Volunteers’ Week 2025: Powering volunteers with National Lottery funding

GoodGym

GoodGym is a national movement that combines getting active with doing good in the community. Each week, around 1,000 people run, walk or cycle to support local projects or visit an older person in need of connection.

It began in 2009 when founder Ivo Gormley started running to visit an elderly neighbour in East London. He realised he could swap treadmill runs for purposeful journeys that supported people and places in his community. That idea grew into GoodGym, a simple, effective model for community action that now operates in over 60 areas, with more than 20,000 people involved.

GoodGym volunteers take on a huge variety of tasks – from gardening and painting to setting up events, supporting food banks, or planting trees. The aim is to help the many local organisations that need more volunteers, turning up, lending a hand and then heading off again.

The organisation is friendly and inclusive, especially for those who feel put off by traditional gyms. Ed Field, Head of Growth and Partnerships said: “GoodGym is for anyone. it’s social, supportive, and makes you feel good. You do a bit of exercise and give something back at the same time.”

Thanks to National Lottery players who raise £30 million every week for good causes, funding has supported the development of GoodGym’s TaskForce, trained volunteers who help run sessions, welcome newcomers, and promote activities. It’s also helped improve the digital tools behind the platform, making it easier to get involved.

An evaluation by the London School of Economics found GoodGym boosts wellbeing by around 22%, with participants reporting better mental health, life satisfaction, and stronger community connection.

“GoodGym helps people feel better, physically and mentally. It’s a small action that adds up to something powerful”, said Ed.

Parson Cross Community Development Forum

Parson Cross Community Development Forum has been supporting people in north Sheffield for more than 25 years. What began as a small tenants’ group is now one of the city’s busiest community centres, offering more than 20 regular activities each week.

These include memory cafés, baby and toddler groups, lunch clubs, warm spaces, tai chi, darts, and much more. The Forum also hosts seasonal events and outings, providing social connection for people of all ages.

How volunteers make a difference

Volunteers play a vital role in the organisation’s work, supporting its community centre and wide range of projects. With a small team of just three paid staff, the support of over 20 volunteers is essential. The organisation aims to match each volunteer with activities they enjoy and provides regular training and support to help them thrive in their roles.

National Lottery funding has helped the Forum form new partnerships across the city, enabling them to run a range of support groups from their community centre. These include a Parkinson’s UK Support Group and Seated Exercise Class, an Art and Wellbeing Group with Sheffield Mind, and upcoming sessions with Sheffield Wednesday and the Stroke Association. They also have strong links with Weston Park’s Big Purple Bus and are exploring a new Cancer Support Group.

June Wragg, a long-time volunteer said: “As you get older, you can lose your sense of purpose. Volunteering at the Lunch Club has given me my confidence and social life back and helped me keep connected to people in my community. It makes me feel useful and gives me a great deal of pleasure”.

How you can get involved

A huge and heartfelt thank you to the volunteers who give their time to make a real difference to lives and communities across the UK, and to National Lottery players, who raise £30 million every week for good causes, for making it all possible.

If you’re inspired by these stories and want to grow or start a volunteer led project, National Lottery funding could help. Find out more and apply.

Visit the Volunteers’ Week website to see how you can take part and show your support.