In a world where many volunteering platforms are racing to scale nationally, Devon Connect tells a different story — one rooted in staying small, listening closely and staying true to the unique needs of local communities.
Devon Connect, our free to use community platform managed by Devon Voluntary Action (DeVA), is proof that a local-first approach isn’t just preferable - it’s essential. With thousands of members, hundreds of live opportunities and measurable social value, it’s succeeding where national platforms often struggle: building real relationships, trust and community spirit.
It’s not just about volunteering
Unlike national platforms that focus primarily on matching volunteers with organisations, Devon Connect takes a broader view. It’s not just about filling roles - it’s about connecting neighbours, reducing isolation and strengthening communities.
Users can:
- Discover and share local events, support groups and social activities
- Find volunteering opportunities that match their skills, interests or location
- Join conversations and local campaigns
- Earn and use time credits (in Torbay)
- Even find paid jobs in the voluntary sector!
This isn’t just a platform for doing good - it’s a platform for feeling connected.
Built by the community, for the community
Devon Connect is run by local voluntary sector organisations who understand the needs of their specific communities. These groups curate content, approve listings and help users navigate the platform. That local touch makes a world of difference:
- Content is always relevant and up-to-date
- Users trust the platform, knowing it’s moderated and secure
- Local practitioners use it to connect people with support services and clubs in their area
That sense of trust and belonging is hard to replicate on a national scale.
Stronger engagement, bigger impact
The results speak for themselves:
- Over 2,445 activities added by the community
- Nearly 4,000 hours logged in community timebanking
- More than £600,000 in social value created
- Over 240,000 page views and growing daily
These aren’t just numbers - they represent real people forming new friendships, discovering purpose and making a difference right where they live.
Why national platforms fall short
National volunteering websites are often slick and expansive, but they can feel impersonal. They may show listings from your region, but they rarely connect you with your actual neighbours, or reflect the local character of your community.
Local platforms like Devon Connect go deeper:
- They build relationships
- They reflect the unique needs and assets of a region
- They support grassroots groups, not just big-name charities
In short, they create community, not just convenience.
In a time when loneliness is rising and trust in institutions is declining, Devon Connect offers something different: a way to reconnect at the human level. It’s not just about volunteering - it’s about belonging.
If we want stronger, more resilient communities, the answer isn’t to go bigger - it’s to get closer. And Devon Connect shows us exactly how it’s done.
Written by Marie Gould – Chief Officer, North Devon Voluntary Services and Chair of DeVA
Visit Devon Connect
Interested in joining or supporting a local community platform like Devon Connect?
Learn more at https://madeopen.co.uk/place