About Community Spirit
Community Spirit is a group of more than twenty adults who, due to learning disabilities and/or mental health conditions, face barriers to employment or are unable to work. Through supported volunteering opportunities, members are encouraged to build confidence, develop skills, connect with others and make a positive contribution to their local community.
Supporting Each Other Through Volunteering
Community Spirit members meet twice a week to discuss new volunteering opportunities, share experiences and support one another. These sessions provide an opportunity for members to talk about what they have enjoyed, what they have learnt and how volunteering has helped improve their confidence and wellbeing. 
Many members experience social anxiety or isolation linked to their disabilities or mental health challenges. The supportive nature of the group helps reduce these barriers and creates a strong sense of belonging and mutual encouragement.
Supporting the Local Community
Community Spirit works closely with charities, organisations and community groups across Gosport to support local events and activities.
Volunteers regularly assist with:
- Registering guests at events
- Parking and visitor guidance
- Preparing and serving refreshments
- Collecting donations
- Litter picking at outdoor events
- Setting up and clearing away equipment
- Supporting community engagement activities
Members are often recognised at events through their Community Spirit hi vis jackets and are proud to represent the group within the local community.
Their willingness to help wherever needed has made them a valued and trusted part of many local events and projects.
The Difference Supported Volunteering Makes
Many individuals within the group live independently with limited support and often experience isolation, anxiety or discrimination due to their disabilities or mental health conditions. Volunteering provides opportunities for members to feel included, valued and able to contribute positively to society.
Feedback from members regularly highlights the importance of feeling “part of the community” and being able to make a meaningful contribution, even when employment is not possible.
The visible role Community Spirit members play at local events has helped challenge perceptions and demonstrate the valuable contribution people with disabilities and mental health conditions can make within their communities.
Community Impact
Community Spirit currently supports:
- 22 adults facing barriers to work
- 2 support volunteers
- 236 sessions delivered last year, including drop ins and allotment days
The group continues to support a wide range of community projects, environmental activities and local events throughout the year.
Positive Feedback from the Community
Community Spirit volunteers are highly valued by the organisations and events they support.
Beth from Community First Events shared:
“Phil, Sandra and Robert were all fantastic helpers and worked really hard to help set up and clear away. Nothing was too much trouble for any of them. We would probably still be washing up and hoovering now if they were not there to support us!”
Shandrika from Marvels & Meltdowns said:
“I just wanted to drop you an email to say thank you very much for yesterday. I walked in this morning and it looks fabulous out there. You all did a fantastic job.”
John from the Michaelmas Fayre commented:
“They were all brilliant. Both Phils knew what to do and helped the others understand what they needed to do. They are a credit to you.”
Emma from Gosport and Fareham Friends of the Earth said:
“Thank you to all of you at Community Spirit. We could not achieve so much without your help. It is much appreciated.”
Collette, Home and Well Hub Coordinator, shared:
“I am just emailing to say what a wonderful group of volunteers we had at the SGN Home and Well Hub for Carers. We would happily welcome them again. They made carers feel very welcome and we had a number of comments about Phil’s tea making talents.”
Emma from Love Outdoors added:
“It has been absolutely fantastic to have Community Spirit on board. They have been amazing helping with litter picking, joining in with the friendly games, helping with the giant bubbles, directing cars on and off site, setting up stands and gazebos and hopefully having a great time as well.”
A Story That Brings It to Life
Community Spirit members recently took part in a cooking workshop using produce grown on their allotment alongside donated slow cookers. 
Supported by specially designed pictorial recipe cards, members worked together to prepare a vegetable curry from scratch. For some individuals, it was the first time they had ever cooked a complete meal independently.
The workshop combined a number of important benefits including healthy eating, practical life skills, teamwork and confidence building. It also demonstrated how supported volunteering and community activities can help people develop independence while creating a strong sense of achievement and pride.
Volunteers’ Week 2026
During Volunteers’ Week 2026, Community Spirit is being recognised for the outstanding contribution its members make across the Gosport community.
Through kindness, teamwork and determination, Community Spirit volunteers continue to show that everyone has something valuable to contribute. Their work not only supports local events and organisations but also strengthens community connections, promotes inclusion and helps create a more supportive and understanding community for all.
Find out more about the supported volunteering group by clicking here
If you’re interested in joining the group or know someone who might, please contact Lucy Coates on 02392 604694 or lucy.coates@cfirst.org.uk