Nottingham Community and Voluntary Service (NCVS) has a rich history spanning 150 years, dedicated to addressing social challenges and supporting the voluntary sector in Nottingham. This year, we want to celebrate!
NCVS: Then and now
Before 1875, Nottingham faced overcrowding, poor sanitation, limited education, and widespread poverty. Life was tough, especially for the working class. Support options included:
- Workhouses: Basic shelter and food in exchange for labour, often with harsh conditions and outside stigma.
- Charities: Offered food, clothing, and financial aid but often lacked coordination.
- Churches: Provided alms, education, and community support.
- Mutual aid societies: Groups pooled resources for members in need, fostering community and self-reliance.
In 1859, the Night Asylum opened for the homeless, followed by the Soup Kitchen in 1860. Yet, many still struggled.
The birth of NCVS
In December 1875, Henrietta Carey founded the Nottingham Society for Organising Charity (NSOC) to bring order to local charitable efforts. Working alongside the Poor Law Authorities, NSOC aimed to improve lives and reduce reliance on workhouses. Its first case was in March 1876.
Evolution and growth
By 1965, NSOC had grown into the Nottingham Council for Voluntary Service (NCVS), broadening its focus to support the entire voluntary sector.
Today
NCVS empowers Nottingham’s voluntary organisations through training, resources, and partnerships. With 150 years of impact, we remain committed to strengthening communities and addressing social challenges.
For more information on NCVS's history, you can visit this page from the Nottinghamshire Heritage Gateway, or our own Our History page.
Your NCVS journey!
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of working with so many incredible voluntary groups and individuals. Whether we’ve supported your organisation, helped you personally, or played a small part in your journey, we’d love to hear how NCVS has made a difference to you!
With the help of students from Confetti (part of Nottingham Trent University), we’re collecting stories to showcase the impact of Nottingham’s voluntary sector. This is a fantastic opportunity to not only celebrate NCVS but also shine a light on the amazing work you do.
Here are the stories we've already collected:
Feel free to explore the impact these amazing people and organisations have made, and see how NCVS has been part of their journey!
- From first steps to full stride: Runspire's journey with NCVS
From its humble beginnings to expanding its reach across Nottingham, building new collaborations, growing its team, and becoming a key training hub for well-being walks and social prescribing!
- Watch our Birthday Bimble highlights!
To kick off our 150th celebrations, we took a sunny stroll through Nottingham Arboretum with friends and colleagues. It was a chance to reflect, connect, and appreciate the beautiful spaces around us.
- Starting and growing something new
When the cost-of-living crisis hit, NCVS supported the Sherwood Exchange to reopen stronger than ever. What began as a lockdown swap-shop is now a thriving hub where neighbours share skills, time, and resources - a powerful example of community resilience in action.
- Support when it matters most
When the pandemic put their future at risk, Literacy Volunteers turned to NCVS for support. With practical guidance and encouragement, they’ve not only survived but are thriving - a true story of perseverance and partnership.
- The human side of volunteering
When cancer changed everything, the Macmillan Beyond Diagnosis Service, supported by dedicated volunteers, was there to help. With kindness and connection, they've supported thousands across Nottinghamshire through some of their toughest times.
- Connecting people to purpose
When volunteer hours soared by 300%, Nottingham Hospitals Charity turned to NCVS to help scale up. With our support, their volunteer-run hub at Queen’s Medical Centre grew into a thriving space for fundraising, wellbeing, and community support - earning national recognition along the way.
- Growing volunteer leaders
When the pandemic disrupted volunteer programmes, Nottingham Women's Centre found support through NCVS. Together, they adapted, innovated, and kept their doors open, offering training, guidance, and a lifeline to women seeking to make a difference. This is a story of resilience, collaboration, and the power of community.
Want to be part of it? We'd love to hear from you!
- Share your story at communications@nottinghamcvs.co.uk, and we’ll be featuring as many as we can—yours could be one of them!
- Or complete our short Story Submission Form.
- If you’re a former trustee, volunteer, or colleague, please get in touch—we’d love to invite you to a special celebration later in the year.
- For more ways to get involved, check out our ‘Get involved!’ section below for key dates and events!
Get involved!
NCVS150 partner pack
Download our NCVS150 partner pack and let's spread the NCVS love! With downloadable assets, ways to further get involved, and a bit of history on NCVS, it's your perfect toolkit for celebrating 150 years of strengthening our community.
Calendar of events
There’s lots to look forward to as we celebrate 150 years of supporting Nottingham’s voluntary sector! From special events and key dates to training sessions you won’t want to miss, there’s plenty going on. Check out our special 150th celebration calendar to see what’s coming up, save the dates, and grab your spot at the events that interest you!
- NCVS Birthday Conference - Monday 13 October 2025, all day at the Motorpoint Arena.
Find out more and register here.
View upcoming events in our calendar here (it will open as a pdf).
