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17 October 2025

Gosport Volunteer Fair Draws Record Crowds

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:

Disabled Sailors Association
RNLI – Gosport fundraising branch
Age Concern Gosport
ADHD & U CIC
Recovery Connections
Autism Hampshire
The Conservation Volunteers
Lee ICANGO (Community Transport)
The Diving Museum
Think Big Do Bigger CIC
Hampshire Library Service – Bridgemary Library
The Rainbow Centre
We Can Read
Gosport Museum (HCT)
Embracing Age
Barnardos

Another fine Volunteer Fair affair

The event was the 2nd to last Volunteer Fair of the year of a series organised by Community First’s Community Development and Volunteering Teams. Throughout the year and Hampshire, we had already run Fairs in Eastleigh, Havant, Alton and New Forest’s Avon Valley, with the final Fair to be Whitehill & Bordon coming up in November.

One of the lead organisers, Bethany, one of our Community Engagement Coordinators for Gosport had this to say – “I was so pleased to see such a great turnout at Gosport’s first Volunteer Fair. It was inspiring to witness so many residents, groups, and organisations come together with a shared passion for making a difference. The enthusiasm and support for volunteering shown by our community truly highlights the kindness, commitment, and spirit that makes Gosport a special place.”

Thank you all for joining us

It was great to be joined by so many. Thank you to everyone who joined us, including Gosport’s Mayor, Councillor Kirsten Bradley, who officially opened the occasion. Feedback from attendees includes:

“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?

For those who didn’t make it to the event, you can always see us at Your Space, Gosport again, where we’ll be hosting a Volunteering Info Drop-ins every first Thursday of the month, 10am-12pm, no need to book, just turn up and ask away about volunteering and find the right role for you!

Inspired and keen to see what volunteering opportunities are available? Click here to visit Volunteer First