We’re genuinely excited to collaborate with people who have ideas.
I Love North Shields is a community-led platform built on original storytelling — the kind that reflects real people, real places and everyday life in our town. We work with writers, photographers, filmmakers, creatives and event volunteers who want to contribute something meaningful, thoughtful and distinctive.
Before applying, please read this page carefully. It explains how we work, what we’re looking for, and what you can expect in return.
We’re looking for unique, original content
We’re especially interested in contributors who want to tell stories we haven’t heard yet.
That means:
- original ideas rather than generic content
- interview-led features and conversations
- storytelling rooted in people, place and change
- work connected to North Shields and the wider area
If you enjoy meeting people, asking questions and following an idea through — you’ll likely be a great fit.
We don’t have the capacity to train people from the ground up, but we love working with people who are passionate, eager to learn, willing to share their experience, and have a clear idea of what they want to create. You’ll be part of a skilled team, making it a great space to learn from others, swap ideas, and grow through collaboration.
How we work
I Love North Shields is a small, community-led platform with a wide reach. To keep things sustainable and respectful of everyone’s time, we collaborate with people who:
- are self-motivated
- can work independently
- bring ideas rather than waiting for briefs
- communicate clearly and meet agreed deadlines
Minimum commitment
All volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 3 months.
This helps us build continuity and meaningful working relationships.
By role:
- Writers: at least 1 original article per month
- Photography: at least 1 shoot or image set per month, or agreed event coverage
- Video / Web / Digital: a clear, self-led content plan agreed at the start
- Events volunteers: availability agreed per event, with notice
Ways to get involved
Editorial Team (Writers)
Ideal if you enjoy:
- interviewing people
- feature writing and storytelling
- exploring local history, culture and community life
We’re particularly keen on:
- interviews (written or recorded)
- first-person stories
- profiles of local people, creatives and organisers
- place-based features with depth and context
Photography Collective
Best suited if you:
- already have a portfolio or Instagram showing your work
- are comfortable photographing people, places or events
- can edit your own images to a basic standard
Video, Web & Digital Creators
We’re keen to collaborate with people who want to develop original formats, such as:
- interview-led video series
- short documentaries
- community conversations
- web or YouTube content ideas
This role is self-directed — we’re looking for collaborators who come with a plan.
Events Volunteers
If you enjoy being part of live community activity, we regularly need support with:
- welcoming visitors
- set-up and pack-down
- stewarding and general event support
Dates and availability are always agreed in advance, our next all day event will take place April 26, 2026
Ideas we’re looking for (and where to start)
You don’t need a big budget, specialist equipment or insider access to contribute something valuable. Some of our strongest content starts with simple, human conversations.
Here are a few ideas to help you get started:
Street-level interviews & conversations
Quick, informal interviews are a great place to begin.
Examples:
- “What do you love most about North Shields?”
- “How long have you lived here?”
- “What’s changed — and what hasn’t?”
- “What’s one place more people should know about?”
- “What does community mean to you?”
These can work as:
- short written pieces
- photo + quote combinations
- short-form video clips
- audio snippets
People you think others should meet
Do you know someone who:
- quietly does a lot for others?
- has an interesting job, skill or story?
- has lived here a long time?
- represents a side of North Shields we don’t often see?
If you can introduce us — or interview them yourself — that’s a great pitch.
Simple series ideas (easy to sustain)
We love ideas that are small but consistent, for example:
- “One question, one person”
- “Five minutes with…”
- “A place that matters to me”
- “What I see on my walk”
Series don’t need to be complicated — they just need a clear idea and a reason for existing.
Observational & creative content
We’re also open to:
- personal reflections
- creative writing rooted in place
- photo essays
- audio diaries
- behind-the-scenes glimpses of everyday life
If you’re experimenting with a format and it feels honest and thoughtful, we’re interested.
A note on creativity
We encourage personality, curiosity and care.
Your work doesn’t need to be perfect or over-produced — but it does need to be:
- original
- respectful
- rooted in real people and real places
If you’re unsure whether an idea fits, ask yourself:
“Is this something I’d genuinely stop and read or watch?”
If the answer is yes, you’re probably on the right track.
Volunteer benefits
We value the time, energy and creativity our volunteers bring. While roles are unpaid, we aim to make involvement rewarding, connected and worthwhile.
As a volunteer contributor, you may receive:
- Free access to a selection of I Love North Shields events
(where appropriate and subject to availability) - Access to our wider creative and community network, including writers, photographers, filmmakers, organisers and local partners
- Opportunities to collaborate on projects, features and events
- Credit and visibility for your work across our platforms (where relevant)
- Priority consideration for funded opportunities when projects become funded
- Experience contributing to a recognised local platform, useful for portfolios and professional development
Co-creating & funded projects
Alongside our volunteer-led work, I Love North Shields also develops and delivers funded projects in collaboration with artists, creatives, organisations and community groups.
Some ideas pitched to us may evolve into:
- funded collaborations
- co-created projects
- pilot programmes
- facilitated community activity
Depending on the idea and scale, I Love North Shields may act as:
- a project partner
- a delivery partner
- a facilitator or producer
- or a platform supporting the development of an idea
If you have an idea that:
- would benefit from structure or a host organisation
- needs community reach and engagement
- aligns with arts, culture, heritage, place or community themes
- could be developed into a funded project
…we’re open to exploring this with you.
A note on funding
Not all ideas are funded, and funding is never guaranteed. However, we actively develop funding bids and projects throughout the year.
When opportunities arise, we prioritise:
- contributors already working with us
- people who have shown commitment and reliability
- ideas that are community-led and well thought through
If you’re interested in co-creating something longer-term, feel free to pitch your idea with this in mind.
Before you apply
Because we receive lots of enquiries, we ask everyone to apply with:
✔ a clear pitch, plan or idea
✔ links to previous work (required)
✔ confirmation of a 3-month commitment
Applications without a pitch or examples of work may not be responded to.
Ready to pitch your idea?
If this page feels like a good fit, we’d love to hear from you.
👉 Apply using the form below
or email your pitch to hello@ilovenorthshields.com
Suggested subject line:
Volunteer Pitch – Your Name – Area you’re applying for
