Inclusion Hampshire hosted a fabulous afternoon at this year’s Celebration of Volunteering 2025, shining a light on the dedication, compassion, and efforts of our incredible volunteers. The event was a warm and uplifting tribute to those who give their time and energy for free, supporting our service and the people who use it.
Throughout the afternoon there were powerful stories, moments of reflection, and heartfelt gratitude for the role volunteers play in our services. For everyone who attended, it was a meaningful point of reflection on why we do the work we do—and a reminder of the value of lived experience, co-production, and working together to support those who need it.
The event was expertly arranged by Ryan Coles and Poppy Hogan, Hampshire’s Workforce Innovation Coordinators, whose thoughtful planning ensured a memorable and enjoyable afternoon. Additionally, the day was flawlessly co-ordinated by Kelly Pickard, Service Lead for People and Development. They worked tirelessly to create the perfect space to acknowledge and celebrate our volunteers- filled with appreciation, connection and genuine recognition.
Throughout the day, we heard moving stories from individuals that have come through our services before deciding to volunteer themselves. Alison bravely stood on stage whilst sharing how her journey with addiction and recovery has allowed for her to relate to our service users whilst volunteering. Volunteering, Alison says…
‘Having lived experience gave me the confidence to build up good relationships with service users…all of this gave me a good structure and routine in my own life’
Read what the service user reps and volunteers and team leaders thought of the event below.
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I felt very grateful for the invite to the celebration of volunteering an felt a lot off love for us past volunteers.
I have been with the Eastleigh hub as a service user for twenty years but 2022 changed my life. I completed rehab and following that in October became involved with Service User Involvement which opened many doors for me with the service user’s forum. I left rehab not being able to read and write but through doing service user involvement and volunteering I learned skills as a volunteer. Being part of the Criminal Justice Intervention Team helped me get to where I am today as an Apprentice Recovery Worker. I’m so grateful for Inclusion for giving me the opportunities I have today I am so grateful for the service users program and the volunteering program. It’s so nice to see how Inclusion show how us as reps and volunteers are appreciated with such lovely events and so many kind words.
- Sharon Payne, Former Volunteer and now Apprentice Recovery Worker
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I wanted to take a moment to express how extremely honoured I was to be invited to the Celebration of Volunteering, let alone being awarded a beautifully presented Certificate of appreciation, which reinforced why I loved being part of the volunteering pathway. The venue was lovely, the atmosphere was emotional, heart-warming, and I enjoyed every moment spent with everyone who shares the same passion for the service.
Thank you for recognizing our efforts and creating a positive atmosphere for us all.
- Jennie Edwards, Former Service User Rep and current Inclusion Hampshire DWP Mentor
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I just wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you for organising such a fantastic event to recognise the incredible contribution of our volunteers. It was a truly thoughtful and well executed occasion that reflected the appreciation we all feel for the time, energy and passion our volunteers bring. The atmosphere was uplifting, and it was clear how much it meant to everyone involved. Celebrating the difference, they make in such a meaningful way was really special, with both Debby and Jane being delighted with their badges and the event. Thank you and well done for your effort and dedication in making it happen; I can’t wait for next year’s one.
- Hayley Territt, Team leader Gosport
To all our volunteers—thank you for everything you do!
