We’re thrilled to share the success of our Gosport Volunteer Fair at Your Space, Gosport on October 14th, where nearly 200 people attended our very first Volunteer Fair in Gosport, a fantastic turnout and a clear success and a testament to Gosport’s power of community!
While half that number had marked themselves as “interested” on our Facebook event and many others reached out via email with interest, what truly stood out was how many passersby decided to come in and explore the volunteering opportunities on the spot. For many, volunteering wasn’t even on their mind when they set out for the high street that morning, but with a simple invitation, they came in and got involved.
This really highlights the power of simply asking. According to NCVO, some of the top reasons people haven’t volunteered include: “I have not been asked,” “I’ve never thought about it,” and “I haven’t heard about opportunities to help.” This event showed that when we open the door and the conversation, people are more than willing to walk through it.
According to survey, last year’s Volunteering levels for the UK fell to a record low, but we are inspired and hopeful of things to come with what we’ve seen now!
A great variety of roles on show
Community First alone offered a wide range of volunteer roles, including minibus drivers, walk leaders, befrienders, and advocates as well as promting their comprehensive website, VolunteerFirst.co.uk, which features hundreds of volunteering opportunities in Gosport, throughout Hampshire, and beyond.
The other great causes joining us on the day were:
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Disabled Sailors Association
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RNLI – Gosport fundraising branch
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Age Concern Gosport
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ADHD & U CIC
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Recovery Connections
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Autism Hampshire
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The Conservation Volunteers
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Lee ICANGO (Community Transport)
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The Diving Museum
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Think Big Do Bigger CIC
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Hampshire Library Service – Bridgemary Library
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The Rainbow Centre
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We Can Read
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Gosport Museum (HCT)
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Embracing Age
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Barnardos
Another fine Volunteer Fair affair
Thank you all for joining us
- “Fantastic event, Some good connections made”
- “Thank you so much for hosting this event, it is so important to the community. I have recently moved to Gosport & have felt so welcome.”
- “Quite enjoyed it and there is a lot of people here. Lots of people to talk to. And meeting people aswell as meeting the Mayor”
- “Brilliant stalls, Everyone was very welcoming and engaging”
- Very good talking opportunities. Variety is the spice of life!”
Missed it and don’t want to miss out?
