Volunteer Managers' Forum: Updates, Challenges and Youth Volunteering

We’d love you to join us at our next Volunteer Managers Forum taking place on Thursday 21st May at the Blackbridge Community Centre from 12-2pm. A space for you to connect with others who truly understand the day-to-day realities of managing volunteers.

These sessions are first and foremost about coming together. Whether it’s recruitment challenges, keeping volunteers motivated, or supporting and retaining them, many of us are navigating similar issues. This is a chance to share experiences, exchange ideas, and learn from one another in a supportive and open environment.

At this session, we’ll:
•Spend time networking and reconnecting with one another
•Share updates from your organisations – what’s working well and where the challenges are
•Open up space for questions and peer support

We’ll also gently explore youth volunteering – recognising both the opportunities and the real challenges it can bring. This isn’t about expectations or pressure, but about having an honest conversation:
•Are you currently involving young people?
•What’s working (or not)?
•What would help make it more feasible?

As always, this will be a relaxed and interactive session, with plenty of opportunity to contribute as much or as little as you feel comfortable. We hope you can join us – it’s always valuable to hear your perspectives and support one another.

Key Details
Date: Thursday 21st May 2026
Time: 12pm - 2pm
Where: Blackbridge Community Centre, Three Acres, Horsham, RH12 1RS
Cost: Free

What is the Volunteer Managers’ Forum?
The Volunteer Managers Forum is open to anyone (paid or unpaid) who manages and coordinates volunteers. The forum takes place quarterly and provides an opportunity to discuss any challenges or issues you may have, as well as a chance to bring suggestions to the table.

We hope that the Volunteer Managers Forum is a practical, organised and useful way of sharing expertise and resources.