Urgent Appeal: Volunteers Needed to Save Fordingbridge Youth Clubs

published on 15 Sep 2026

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 and positive environment for young people aged 9–13, is facing a critical shortage of volunteers following the departure of several team members earlier this year and a further reduction in numbers over the summer. Without additional support, the future of the clubs is at risk.

The group runs back-to-back youth clubs every Thursday from 3:15pm to 6:30pm, 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 able to commit to just one of the groups are also encouraged to apply.

Volunteers urgently needed to keep Fordingbridge’s youth clubs running for ages 9–13.

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.

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,
said Mike French, who leads The Salvation Army in Fordingbridge.

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 church leader via email: Michael.French@salvationarmy.org.uk.

Across the UK and Ireland, volunteers play an important role in The Salvation Army’s community and outreach work, covering a diverse range of issues from anti-trafficking and modern slavery to homelessness and addiction support, care for older people, and loneliness and isolation. For more information about The Salvation Army in Fordingbridge: Fordingbridge | The Salvation Army.