Young Gosport volunteers seek new group members after supporting each other through lockdown

Although the voluntary activities of Loud and Proud were disrupted during lockdown, this didn’t stop the team of volunteers aged 16 to 25 from finding new ways to have fun, learn new things and keep in touch throughout.

The Gosport Voluntary Action group has used Zoom for regular weekly sessions providing members a space to talk and debate with each other, including quizzes, games and warm-up exercises.

Volunteer Holly Pitt, 21, said: ‘I love volunteering for Loud and Proud as it’s boosted my confidence, and we are like a family. We are together always during these hard times.

‘I love volunteering because it helps me in later life find a job and continue giving our age group a good reputation!’

Guest speakers were also invited to speak to the volunteers, including Zoe Huggins, the new mayor of Gosport, and the group is also currently working on a variety of projects including an anti-racism campaign, lockdown collage and inter-generational Zoom calls.

Loud and Proud's staff and support volunteers have helped members feeling anxious about going out by meeting up in small groups following government guidelines, as well as regular one-to-one phone calls to those struggling with the current restrictions.

Ben Houghton, 22, said: ‘This group has helped me grow so much as an individual and improved how I work with people or by myself so thank you everyone for being so fantastic.’

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Loud and Proud’s aim is to raise awareness of the diversity among people in society and the wide range of issues which affect them, to show that there is a role for everyone.

Megan Vials, 24, said: ‘Loud and Proud has given me vast opportunities to contribute within the community and given me a diverse range of activities to participate in.

‘As a recent graduate I am able to take my experiences from the group and apply them to new adventures. I am also able to provide references to employers for volunteering.’

For more information or to join the group, contact [email protected] or call project leader Nicola Ure on 07895 939510.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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