Post | July 2026 | Home Page | 2 min read

Finding community through volunteering in Frome: Charlene's story

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When Charlene moved to Frome, she was looking for a way to meet people and learn more about her new community. After attending a Volunteer Frome drop-in session, Charlene was signposted to Spark a Change, where she discovered volunteering opportunities that not only helped her settle into the town but opened the door to new friendships, experiences and a wide range of local causes.

Charlene began volunteering with Froglife's Wild Memories project, which provides nature-based sessions for people living with Alzheimer's and dementia. Charlene helps prepare and tidy up sessions, welcomes participants and provides practical support throughout activities.

"It means the sessions leader and attendees are all better supported, helping everyone get more from the sessions," she says.

Charlene also supports public engagement and local activities with the Frome Community Bike Project – a local organisation promoting cycling and sustainable transport.

Through this, she helps to raise awareness of the organisation's work and encourages more people to access its services. She's even joined a subcommittee focused on public engagement.

What started as two volunteer roles soon led to even more opportunities. Through the connections she made, Charlene now also volunteers with Frome Town Council Rangers, Frome Field 2 Fork and Broadway Community Garden, allowing her to contribute to a variety of community and environmental projects.

For Charlene, volunteering has brought benefits she never expected.

"I enjoy getting out of the house and into the community. Because I've been volunteering, it hasn't taken long for me to feel part of the community."

Alongside gaining new experiences and learning more about her new hometown, Charlene has also built lasting friendships.

"I have met friends that I meet up with beyond volunteering. I am gaining new and varied experiences and getting to know Frome from different perspectives."

Speaking about the impact of Charlene's involvement, a representative from Froglife explains: "Charlene's support at our Wild Memories sessions helps create a warm and welcoming environment for people living with dementia and their carers. Her friendly presence and practical assistance make a real difference to both participants and staff."

When asked what she would say to someone considering volunteering, Charlene's message is simple:

"Volunteering is fun and rewarding. You feel really good about doing something that benefits the community, you meet new people, visit new places and gain new experiences.

"There are so many opportunities to volunteer in and around Frome that it is easy to find organisations that meet your interests. Many organisations cannot run without the support of volunteers. Volunteering is vital!"

Through taking that first step and exploring opportunities on Spark a Change, Charlene has become an active part of her local community, building connections, supporting local organisations and inspiring others to do the same.

Looking for your ideal volunteer role? Search Spark a Change today.

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Celebrating Volunteering in Somerset!

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Join a special in-person event celebrating volunteers and community groups across our county.

Empowering Inclusive Volunteering

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Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership (SASP) are a champion of inclusive volunteering, particularly for individuals with disabilities. With a strong commitment to breaking down barriers and fostering equality, SASP has developed several initiatives designed to make volunteering accessible to all. Central to this effort is the Fit for Work programme , which empowers individuals with disabilities by helping them build confidence, acquire new skills, and transition into meaningful volunteer roles. Managed by SASP’s disability team, the Fit for Work programme provides a supportive environment where individuals can develop their skills practically, build their confidence and ability to work in a team. Through these elements, participants are equipped with the tools to lead, support, and engage in a variety of activities both within and outside the workplace. The impact of this programme is evident through the success stories of its graduates, who have gone on to become volunteers within SASP and other organisations. These graduates actively contribute to various events and initiatives, providing support to other individuals with disabilities and furthering the impact of the programme. Two great examples of Fit for Work graduates who have transitioned into volunteering roles are Tom and Betty. Tom has gone on to volunteer at subsequent Fit for Work courses. By sharing his own experiences, Tom is able to empathise with new participants, helping them overcome challenges and find success. He views his volunteer work as a way of giving back to the programme that had such a positive impact on him. Betty has volunteered at an Inclusive Sports Day organised by Nova Sports , where she assisted adults with disabilities in trying new sports and activities. She also regularly volunteers at the Sedgemoor Stars session, a physical activity programme designed for adults with disabilities. Betty finds volunteering incredibly rewarding, as it has helped her develop her confidence, make new friends, and gain valuable leadership experience. Reflecting on her experience, Betty shares: “I loved Fit for Work; I really enjoyed it. It was really fun, and I got to meet new people. I learnt to help other people and helped people get involved with activities. I learnt how to communicate and work as a team, and this has helped me with my volunteering when I am leading.” One of the key challenges faced by individuals with disabilities when considering volunteering opportunities is the concern that they may not have the necessary support or that their disability may prevent them from participating. Through conversations with participants in the Fit for Work programme, SASP identified that many individuals worry they won’t be able to meet expectations or perform the tasks required. Betty emphasises the importance of being confident when discussing needs with employers: “A common concern for people with disabilities is that they won’t be able to do it or won’t have the right support. Be confident to talk to your employer so they can understand what needs you have and how they can best support you. When you have the right support, you can do great things.” She encourages others to try volunteering, even if they have reservations: “Just give it a go, you don’t know unless you try. You might find something you are good at or really enjoy. Volunteering gives you lots of energy and boosts your social skills, it helps you make new friends”. SASP’s approach to inclusive volunteering has proven to be highly effective in creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Through initiatives like the Fit for Work programme and the Volunteer in Somerset Campaign , SASP has demonstrated that, with the right support, people with disabilities can become valuable, confident, and active participants in their communities. These programmes not only encourage participation but also provide the foundation for individuals to take on leadership roles and make lasting impacts on the lives of others. For more information on volunteering opportunities with SASP, please click here:

Wylie's journey as a young leader

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"I think more young people should volunteer to help others.”

Post | July 2026 | Home Page | 2 min read

Finding community through volunteering in Frome: Charlene's story

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Bryony Mounter