Huge resident turnout as flagship charity event moves to Bath Abbey
Nearly 800 people attended 3SG's annual Volunteer Fair at Bath Abbey on 22nd October, making it one of the largest community volunteering events held in Bath and North East Somerset.
The event brought together nearly 60 charities, community groups and voluntary organisations from across Bath and North East Somerset, providing residents with an opportunity to discover the wide range of volunteering opportunities available and learn more about causes making a difference in local communities.
The Volunteer Fair is organised by Bath & North East Somerset Third Sector Group (3SG), a charity in its own right which exists to strengthen and advocate for local third sector infrastructure. It supports over 260 charities within its membership network by providing 1:1 support, training and events, convening strategic work and connections, plus championing and advocating for the sector.
Hosted for the first time at Bath Abbey, enabling more charities to exhibit, this year's Fair saw hundreds of conversations take place between prospective volunteers and organisations seeking support. Several participating organisations reported generating around 60 new volunteer leads during the event, highlighting the significant impact that the Fair had in connecting people with meaningful opportunities to give back.
Becky Somerset, Chief Executive at 3SG, said: "The response to this year's Volunteer Fair was incredible. To welcome nearly 800
residents through the doors of Bath Abbey demonstrates the strength of community spirit across Bath and North East Somerset and the willingness of local people to support the causes they care about.
"Volunteering is the lifeblood of our charity sector. Every volunteer contribution, whether that's an hour a month or several days a week, helps organisations deliver vital services, reach more people and build stronger, healthier communities. Events like this are essential because they connect residents with opportunities that make a real difference, while helping local charities recruit the volunteers they need to
thrive.
"We would like to say a huge thank you to the team at Bath Abbey, who went above and beyond to make the day such a success. The venue provided a welcoming and inspiring space for both exhibitors and visitors, and we are extremely grateful for their support and enthusiasm. We would love to build on this partnership in future.”
Volunteering plays a critical role in supporting charities, community groups and social enterprises across Bath and North East Somerset. With many organisations facing increasing demand for services alongside continuing financial pressures, volunteers remain essential to helping communities flourish.
The Volunteer Fair forms part of 3SG's ongoing commitment to strengthening volunteering across the area and supporting a resilient and sustainable Third Sector. By bringing organisations and residents together, the event helps to showcase the sector, create new connections, unlock local talent and ensure community organisations can continue delivering the services that local people rely upon.
As well as the charity stands, this year’s event saw a series of talks and workshops for both residents and volunteer coordinators, (with huge thanks to the speakers who took part) - plus free blood pressure checks and vaccinations working with NHS partners. Visitors and stallholders also enjoyed goodies from local cafe and bakery, Mjolk.
The day was only possible with grateful thanks to local sponsors: Riviam Digital Care, YTL, Richardson Swift, Bath Spa University and Corsham Print.
For more information about 3SG and its member organisations, visit:
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