Community First New Forest

05/06/2026

Volunteers’ Week 2026 – Organisation Spotlight: NCI - Calshot Tower & Stone Point of the National Coastwatch Institution

This Volunteers' Week, we are celebrating the incredible volunteer watchkeepers at National Coastwatch, who help keep people safe along our coastline every day.

From monitoring coastal waters and supporting search and rescue operations to assisting HM Coastguard and the RNLI, volunteers provide vital eyes and ears along the shore, helping save lives at sea and around the coast.

In 2025 alone, National Coastwatch volunteers supported 911 incidents, including 132 lifeboat rescues.

Volunteering with National Coastwatch not only protects local communities and visitors but also provides volunteers with new skills, friendships and a strong sense of purpose. Find out more about the NCI here: https://volunteerfirst.co.uk/news/volunteers-week-2026-national-coastwatch-institution

Find your cause this at VolunteerFirst.co.uk

02/06/2026

Volunteers' Week 2026 - Organisation Spotlight: Helping Older People New Forest

“Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness make the biggest difference."

Through regular visits, conversations, and companionship, befriending volunteers help older people feel connected, supported, and valued within their communities.

This , we’re celebrating the volunteers at HOPe – Helping Older People New Forest who continue to make a lasting difference through friendship and compassion. They are a perfect example of how we can create stronger communities through care and connection.

During 2025/26 the HOPe delivered:
- Over 5,000 hours of befriending support
- Support for 282 new clients through the Support Service
- 435 emails handled through the Support Service
- 505 telephone support calls
- 427 home visits carried out through the Support Service
All done by their 65 amazing volunteers!

Find out more about HOPe: https://volunteerfirst.co.uk/news/volunteers-week-2026-hope-helping-older-people-new-forest

01/06/2026

This Volunteers’ Week we are celebrating the incredible volunteers, coordinators, organisations, and community champions helping to build stronger, more connected communities every day.

Through friendship, wellbeing support, youth activities, walking groups, community services, and local partnerships, volunteers continue to make a lasting difference across our communities.

Follow our page this Week to meet the people making a difference in our communities across Hampshire in Eastleigh, Wi******er, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, East Hampshire and the New Forest.

is the best time to check out volunteerfirst.co.uk for local volunteering opportunities

26/05/2026

To celebrate Volunteer week we are offing a "Bring A Volunteer for Free" deal for course bookings made in Volunteer week.

Until the end of Volunteer week when you book one of courses listed under skills training or awareness training below you can bring a volunteer for free.

Skills Training

Collaboration Skills - Navigating Collaboration across Charities, Public Sector, and business - online (1654) book one place and bring a volunteer for free. https://ow.ly/Vlng50Z320s

Connecting Communities - Running Engaging Events - Online (1651) book one place and bring a volunteer for free.

Making the most of Generative Ai - Online - (1653) book one place and bring a volunteer for free. https://ow.ly/i7tp50Z320F

Awareness Training

Safeguarding and Equality Diversity and Inclusion Online - Book one place and bring a volunteer for free on any of these awareness courses listed below.

3rd June 10am 12.30 Safeguarding Awareness Training
17th June 6pm - 8.30pm Safeguarding Awareness Training
30th June 10am - 12:30 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Training

Fine out more https://ow.ly/mwAh50Z320u

25/05/2026

We're pleased to be sharing this survey on behalf of Youth Options to get insights to help improve youth programmes.

Your views will be shared with people who have the power to change things, ensuring they include what young people in Hampshire and Southampton really want. Everything you tell them is anonymous.

The survey is 23 questions around youth clubs and activities, wellbeing, feeling safe, social media, your views and about you. It should take around 5 minutes to fill in. Submissions close on 30th June.

Have your voice heard by filling in the survey here: https://tinyurl.com/3r9vmdup

Last year's Youth Survey results can be found here: https://youthoptions.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Youth-Options_Youth-Survey-2025.pdfyear's

22/05/2026

Bring A Volunteer for Free
From this week until the end of Volunteer week when you book one of courses listed under skills training or awareness training below you can bring a volunteer for free.

Skills Training

Collaboration Skills - Navigating Collaboration across Charities, Public Sector, and business - online (1654) book one place and bring a volunteer for free. https://ow.ly/RFH950Z320r

Connecting Communities - Running Engaging Events - Online (1651) book one place and bring a volunteer for free.

Making the most of Generative Ai - Online - (1653) book one place and bring a volunteer for free. https://ow.ly/lbal50Z320q

Awareness Training

Safeguarding and Equality Diversity and Inclusion Online - Book one place and bring a volunteer for free on any of these awareness courses listed below.

3rd June 10am 12.30 Safeguarding Awareness Training
17th June 6pm - 8.30pm Safeguarding Awareness Training
30th June 10am - 12:30 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Training

Fine out more https://ow.ly/89x250Z320i

15/05/2026

13/05/2026

📆📆📆

‼️ SAVE THE DATE ‼️

New Forest Thrive festival returns to Ringwood in less than two months’ time on Saturday 4 July 2026.

Celebrating people, wildlife, and the future the event hosts activities for all ages, live performances, interactive displays, and local food and drinks.

📅 Date: Saturday 4 July
⏱️ Time: 10am to 3pm
📍 Location: Carvers Recreation Ground, Ringwood

🔗 Mark your calendars and find out more through the link in the comments.

12/05/2026

🧤 Ready to make a difference? Come along to our Litter Pick Day!

Whether you’re 5 or 95, we’d love to see you there. We’ve got equipment suitable for children and adults, so everyone can safely join in. 🌱

Bring your friends, family, and neighbours.

📆Thursday 28th May
⏰10am-12pm
📍Forest Front Park