Volunteer Voices: Gwen & the story behind Sholing Friends

We’re often asked by people considering volunteering why they should choose us.

While we could easily list the many reasons ourselves, we believe the most powerful answer comes from those who know us and our work best – our volunteers.

That’s why, for Volunteers’ Week 2026, we’re sharing a collection of ‘Volunteer Voices’. These blogs are written in our volunteers’ own words and offer a genuine insight into what volunteering with Communicare is really like.

Meaningful difference

Through their experiences, you’ll discover how volunteering can make a meaningful difference to the lives of our service users and just how it can be just as rewarding for the volunteers themselves.

From building friendships and confidence to finding purpose and connection, every story reflects the impact of giving your time, care and kindness to us and the vulnerable and isolated we help.

Whether you’re thinking about volunteering for the first time or simply want to learn more about what we do, we hope these Volunteer Voices inspire you, inform you and show just how powerful community connection can be.

Gwen & Sholing Friends

We’re launching Volunteers’ Week 2026 on June 1 with Gwen’s story. Here’s what she has to say:

“About two years ago, my life changed in a way I’d never really imagined it would – I had to give up driving. After 50 years on the road, losing that independence was quite a blow.

“Winter didn’t help. Standing at cold, exposed bus stops really put me off going out and before I realised it, I was hardly going anywhere at all. I became quite a recluse.

Idea began to form

“When spring came, I started to feel that something had to change. I can’t walk far, but I knew I needed to reconnect and find a new focus. I live in sheltered housing at Hart Court in Sholing and we have a beautiful lounge there that was very underused. At the same time, the Communicare coffee group at St Mary’s Church had come to an end. That’s when an idea began to form.

“I spoke to Yazmin Holtby, Local Housing Manager at Hart Court and then to Communicare, and both were keen to give it a go. A big bonus was that as long as Hart Court residents attended, the room would be rent‑free. That’s how ‘Sholing Friends’ was born.

Monday mornings

“We launched the group in September last year and it now brings together Hart Court residents, Communicare service users and people from the wider Sholing area every Monday morning.

“We usually have around 12 people attending and even more when we have a guest speaker. We’ve had sessions on how to get up after a fall, a visit from a gold‑medal Paralympian, quizzes and even a 50s and 60s disco.

“I’ve found people really enjoy having an activity, although there’s always plenty of chatting and laughter too.

Blossomed

“With the support of some wonderful volunteers, including students from Winchester, who have really blossomed since they have been coming, Sholing Friends has become a welcoming, lively place.

“What started as a personal challenge for me has turned into something truly special and it’s been just as rewarding for me, as a volunteer, as it has for everyone who comes along.”

More helpers welcome

“We’re always happy to welcome more helpers and everyone is welcome to attend – not just people from Sholing. Sholing Friends is all about bringing people together, whether you come for a cuppa, a chat or to join in with the activities.

How to attend

“We meet every Monday morning from 10.30am to 12noon, except Bank Holidays, at Hart Court on Cranbury Road in Sholing. You can enter via Station Road, through the gate clearly marked PRIVATE. If you’re coming by bus, we’re on the number 19 route, and the stop is right by the gate, which makes getting here nice and easy.

“We ask for a small contribution to help cover costs – £1 on non‑speaker days and £2 when we have a guest speaker to pay for. We try to keep things affordable, so no one feels excluded.

“Every week feels a little different. Some days are lively and full of activity; others are quieter with plenty of conversation, but there’s always a warm welcome and friendly faces.

“If you’re curious or wondering whether it’s for you, I’d really encourage you to come along and see what we get up to. We’d love to see you. No need to book in, just come along.”

To find out more, please click here or call or email us: 023 82 50 0050,
enquiry@communicareinsouthampton.org.uk.

Thank you

Photograph taken with thanks by Tim Kenyon Photography.