3SG Volunteer Fair 2026

Our Volunteer Fair returns for Autumn 2026! 50 Charity Stalls. Talks & Workshops on Volunteering. Free Entry and All Welcome!
About this Event

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead

Looking for a way to give back, connect with your local community, or learn something new? Our Volunteer Fair is THE place to discover how you can get involved in volunteering across Bath and North East Somerset!

Hosted by independant membership charity 3SG, this free event brings together a wide range of local charities, community groups, and third sector organisations - all under one roof. Whether you have a few hours a month to spare or are looking for a regular commitment, there is a role out there that fits your lifestyle, interests, and routine.

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering isn’t just about giving your time to help others - it has a profound impact on your own life, too.

As highlighted by Dr Rangan Chatterjee in his book Happy Mind, Happy Life, helping others is one of the most powerful, evidence-based ways to boost your own mental health and happiness. Research shows that:

• 🧠 Boosts Mental Wellbeing: Studies consistently show that people who volunteer report higher levels of life satisfaction, self-esteem, and lower levels of stress and depression.
• 👥 Combats Loneliness: Giving back connects you with like-minded, caring people in your area, creating strong local support networks and lasting friendships.
• 📈 Builds Confidence & Skills: It’s a brilliant way to develop new skills or utilise existing ones, gain practical experience for your CV, or step out of your comfort zone in a supportive environment.

Across Bath and North East Somerset, local charities and voluntary groups do vital work every single day - from supporting vulnerable neighbours to protecting local green spaces. However, rates of formal volunteering have dropped to all-time lows in recent years, leaving many essential local services stretched.

Many of these amazing groups are run by local people, for local people. By coming along to the fair, you’re taking the first step towards helping our local third sector thrive.

What to Expect

• Friendly & Accessible: A welcoming, informal drop-in environment where you can browse stalls at your own pace. There will be leaflets on arrival mapping out all the exhibiting charities and where to find them, to help guide your visit.
• Diverse Opportunities: Chat directly with representatives and current volunteers from local charities covering health, environment, heritage, youth work, mental health, advice services, and more. (Full list of exhibitors coming soon!)
• No Pressure: You don't need to commit to anything on the day! It’s simply a chance to ask questions, collect information, and see what catches your interest.
• Coffee, Cake & Relax: Take your time! We’ll have a local coffee and cake van inside the Abbey selling refreshments, so you can grab a warm drink, sit back, and enjoy the atmosphere between browsing.

Free Talks & Workshops Throughout the Day

Alongisde the main event, we’re also delighted to host a full programme of practical, 45 minutes talks running throughout the day. All sessions are completely free, with no extra registration needed - just drop in!

For Prospective & Current Volunteers:

• Skills-Based Volunteering: Discover how the skills you already have can make a real difference.
• Overcoming Barriers to Volunteering: Practical ways to break down obstacles and make volunteering work for you.
• Personal Development & Employability: How volunteering can build your confidence, CV, and career path.
• Flexible Volunteering & Wellbeing: Explore different ways to give time that fit your schedule while boosting your mental health and sense of purpose.

For Volunteer Managers & Charity Staff: We are also hosting 4 dedicated sessions covering volunteer recruitment strategies, deeper engagement, building inclusive programmes, sector collaborations, and measuring your impact.

Who Is This Event For?

Everyone! Whether you are a student, retired, working full-time, looking for work, lead on your businesses corporate volunteering programme, or simply curious about what’s happening in your neighborhood, you are warmly invited.

Entry is completely FREE with no registration required, just drop by and say Hello anytime between 11am - 3pm on Thursday 22nd October at Bath Abbey!

https://www.3sg.org.uk/

[email protected]

Registered Charity Number 1181029