About the Monday Club
The Monday Club is a community initiative supported by Community First that helps reduce social isolation for older residents and people with mobility challenges within the local area.
Twice each month, volunteers collect members using a mobility bus and bring them together for social activities, meals out, games, crafts and entertainment. The club provides an important opportunity for people to connect with others, build friendships and enjoy experiences they may otherwise struggle to access independently.
For many members, the Monday Club is much more than a social outing. It is a chance to leave the house, enjoy companionship and feel part of their local community.
Clare’s Volunteering Role
Clare Smith volunteers with the Monday Club and helps support members throughout each session and outing. This includes helping collect residents using the mobility bus, assisting members during trips and helping create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for everyone attending.
Many of the people supported through the Monday Club are socially isolated, elderly or living with mobility difficulties. Volunteers like Clare play an important role in ensuring members feel safe, included and valued from the moment they are collected to the end of the day.
Clare explained that volunteering has also had a positive impact on her personally.
“As a volunteer it has given me a sense of giving back and connection within a community I appreciate and wish to explore further.”
Supporting the Local Community
Through her volunteering role, Clare has developed a greater understanding of the local community and the experiences of older residents living in sheltered housing and care settings.
The role has introduced her to many local cafés and eateries, helping support local businesses while also providing enjoyable outings for members. Travelling across the area to collect residents has also helped Clare discover parts of Fareham she had not previously explored.
Clare reflected: “Monday Club has taken me to many local eateries, supporting local businesses, exploring side roads to collect members. I didn’t appreciate Fareham had so many bungalows! It has also given me a better understanding of care homes and sheltered housing.”
Creating Meaningful Moments
One particularly memorable outing took place at The Wheelhouse in Lee-on-the-Solent during a spell of glorious sunshine.
The group sat outside together enjoying tea, homemade cakes and sausage rolls while taking in the sea views and spending time chatting and laughing together.
Another volunteer, Ian, brought along his guitar and members enjoyed a relaxed singalong by the beach. The afternoon created a simple but powerful sense of connection, companionship and happiness for everyone involved.
Moments like these show how small acts of kindness and community support can have a lasting impact on people who may otherwise experience loneliness or isolation.
The Difference Volunteers Make
Volunteers are at the heart of initiatives like the Monday Club. Their time, care and commitment help create opportunities for people to remain socially connected and active within their communities.
For members attending the club, the outings provide friendship, routine and enjoyment. For volunteers, the experience offers a sense of purpose, connection and community spirit.
Clare’s story highlights how volunteering not only supports others but can also enrich the lives of volunteers themselves, helping to strengthen communities and bring people together.
Volunteers’ Week 2026
During Volunteers’ Week 2026, Community First is proud to celebrate volunteers like Clare and Ian, whose kindness and dedication help make initiatives such as the Monday Club possible.
Their contribution demonstrates the importance of community connections and the positive difference volunteering can make to people’s lives every day.