Volunteering in Basingstoke and Deane
Have you ever considered volunteering, but felt unsure where to start?
Why volunteer?
Volunteering is a hugely rewarding experience. It can be a great opportunity to give back to your community, support causes you are passionate about and gain new experiences. It can be a good way to meet new people and make friends too. Whether you’ve got a few hours a month or want to dive into something more regular, there’s a role out there for you.
“Why do I volunteer? Initially, to make constructive and sociable use of the time granted to me by retirement from professional life - there was a gap to fill! Beyond that, what keeps me in voluntary work is the strong sense of contribution and involvement, meeting people (the public), working in a team, learning about a wide range of historic and artistic subjects (keep your ears open when talking to visitors), giving back, however modestly, to the community and broadening my social life. My connectivity with Basingstoke has multiplied many times over since I started volunteering.”
Volunteer at Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery
Getting started
Knowing where to start can sometimes be the trickiest bit. Here are our top tips on how to get started with your volunteering journey:
- Identify your skills and interests. Think about what you are passionate about, what you enjoy doing and what you’re good at.
- Check your schedule. Work out how much time you are willing to contribute. Some roles require regular commitment whereas there are other roles you can pick up as and when you are available.
- Ask your employer. If you are currently working, check whether your employer offers corporate volunteering opportunities.
- Contact Basingstoke Voluntary Action. Their website lists hundreds of opportunities and they run drop-in sessions for advice.
- Reach out to organisations you already know or feel passionate about, like the National Trust, Hampshire Cultural Trust, or local charities. If you’re already a member, supporter, or regular visitor, that’s a great place to start.
“I’ve been volunteering for Basingstoke Mencap in my trustee role since June 2022 and it’s been a deeply personal and rewarding experience. When I was approached by the then chairman, he had no idea that both my mum (now retired) and late mother-in-law had both worked with children and young adults with learning disabilities. This opportunity felt like a natural way to honour their legacy, by continuing to contribute to the work they loved. The most fulfilling aspect of being a trustee is getting to know our members and witnessing the real-life impact that our support and social activities have on their lives. It’s also heartening to see the commitment and energy that the team and volunteers dedicate to bettering the lives of people in our community."
Polly, Mencap Trustee
Corporate volunteering
Many companies are embracing corporate volunteering programs, allowing employees to dedicate time during work hours or participate in team-building volunteer events. It's a fantastic way to give back while building a stronger, more engaged workforce.
Corporate volunteering can benefit the community by providing much needed support, bringing a fresh perspective and skills whilst building stronger communities.
Businesses providing corporate volunteering opportunities can also see positive impacts including increased teamwork, motivation and engagement and working closer with the community in which they are operating.
Basingstoke Voluntary Action can support with finding corporate volunteering opportunities. Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council organise and deliver corporate volunteer days undertaking practical conservation work at the council's green spaces and Inspero has corporate volunteering opportunities helping to develop the new area to its award-winning Kempshott Community Garden.
What can you do?
There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer in Basingstoke and Deane and you may be surprised by the things you can get involved with, from befriending lonely individuals to lending a hand at a cultural institution, your unique talents and interests can make a real difference. Below are just some of the opportunities we know of, but we know there are plenty more!
Basingstoke Voluntary Action has a list of opportunities on their website as do Volunteer North Hants.
Arts and culture
Help create memories for visitors, make friends and learn new skills as a Milestones volunteer with Hampshire Cultural Trust. Their roles are open to all! With a range of duties, you could teach key skills as a Make Do and Mend leader, clock on as a Victorian or WWII policeman or dish out sweet rations at the 1940s sweet shop.
Be part of a vibrant team and volunteer at Basing House, a historic site with vast, beautiful grounds and a breathtaking barn. Duties may include front of house responsibilities, event work or customer service.
Volunteer opportunities are also available at National Trust properties The Vyne and Sandham Memorial Chapel, both based in the borough.
From making or sourcing costumes to selling programmes, there are many ways you can volunteer with BATS.
Help and care for people
Volunteers at Hampshire Hospitals work alongside skilled staff members to support in a variety of different areas from ward support to assisting on events. Support clients by volunteering with Basingstoke NeighbourCare and become a driver, befriender or assist with community cafes and social groups. Have fun, meet new friends and gain valuable experience with roles to suit your interests and experience with Headway, a local charity supporting people living with brain injury. A variety of volunteering opportunities are available at Basingstoke Young Carers, each with its unique way of supporting young carers and their families. There are so many ways you can get involved as a St. Michael’s Hospice volunteer, whether it is at the hospice, in the community or in one of their shops.
The Camrose Centre is a drop-in centre for anyone who is sleeping rough, homeless or vulnerably housed within Basingstoke and Deane. They are always looking for volunteers to help with the day-to-day activities, but also those that can work behind the scenes to administer, guide and lead the Centre’s development. The Citizens Advice Bureau also have a number of volunteer roles including advisers, receptionists and administrators.
Share your skills to help others at The Community Furniture Project. They look for volunteers who have practical skills such as woodwork, bike repair, electrical repair or painting that can teach others.
Sport
No experience needed to volunteer with Basingstoke Parkrun and there are a range of roles to choose from. You can volunteer alone or team up with someone else. Many local sports clubs also rely on volunteers.
“I am a parent volunteer football coach and got into volunteering as my son wanted to play for a football team. It’s an important role as the number of young people looking for a team far exceeds the number of teams available so by volunteering I am enabling young people to be involved in sport, have fun and make new friends. It’s a role I enjoy, especially seeing the players grow and develop, not just as football players, but grow as individuals, grow as a team, and become more confident. Coaching is an important role as you are not only helping young people develop skills, we are teaching them skills for life, such as positive communication, team work and respect (for themselves, team mates, opposition, parents and officials). It allows me to develop as a person, having to take coaching, safeguarding and first aid courses, but more importantly, it introduces you to a new community, a new ‘football family’ within your own team, your club, and the league in which the team plays. It’s a very rewarding role that has its challenges but the positives far outweigh the negatives.”
Gareth, Football coach
Conservation
Hands-on wildlife conservation-oriented tasks are available with Basingstoke Conservation Volunteers, usually on nature reserves or other important areas for the local natural environment.
This autumn, discover the joy of giving back. Explore the exciting possibilities above and find the perfect volunteer role to enrich your life and positively impact your community!
Updated August 2025
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