VOLUNTEER DRIVE: Havant Groups Set to Pack The Pallant Centre in Big Push for Helpers

Havant residents looking for a way back into community life are being invited to a major volunteer fair at The Pallant Centre this month — with up to 26 local groups due to meet people face to face.

Community First says the Havant Volunteer Fair will take place at The Pallant Centre, The Pallant, Havant PO9 1BE, on Wednesday 20 May from 11am to 2pm. The charity says the event is designed for people who want to give something back, gain skills, meet others, get outdoors or tackle loneliness and isolation.

The fair has also been listed on Community First’s events calendar for May, while a report by The News highlighted that Havant community groups are joining forces to inspire new volunteers. Community First says exhibitors are set to be announced, with groups and organisations able to apply to promote their volunteering opportunities on the day.

## Why it matters for Havant

Volunteering can sound like a big commitment, but many local roles are flexible. Some involve a few hours at events. Others help charities with admin, befriending, transport, youth activities, conservation, food projects, support groups or community hubs.

For Havant, Leigh Park, Bedhampton, Emsworth and Waterlooville residents, the fair is a chance to see several causes in one place rather than trying to work out where to start online. That matters because the borough relies heavily on community groups that support older people, families, carers, veterans, young people and residents who might otherwise feel cut off.

Community First says its volunteering service works through Volunteer First and has connections with hundreds of charities and community groups across Hampshire, including Havant, Fareham, East Hants, Winchester and the New Forest.

## No on-site parking

Anyone planning to attend should note the practical details. Community First says there is no parking on site at The Pallant Centre. Paid parking is available around Havant town centre, with the charity recommending nearby town centre car parks including the area by the Church Hall, reached from Beechworth Road off East Street.

The event is free to attend, and Community First says residents can bring friends, family, colleagues or anyone else who may be interested. Free refreshments are also advertised.

## A simple way to make a start

The pitch is straightforward: if you have been thinking about doing something useful locally but do not know where to begin, this is the sort of event built for browsing. You can ask groups what they actually need, how much time is expected, whether training is provided and whether the role suits your experience.

For charities, the stakes are just as real. New volunteers can keep small projects running, help services reach more people and bring fresh energy into groups that are often doing vital work on limited resources.

Sources: Community First Havant Volunteer Fair 2026 notice, Community First events calendar and volunteering information, The News report published 29 April 2026.