Volunteers: The Core of Coalfield Communities

At the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, we know that sustainable change doesn’t happen without people. At the heart of our work — from walking football sessions in Wakefield to digital skills clubs in Horden — are volunteers.

As we mark Volunteers' Week 2025 (2nd - 8th June), we want to shine a light on some of the individuals who are giving their time, energy, and expertise to help their communities thrive.

Our 2024–2029 strategy makes clear our ambition: to build community wealth by supporting local people to lead and deliver change themselves. Volunteers are key to that mission — not just for what they give, but for what they gain. Confidence, skills, experience, friendships, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Here are just three of the many inspiring stories from within the CRT network.

Ash – Walking Football Champion in Wakefield

When a CRT staff member left in early 2025, our weekly CRT Game On Walking Football session in the Five Towns of Wakefield was at risk of ending.

But one of the session’s long-term volunteers, Ash, stepped up.

Ash was already known to us through our work with The Well Project, and a crucial part of the session – providing transport for participants from Normanton to where the session was taking place.

Thanks to Ash’s dedication, the session has been successfully sustained! 

We supported Ash by funding his Walking Football Referee qualification, giving him the tools and confidence to run the session himself.

This simple intervention helped secure the long-term sustainability of a valuable community session — and demonstrated the power of local leadership.

Serenlee – Coaching a New Future in Wales

After taking part in our flagship CRT Game On Home Internationals tournament at the City Football Academy, Serenlee was invited to volunteer as a coach at our weekly youth session in Ystradgynlais, Wales.

At first, she was nervous. The group was predominantly boys, and coaching was new to her.

But she showed up — and kept showing up.

Today, Serenlee is a confident, respected coach. Her presence has shifted the dynamic of the session, and the young people she works with respond to her leadership.

Volunteering has given her vital experience as she works toward her dream of becoming a professional football coach — and it’s helping break down gender barriers along the way.

Jimmy – A Hub House Hero in Horden

Jimmy has lived in Horden all his life. Since retiring, he’s become a much-loved fixture at the CRT Horden Hub House, where he’s volunteered for several years.

From running the weekly digital device club to helping with events, Jimmy is the friendly face that keeps things running — and keeps people coming back.

His contribution hasn’t gone unnoticed. In December 2024, Jimmy was named County Durham’s Unsung Hero at the Northern Echo Together Awards — a well-deserved recognition of his selfless service.

His story is a reminder that volunteering isn’t always about big gestures. Sometimes it’s about simply showing up, week in and week out, and making your community a better place.

These stories are just a snapshot of the hundreds of volunteers playing a role throughout the CRT network every week.

Whether it’s leading sessions, mentoring others, or just offering a helping hand, their contribution is essential — not just to our delivery, but to the future of coalfield communities.

So this Volunteers' Week, we say thank you — to Ash, Serenlee, Jimmy, and every single volunteer throughout coalfield communities. 

We couldn’t do it without you.