About Us
Strengthening Communities Across West Berkshire Since 1974
Volunteer Centre West Berkshire (VCWB) is an independent local charity dedicated to connecting people, strengthening communities and supporting a thriving voluntary sector.
We believe strong communities are built when people are empowered to help one another. For more than 50 years, we have connected people, organisations and opportunities to create positive change across West Berkshire.
Based at Broadway House in Newbury since 2021, our small team provides a range of services that support individuals, organisations and communities to flourish.
Today, we are proud to be recognised as:
West Berkshire’s Volunteer Centre
A trusted provider of voluntary sector infrastructure support
A key partner in strengthening local communities and civic participation
A community transport provider
What we do
Volunteer Centre Services
We help people of all ages and backgrounds discover meaningful volunteering opportunities within their communities.
Working with hundreds of local organisations, we connect residents with opportunities that match their interests, availability and skills, while supporting charities to recruit, retain and develop volunteers.
We also actively champion the value of volunteering, celebrating the contribution volunteers make to communities, promoting the benefits of volunteering for individuals and society, and encouraging more people to get involved in local causes. Through our advocacy, events and partnerships, we work to ensure volunteering remains recognised as a vital part of a strong, resilient and connected West Berkshire.
Voluntary Sector Support
A strong voluntary sector creates stronger communities.
We provide advice, training, networking opportunities and practical support to charities, community groups and social enterprises across West Berkshire.
Our support includes:
- Governance and trustee support
- Funding and fundraising guidance
- Volunteer management advice
- Training and development opportunities
- Networking and partnership building
- Community development support
- Information and signposting
Whether a group is just getting started or an established charity is looking to grow, we help organisations build their capacity, resilience and impact.
Community Leadership
We work collaboratively with local partners to champion the value of the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector.
As West Berkshire’s voluntary sector infrastructure organisation, we help ensure the voices of charities, community groups and volunteers are heard within local partnerships, planning and decision-making.
Community Transport
Our community transport services help residents remain independent and connected.
By reducing transport barriers, we support people to access appointments, services, activities and opportunities that improve wellbeing and reduce isolation.
Our Values
Our Impact
Every year we:
- Support hundreds of voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations
- Promote hundreds of volunteering opportunities
- Help residents find rewarding ways to contribute to their communities
- Strengthen local partnerships and community networks
- Enable people to stay active, connected and independent through community transport services
Behind every statistic is a stronger community, a supported charity, a volunteer making a difference, or a resident receiving the help they need.
Our History
Volunteer Centre West Berkshire was established in 1974 as the Newbury Volunteer Bureau, following a national movement to better coordinate voluntary action and community support.
Since then, the organisation has continually evolved to meet changing local needs.
Over five decades we have grown from a volunteer brokerage service into a multi-service charity supporting volunteers, community organisations and residents across the district.
In 2004, the organisation adopted the name Volunteer Centre West Berkshire, reflecting our district-wide reach and impact.
In 2021, we relocated to Broadway House in Newbury, creating a welcoming and accessible base for our services.
Today, Volunteer Centre West Berkshire works in partnership with Greenham Trust, Connecting Communities in Berkshire (CCB) and West Berkshire Council to strengthen support for local charities, community groups and volunteers. As a signatory to the West Berkshire Voluntary Sector Memorandum of Understanding, we are committed to collaborative working that helps build a stronger, more connected and resilient VCSE sector.
While much has changed since 1974, our commitment to community remains unchanged.
Governance
Volunteer Centre West Berkshire is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and registered charity (No. 1156302).
The charity is governed by a Board of Trustees who provide strategic leadership and oversight, ensuring we remain focused on our charitable objectives and the needs of local communities.
The organisation is led by Chief Executive Rachel Peters, supported by a dedicated team committed to delivering high-quality services and support across West Berkshire.
Get Involved!
Whether you are looking to:
Volunteer in your community
Recruit volunteers
Start a new community group
Strengthen an existing charity
Access community transport services
Explore partnership opportunities
we would love to hear from you.
Together, we can continue building stronger, more connected communities across West Berkshire.
Contact us today to find out how we can help.