Volunteers Needed to Save Fordingbridge Youth Clubs

The Salvation Army in Fordingbridge has issued an urgent appeal for volunteers to help prevent its vital weekly youth sessions from being scaled back.

The youth programme, which provides a safe, positive environment for young people aged 9–13, faces a critical shortage of volunteers after several team members left earlier this year and numbers fell further over the summer. Without additional support, the club's future is at risk.

The group runs back-to-back youth clubs every Thursday from 3:15 pm to 6:30 pm, offering young people a space to develop life skills, build confidence, and thrive. Organisers are asking local people to commit to just a few hours a month to keep these essential services running. Ideally, new recruits would help one week per month, covering both sessions, though those who can commit to just one group are also encouraged to apply.

Volunteers can expect to get involved in a wide range of activities — from pool, air hockey, foosball and outdoor football to card and board games, with leaders joining in on the Switch and Xbox too. Yet the most important part of the role is building positive relationships and having meaningful conversations that help young people develop resilience, wisdom and support networks. Cooking and craft sessions have also been part of the programme in the past and could return with volunteers skilled in those areas.

Mike French, who leads The Salvation Army in Fordingbridge, said: “We rely on the generosity of volunteers to shine Christ’s love in our community — they are truly the backbone of all that we do. Without people willing to step forward, our youth clubs simply cannot exist.

"If you have a heart for young people and a longing to make a lasting mark in your community, we would love to hear from you. Just one session a month can change lives — for the young people who need a safe place to belong, and for the community we are all part of building together.”

The team is particularly seeking individuals aged 18 or over who are willing and able to work with children and young people across the two linked groups. No previous experience is required. Full training, including safeguarding and a DBS check, will be provided. What matters most, the charity says, is a genuine desire to support, nurture, and engage positively with young people.

The role is part of The Salvation Army’s wider missional activity in Fordingbridge, and those coming forward will help ensure these essential programmes can continue to serve local families. Those interested in volunteering can contact the church leader via email: Michael.French@salvationarmy.org.uk.