CHARITIES in and around Basingstoke came together in a bid to encourage residents to volunteer, as many of them say they are in need of extra pairs of helping hands.
The Basingstoke Volunteer Fair was organised by Basingstoke Voluntary Action (BVA) and was held at the Discovery Centre in Festival place on Friday, February 10.
The Gazette was told by many charities at the event that they are in desperate need of volunteers and are encouraging anyone who has time to spare, no matter how small, to volunteer and help others out.
David Gawn volunteers for the Basingstoke MS Society. The charity, based in Popley Fields Community Centre comes together each Wednesday from 10am to 2pm to help those suffering from MS and their families.
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David has volunteered for the charity for three years after he saw how much the charity helped his wife Jacquie who suffers from MS.
He said: "We need volunteers to come and help us put out equipment and tidy up equipment at the end of the session or even just people who can come and help make tea or coffee."
He told the Gazette that the charity helps people with MS who might be in a wheelchair to get moving again and was amazed to recently see some of those wheelchair users take a step out of their wheelchairs.
Meanwhile, Peter Roberson, trustee of the Basingstoke NeighbourCare said the charity is in need of drivers. The charity provides an accompanied transport service to those in genuine need.
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Other charities at the fair included Julian House which works to support anyone who has been forced to sleep rough or is living a street-based lifestyle.
Michele Hopgood from the charity said if they can find more volunteers it means they can hopefully have more ability to help more homeless people in Basingstoke and Deane.
Other charities at the event included The Disability Forum and Andover Mind and Autism Hampshire, which are all in need of volunteers to support the work the charities do.
The event was also attended by Basingstoke's mayor Cllr Paul Miller.
If you are interested in volunteering for any of the charities mentioned please contact them individually.
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