Leadership, Community, and Belonging in Action: NEAT Volunteer Week
NEAT Volunteer Week showed what is possible when a whole Trust comes together.
Across our schools and local communities, pupils, staff, governors, and partners volunteered a total of 7,910 hours. Every hour was purposeful. Every action mattered.
Throughout the week, pupils and staff took part in a wide range of activities. These included guided reading and peer mentoring, sports leadership, gardening and growing projects, litter picking, fundraising, food bank support, visits to care homes, church and community volunteering, creative projects, and enterprise activity. Older pupils supported younger ones. Choirs performed for residents. Pupils worked alongside adults and community partners.
These experiences are important for our pupils. Volunteering helps them understand contribution. They see that their time and effort have value. They learn that positive action can improve spaces, support others, and strengthen communities.
Belonging was a strong theme across the Trust. Pupils worked together across year groups and schools. They felt connected to their local area and proud to play a part in it. Through volunteering, pupils developed awareness of their community and the difference they can make within it.
Pupil voice captured during the week brings this impact to life.
“It was good to volunteer and sing at the old people’s home as it made the old people smile. They don’t often get visitors. It helped the staff as the carers don’t always get to spend quality time with the residents.”
Kate, Year 5, Tyneview Primary
Another pupil reflected on adults volunteering alongside them.
“It was nice of the Tyneview adults to give up their spare time and still volunteer to take us to the theatre. The show was fabulous with singing and acting, something we don’t normally do. Thank you.”
John, Year 6, Tyneview Primary
These moments show pupils recognising their own impact and the value of service. They build confidence, pride, and self-worth. Pupils see that they can make a positive difference.
Leadership was visible throughout the week. Governors volunteered alongside pupils and staff, contributing 245 hours in addition to their regular commitments through meetings, scrutiny visits, and strategic work. This visible leadership shows pupils that service and responsibility matter at every level.
A huge thank you goes to staff across the Trust. Your planning, coordination, supervision, and willingness to give time made this week possible. You created the conditions for pupils to step forward, contribute, and feel proud of what they achieved.
NEAT Volunteer Week reflects our values in action. Contribution, belonging, aspiration, and community were not just talked about, they were experienced first-hand.
Interested in volunteering as a Governor?
If you want to use your skills and time to support pupils, schools, and local communities, we would love to hear from you. Becoming a NEAT Governor is a chance to contribute, lead by example, and help shape positive outcomes for young people.
Find out more about governance opportunities at NEAT and how to get involved. Contact us: admin@neat.org.uk