HVDA recruits and places volunteers and develops projects with a focus on new opportunities to volunteer.  This service is offered by the Volunteer Centre and is available to Hartlepool residents and open to people of all ages.
HVDA holds information on a wide range of volunteering opportunities and community activities.
Potential volunteers are offered support and advice in matching their motivation to volunteer with appropriate opportunities.
Volunteering is marketed and promoted through specific campaigns.
Volunteering can involve helping the following groups of people: children, young people, older people, minority ethnic groups, ex-offenders, lone parents, those experiencing substance misuse/abuse, those experiencing health related problems, individuals with mental health issues, physical disabilities and learning difficulties.
Voluntary work can be in any of the following areas: advice; counselling; art/culture; befriending; advocacy; mentoring; catering; clerical/ administration/reception; committee work; conservation; forestry; gardening; animals; education and training; first aid; fundraising; publicity and media; music recording and broadcasting; practical skills; DIY; driving; social care; retail; training; finance; management.
Contact:  Julie Laking

Volunteering into Training and Employment
The aim of the project is to use volunteering as a springboard into training and employment. Volunteers are encouraged to use volunteering activities to obtain work experience, develop skills and gain relevant training to enhance their employability and lead into paid work.
Contact: Leigh Karakosta

Volunteer Brokerage Advisor
The aim of the project is to encourage Hartlepool residents to participate in voluntary activity by undertaking the recruitment of potential volunteers and conducting confidential interviews to match their skills and interests to suitable volunteering opportunities.  Volunteers will be placed within the Voluntary and Community Sector or with other not for profit organisations.  Volunteer development will be supported by referring to other Volunteer Centre projects.  Progress will be monitored and volunteer experiences will be evaluated.
Contact: Sandy Todd

National Citizen Service
A summer programme of residential and local   community activities, offering volunteering opportunities for people interested in working with young people (aged 16) to support their transition into adulthood. The role of the volunteer is to motivate young people and positively role model what it means to be a good citizen. This is an ideal opportunity for people who would like to get experience in working with young people.
Contact: Melanie Clark

Apprenticeship Programme Scheme
Available to volunteers interested in gaining an apprenticeship which offers free day release training to gain qualifications in work related subjects.  The aim of the project is to engage with volunteers and promote the apprenticeship programme. Also, to raise awareness of the programme by marketing the scheme to public, private or VCS organisations with a view to securing work placements for apprentices.
Contact: Tracey Wilson