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme, all with a generous serving of oatcakes. Check out this infographic to find out what others thought about Spitfires and Oatcakes.
