Hailsham Town Council Encourages Residents to Make a Difference Through Volunteering

Hailsham Town Council is encouraging residents to discover the many ways they can support their local community by volunteering their time, skills and experience.

With several charities, community groups, clubs and voluntary organisations operating across Hailsham and the surrounding area, there are opportunities to get involved in almost every aspect of community life. From helping vulnerable residents and supporting local events to protecting the environment, providing companionship, raising funds or assisting with activities, volunteers make an invaluable contribution to the town.

Councillor Anne Marie Ricketts, Chair of the Town Council’s Communities Committee, is urging people who may have some spare time to consider getting involved, emphasising that volunteering does not necessarily require a significant or regular commitment.

She said: “Volunteering is one of the simplest ways in which we can contribute to the place we call home. You don’t need to have lots of spare time or a particular qualification to get involved. Sometimes, giving just an hour or two can make an enormous difference to a local organisation and the people it supports.”

“There are so many different ways to volunteer in Hailsham. You might enjoy helping at a community event, spending time with older residents, supporting a charity shop, helping with fundraising, getting involved in environmental projects or using professional skills to help an organisation behind the scenes. Whatever your interests, there is likely to be an opportunity that suits you.”

Volunteering can bring benefits to the volunteer as well as to the wider community. Taking part can provide an opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds, develop new friendships, build confidence and learn practical skills. For those looking to gain experience or return to work, volunteering can also provide valuable experience and an opportunity to develop transferable skills.

For older residents, volunteering can offer an additional sense of purpose and provide opportunities to remain active and connected within the community. For younger people, it can help build confidence, develop teamwork and communication skills and provide experience that can support future education, employment or career choices.

Councillor Ricketts added: “Our voluntary organisations are powered by people who care about their community, and many of them simply could not provide the services and activities they do without volunteers. We should never underestimate the difference made by the people who turn up, lend a hand and quietly get on with helping others.”

“Volunteering is also a two-way relationship. While you are giving something back, you can gain friendships, confidence, experience and the satisfaction of knowing that your time is being put to good use. I would encourage anyone who has ever thought about volunteering to take that first step and see what opportunities are available.”

There is no single type of volunteer. Some organisations need people who can make a regular weekly commitment, while others welcome volunteers who are available occasionally to assist with events, fundraising activities or one-off projects. There are also opportunities for people with specialist knowledge and professional experience to provide advice, become trustees or support the management of community organisations.

Among the many organisations benefiting from volunteer support in Hailsham are the Royal British Legion Hailsham branch, Hailsham Foodbank, Environment Hailsham, Hailsham Lions and Rotary Clubs, Cuckmere Buses, the Charles Hunt Centre, local charity shops and the Hailsham Festival Committee.

These are just some examples, with many other charities, clubs, community groups and organisations across the town relying on volunteers to help deliver their services and activities.

Councillor Ricketts said: “I have been fortunate to see at first hand just how much volunteers contribute to Hailsham. Often their work happens quietly and without recognition, but the impact can be enormous. Whether someone is welcoming people at an event, driving a community bus, sorting donations, preparing activities or simply giving another person their time and company, each contribution strengthens our community.”

“I would particularly encourage people who may have recently retired, changed their working circumstances or simply found themselves with a little more time on their hands to consider volunteering. Equally, younger people and families can find opportunities that fit around work, education and other commitments. There really is something for everyone.”

One local initiative currently seeking additional volunteer support is the Railway Club, a weekly social group for residents aged 55 and over which meets on Wednesdays at the Station Youth Centre in Western Road. The club provides a welcoming and informal environment for older residents who may be experiencing loneliness or social isolation. The weekly sessions give attendees an opportunity to meet others, enjoy refreshments, take part in games and activities and develop new friendships.

Volunteers are being sought to help support the three-hour weekly sessions. Duties could include welcoming attendees, chatting with members, helping with games and activities and generally contributing to the friendly atmosphere of the club.

Councillor Ricketts said: “The Railway Club is a great example of how a relatively simple community initiative can make a real difference to people’s lives. Having somewhere friendly and welcoming to go each week can be extremely important, particularly for people who may otherwise spend a lot of time alone.”

“We are looking for a few additional volunteers who can help make sure the club continues to thrive. You don’t need specialist experience – what matters most is being approachable, reliable and willing to spend some time helping others.”

Anyone interested in volunteering with the Railway Club is invited to contact Councillor Ricketts directly by email at cllr.annemarie.ricketts@hailsham-tc.gov.uk.

Residents interested in exploring volunteering opportunities more generally can find information about local organisations and current vacancies through the Hailsham Volunteer Hub.

The Town Council hopes that by highlighting the wide range of opportunities available, more residents will consider offering their time and becoming part of the network of volunteers helping to make Hailsham a connected, active and supportive community.