Volunteering Builds Skills for Life – Why It Matters for Our Pupils

As part of NEAT Volunteer Week, we’re taking a closer look at the impact volunteering has on our pupils – not just during this week, but over the long term. At NEAT Academy Trust, we believe volunteering plays a vital role in developing confident, capable young people who are ready to contribute to their communities and lead positive change.

Volunteering isn’t just about helping others. It’s about learning, growing, and discovering what it means to take responsibility, work as a team, and make a difference. It’s an opportunity for pupils to develop their personal development through real-life experiences beyond the classroom.

The skills volunteering helps to build:

• Confidence – through public speaking, leading tasks, or trying something new

• Communication – talking with people of different ages and backgrounds

• Teamwork – understanding how to listen, support, and work with others

• Problem-solving – thinking on their feet and finding practical solutions

• Empathy – seeing things from other people’s perspectives and showing care

• Leadership – taking initiative, guiding others, and following through on commitments

These are the qualities that help young people thrive – not just in school, but in life. They’re the same skills employers look for and that help young people succeed in further education, apprenticeships, and the world of work.

Volunteering and the NEAT community

At NEAT Academy Trust, our schools serve diverse communities across the North East. Volunteering is one of the many ways we build stronger links between our schools and the communities we are proud to be part of.

Whether pupils are helping to lead a sports session for younger children, volunteering at a local foodbank, or supporting school events, they’re learning what it means to give back and be active citizens. They are gaining a deeper understanding of the world around them and where they fit within it.

This matters. It supports our ambition to ensure every pupil has the chance to build their character, broaden their outlook, and take pride in being part of something bigger than themselves.

A foundation for future success

We know that pupils who volunteer are more likely to stay involved in their communities as adults. Volunteering opens doors, creates purpose, and shapes identity. That’s why it’s not just an add-on at NEAT – it’s part of how we prepare young people for their next steps and their future lives.

We’re proud of what our pupils are doing during NEAT Volunteer Week, and even prouder of the skills, habits and values they’re building along the way.

Want to know more about how we support personal development at NEAT? Visit: www.neat.org.uk