Salisbury 'Changemakers' to be Honoured in 800th Anniversary Celebrations

For centuries, people in the ancient City of Salisbury have volunteered their time, knowledge, and energy to help others.

As part of the celebrations for the 800th anniversary of Salisbury’s foundation next year, the City’s present-day volunteers are to be thanked and recognised for their selfless work.

Salisbury 800 has been formed to celebrate the granting of Salisbury’s Royal Charter by King Henry III in 1227, when the city moved from the Neolithic earthworks of Old Sarum to its present site at the confluence of five chalk rivers. Its aim is to honour the City’s past whilst also looking ahead to a confident future, and one of its guiding principles is to involve the whole community in the celebrations.

Thousands of volunteers play a vital role in the City’s community today, and Salisbury 800 calls them ‘Changemakers’. They deserve thanks and recognition through a project that will identify and highlight people currently giving their time to charities and organisations that could otherwise struggle to survive without them.

These ‘Changemakers’ often go about their work quietly, without asking for praise or acknowledgement. Their tasks include helping patients at the hospital, guiding visitors around heritage sites and museums, raising money for charities, feeding the homeless, visiting older residents, and caring for our rivers and water meadows. Their motivations are equally varied; some want to give back after retirement, others value the social connections, and some draw on personal experience to improve others' lives.

They follow in the footsteps of their charitable predecessors who, in the past, built almshouses in Salisbury, looked after travellers and pilgrims, cared for the sick and destitute, and through the various trade guilds, raised money for widows and orphans. This rich seam of kindness and doing good has continued through the centuries.

Susi Mason, Salisbury 800 Project Lead, said, “Salisbury’s network of volunteers deserves to be celebrated. As a part of Salisbury’s 800th anniversary, we want to recognise their contribution, reward them for their service and encourage others to join this wonderful group of people.”

Salisbury Radio will help tell their stories by shining a light on some of the lesser-known ways people serve their community every day.

"Salisbury Radio is delighted to be involved with Changemakers and the celebrations for Salisbury 800,” said Andy Munns, the director of Salisbury Radio. “There are a huge amount of people across Salisbury already making a huge difference to the lives of others through their volunteering.

"It will be fantastic to help make more people aware of the fantastic opportunities to help make a difference and bring about change in a wide variety of ways. We are looking forward to telling some of the stories of people already giving their time and making a difference to others in our part of the world."

Wessex Community Action supports charities and community groups across Wiltshire. Its website, Wiltshire Together, is a hub for advertising volunteer opportunities across the county.

Stacey Sims, of Wessex Community Action, said, “We are delighted to be part of the Changemakers project. Supporting the voluntary sector and celebrating the incredible contribution of volunteers is at the heart of what we do. We look forward to championing volunteering across Salisbury and inspiring more people to get involved in creating strong communities."

Salisbury 800 and WCA are working with local photographer, Steve Grimmett, to photograph some of the volunteers, and these photographs will be exhibited at the Five Rivers Health & Wellbeing Centre from April to June 2027.

“This project brings together two things I’m really passionate about – our voluntary and community sector and photography,” Steve said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on the amazing organisations and people who make such a difference in our city, while showing just how many different ways there are to get involved and volunteer.”

Thanks to a generous donation from Salisbury’s MP, John Glen, thousands of volunteers will receive a pin badge. They can wear it with pride, and it is hoped they will spark conversations that encourage others to consider giving their time and energy to also volunteer.

Salisbury 800 is drawing a two-mile radius from the city centre, encompassing Bemerton Heath, Old Sarum, Laverstock, Harnham and the hospital. Charities, groups and organisations that rely on volunteers are asked to contact Salisbury 800 so they can be involved in the project, and their stories can be shared.

Susi Mason, from Salisbury 800, said, “If you are a volunteer, tell us why you do it and what you gain from the experience. We want to hear your story. Let’s make raising the profile of volunteers a lasting legacy of our Salisbury 800 celebrations.”