The essential role of volunteers at Spurgeons

Volunteers are the quiet force that keeps communities thriving. As we look back at Volunteers Week 2026, two of our Spurgeons locations - Erdington Best Start Family Hub and The Corner in Ramsgate - have shown just how powerful community spirit can be.

Volunteers Week at Erdington Best Start Family Hub

On Monday 1st June 2026, Erdington Best Start Family Hub hosted a vibrant Volunteer Marketplace, bringing together a range of local organisations to celebrate the impact of volunteering and inspire new connections.

The event created space for meaningful conversations, networking, and discovering new ways to give back. Attendees explored opportunities with local groups, learned how they could support their neighbourhood, and shared their passion for community wellbeing.

Even better, the momentum didn't stop there. Organisations who took part expressed interest in future collaboration, sparking early discussions about a wider community partnership initiative. This kind of joined‑up working is exactly what strengthens local support networks.

Volunteers Week at The Corner in Ramsgate

At The Corner in Ramsgate, Spurgeons delivers a wide range of services including Family Support, OurSpace (a weekly parent drop‑in), Toddler Group, Pre‑school sessions, and counselling. What makes this place special is its wrap-around approach, supporting not just children, but the families around them.

One of the most inspiring aspects of The Corner is how families naturally move through different services:

Parents who attend the Toddler Group often go on to join the Pre‑school

Families from Pre‑school come along to the Tuesday drop‑in, run by a practitioner and a volunteer

Volunteers receive full training and work alongside Spurgeons staff, building confidence and skills

Currently, four regular volunteers support two Spurgeons staff members each week. Their impact is described as immeasurable - each person bringing unique life experience, empathy and energy that helps families feel connected and supported.

Why volunteers matter

Volunteers don’t just “help out”. Volunteers shape the culture of our services. They create warmth, continuity, and trust. They make families feel seen. They bring lived experience that enriches our work. And they remind us that community is built by people who care.

Whether it’s welcoming a new parent at a drop‑in session, supporting a toddler’s early development, or helping a family navigate a difficult moment, volunteers make a difference every single day.