This week we’re sadly saying bon voyage to Georgia Goncalves as she leaves us to embark on a fantastic adventure! After 3 years at VONNE, Georgia has decided to take a career break and spend some time travelling.
As Partnership and Projects Officer, Georgia has been involved in a number of VONNE’s projects, and has written one last farewell VONNE-iversary blog on her work and final year at VONNE.

You might have seen in the last VONNE news that I’m moving on to pastures sunnier! It’s been over a year since I blogged about my second year at VONNE, so before I head off on my next adventure it seemed like a good time to have a quick reflection on year three!
I’ve loved my role as Partnerships and Projects Officer. It has been so varied and I’ve been able to get involved in all sorts. One of the best things about working at VONNE, aside from my amazing colleagues, is that I’ve been able to get involved in any of the projects we deliver, simply by asking if I can support. It’s been great for my learning and development and has meant I got to support with the North East VCSE Policy Forum and our VCSE Hustings Event with the NECA Candidates.
My role on the Digital Pathfinders project has enabled me to connect with loads of VCSE organisations and digital experts. It has been wonderful working with them, and I’ve learned a lot from the project – both about digital and the processes behind project management. I’m really proud of the support we’ve given organisations through delivery of the project.
My other main project was supporting with the North East and Cumbria Funders Network. We hosted the Regional Funders Event and a collaboration group with Youth Sector organisations and Funders. Both of these work strands have been great opportunities for funders and organisations to connect with each other and really highlighted the importance of open and trusting grant-making.

It was also really lovely that in my last few months I got to go back to doing some work on LARCH and Going Green Together – I really have come full circle!
I also want to give a shout out to the One Million Women & Girls Campaign. Though this isn’t technically part of my VONNE work, it was through VONNE that I got to be part of the campaign - helping with social media and organising the debate with the NECA candidates. I’m really proud of what the campaign has achieved so far.
I’ve loved my time in the VCSE sector and I imagine I’ll be back again before long. I’m looking forward to seeing how VONNE develops going forward and I’ll be reading VONNE News to keep up to date (probably on a sunny beach somewhere).
Bye for now!