Celebrating local volunteering

Edition: July 2026

Horsham District is home to a vibrant array of voluntary groups who bring people together, support those in need, and help build stronger, more connected communities.

Over the past two years, we have supported this work through a dedicated Volunteer Support Project, funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. The project was designed to help local groups attract, support and retain volunteers, combining grant funding with practical training opportunities.

Since 2024, 33 grants have been awarded to local voluntary groups, supporting initiatives such as volunteer recruitment campaigns, training, community events and outreach. As a result, more than 1,600 volunteering opportunities have been created or supported across the District.

Local impact

The Pulborough Pantry received a grant to expand its community impact reducing food waste and providing essential food and hygiene items to local families in need. They said:

Thanks to the recent funding, the Pantry has been able to expand both its reach and its volunteer base. The grant has supported recruitment efforts through local events and advertising, covering the costs needed to attract new volunteers. It also contributes to continuous vital volunteer training.

Training sessions

Alongside this, a programme of Volunteer Support Training sessions has helped both volunteers and volunteer managers develop their skills. Covering topics such as volunteer recruitment, good practice in volunteer management and volunteer wellbeing, the sessions have supported over 180 volunteers.

The Council’s Voluntary Sector Support team remains committed to helping local groups thrive, offering ongoing guidance, resources and opportunities to connect.