The volunteer, often invisible but always there
Here in Storrington, volunteers touch on many aspects of our lives though their contributions are not always immediately recognised. Volunteers are an invaluable asset in the community. For instance, the local charity shops rely on volunteers, as do many charity fundraisers. With a little reflection, it becomes clear that befriender groups, Girl Guide leaders, and members of local conservation societies are also volunteers.
Volunteers drive the local minibus for shopping trips and summer outings, transport patients without other means to medical appointments, and manage the phone calls and the necessary organisation. They are also behind the vibrant plants that adorn the village’s public spaces in spring and summer, reminding us that our community is more than just the volume of traffic that passes through each day.
Volunteers spearhead action groups that tackle traffic issues and oversee housing development plans. They organize and manage local markets, run the community website, and even operate the museum. Some offer support for youth, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, whilst others provide crucial assistance during emergencies.
For every major voluntary organization you can name, there are likely hundreds of smaller, local groups. In Storrington alone, nearly 100 such organisations exist, with volunteers who contribute their time, skills, and energy to support the community. Some are registered charities, while others operate more informally. Only a few of their activities have been highlighted here.
The number of people doing formal volunteering has dropped dramatically across all age groups in the past 10 years. Formal volunteering is where a person provides unpaid help to a group or organisation. For more detailed information on the statistics of volunteering see the Government’s 2021 report.
Come and meet the local groups who quietly support our community
Every couple of years, Storrington Community Partnership organise an event to help local voluntary organisations display their activities and attract volunteers. It also helps exchange ideas between organisations and let each other know their future initiatives and explore potential cooperation.
Admission is free.
A number of the local voluntary groups will be showcasing their activities and the opportunities they offer at Storrington’s Volunteering Fair in Chanctonbury Leisure Centre on Saturday, 21st September 2024, from 10am to 1pm.
If your organisation has not registered to participate, do come along anyway, and we’ll try to help.
Submitted to the Storrington Community Website using the News Item contact form.