About the Organisation
Fareham Community Link provides Community Link and Day Services for adults with learning disabilities. The service offers a wide range of meaningful and engaging activities designed to support wellbeing, independence and social connection.
Activities include horticulture, swimming, drama, crafts, baking, mindfulness, sensory sessions, laughter yoga and community-based opportunities, in fact you name it, and I expect they do it or have done in the past.
Operating Monday to Friday, Fareham Community Link plays an important role in supporting people to lead active, fulfilling lives and to build confidence, friendships and life skills within a safe and welcoming environment.
The Role of Volunteers
Their valued volunteers are an important part of the wider Fareham Community Link team and contribute across many different areas of the service. Some volunteers join with a particular interest or skill they would like to share, such as gardening or horticulture, while others begin with a few taster sessions before discovering where they feel most comfortable and confident.
Their involvement often grows naturally over time, with volunteers becoming part of the day-to-day life of the service and building strong relationships with both staff and service users.
Volunteers support a wide variety of activities including:
- Horticulture and gardening projects
- Keep fit and strength and balance sessions
- Arts, crafts and project work
- Cooking and baking activities
- Bingo and social sessions
- Supporting the flower shop
- Wednesday coffee mornings
- Singing and music activities
- Encouraging participation in new experiences such as laughter yoga
Their willingness to join in and support wherever needed brings additional warmth, energy and encouragement to sessions.
The Difference Volunteers Make 
The impact volunteers have at Fareham Community Link is significant. Their support helps create a welcoming and inclusive environment where service users feel valued, listened to and encouraged.
Volunteers provide additional time, attention and companionship during activities, helping individuals to build confidence and positive relationships. For many service users, seeing familiar volunteer faces each week becomes an important and valued part of their routine.
The presence of volunteers also allows activities to be more interactive and engaging. Whether supporting someone with a craft activity, helping in the kitchen, chatting over coffee or simply encouraging participation, volunteers help create meaningful experiences throughout the day.
Staff value the contribution volunteers make and recognise the positive effect they have on both the atmosphere of sessions and the confidence of the people supported.
Impact in Numbers
- 45 service users supported Monday to Friday
- 6 volunteers currently supporting the service alongside the staff team
- Volunteers involved across multiple weekly sessions and activities
Volunteers regularly support sessions including horticulture, strength and balance classes, arts and crafts, shredding, bingo, cooking and baking.
Voices from the Service
Volunteer Perspective
“I came here to do the gardening that I love, but I was surprised one day to find myself as the judge of a Halloween costume party! I think it has helped me to be more confident with the people at Fareham Community Link.”
Staff Perspective
“I always enjoy having a volunteer in a session or activity with me. They are an extra helping pair of hands and service users love to see a new face!”
Service User Perspective
“I like it when Katherine comes in and she can paint my nails for me.”
A Story That Brings It to Life
One volunteer initially joined Fareham Community Link to support gardening sessions because of their interest in horticulture. Over time, their confidence grew and they became involved in many other parts of the service, from helping in the flower shop to supporting social events and themed activities.
What began as volunteering around a personal hobby developed into something much bigger, building relationships, supporting others and becoming an important part of the community within the service. Their enthusiasm and willingness to get involved has had a positive impact on both service users and staff alike.
Volunteers’ Week 2026
This Volunteers’ Week, Fareham Community Link is proud to recognise and celebrate the dedication, kindness and commitment shown by its volunteers. Their contribution helps strengthen the community around the service and demonstrates the real difference volunteering can make to people’s lives.