Volunteer Groups

The people who give their time to make Littlehampton better

Volunteering is the backbone of community life in Littlehampton, with hundreds of residents giving their time to support causes, organisations and activities that enrich the town. The volunteer sector covers an extraordinary range of activity, from the life-saving work of the RNLI lifeboat crew to the quiet dedication of those who maintain the allotments, run the charity shops and organise the events that bring the community together.

The RNLI lifeboat station at Littlehampton is crewed entirely by volunteers, trained men and women who respond to emergency calls at any hour of the day or night. The crew members hold regular jobs and drop everything when the pager sounds, launching the lifeboat to assist vessels in distress, rescue swimmers and paddleboarders in difficulty and search for missing persons on the coast. The commitment required is substantial, involving regular training, physical fitness and the willingness to put oneself at risk to save others. The lifeboat station is supported by a wider group of volunteers who fundraise, maintain equipment and run the shop.

Charity shops are a visible presence on the Littlehampton high street, and they depend almost entirely on volunteer staff to operate. The shops, which represent national charities including Cancer Research, the British Heart Foundation, Oxfam and others, provide affordable goods for shoppers and raise funds for their parent organisations. The volunteers who sort donations, staff the tills and dress the windows are typically retired residents who find purpose, social contact and satisfaction in the work.

Community litter picking groups organise regular clean-up sessions on the beach, the riverside and the streets, removing the rubbish that accumulates through carelessness, fly-tipping and the natural deposits of the tides. The litter pickers are motivated by pride in their town and a desire to keep Littlehampton attractive for residents and visitors. The sessions are typically organised through social media groups and welcome newcomers of all ages.

Volunteer involvement in community events, from the bonfire night procession to the carnival and the Christmas market, provides the labour force that makes these events possible. The planning, construction, marshalling, catering and clearing-up that a major public event requires would be unaffordable if paid staff were used for every task, and the volunteer commitment is what distinguishes a community event from a commercial operation.

Sporting clubs, churches, scout groups, the Women's Institute, the Rotary Club and numerous other organisations depend on volunteers for their leadership and operation. The committee members, coaches, leaders and helpers who keep these organisations running do so without payment, giving their time because they believe in the value of what the organisation provides. The health of the volunteer sector is a reliable indicator of the health of the community as a whole, and in Littlehampton the sector remains active and engaged.

Anyone wishing to volunteer in Littlehampton can find opportunities through the Arun and Chichester Voluntary Action network, the Town Council, individual charities and community groups. The range of opportunities is broad, and there is a role for every skill level, age and availability, from a few hours a week to a full-time commitment.