03 April 2024
GO! Southampton is looking for volunteers to help welcome visitors to the city this summer, as part of its new Welcome Volunteer Programme.
The scheme, which is being run by the city’s Business Improvement District and supported by ABP Southampton, is looking to enhance the cruise passenger welcome when visitors arrive in the city. The aim is to provide a team of volunteers to help with information and directions on where to go and what to see, showcasing the best Southampton has to offer to its visitors.
Executive Director of GO! Southampton, Stephen Manion said: “We understand that it can be challenging for those people coming off a ship for the day in Southampton to know where to go. We want to help by offering a fleet of volunteers who can provide an informative and friendly welcome to the city.
“We want to ensure that visitors see Southampton at its best. We want people to see our museums, galleries and the city’s rich history as well as our fantastic shops and eateries.
“If you love Southampton and would like to meet new people, then this volunteer opportunity is for you.”
Full training will be provided by GO! Southampton once enough volunteers have signed up, and it’s hoped that the project will be up and in the coming months.
The volunteers will be based near the Ocean Cruise Terminal and will focus on transit cruise ships and passengers who are stopping in Southampton for a day.
Volunteers will be on rotation, working a few hours a week, and equipment/uniform will be provided by GO! Southampton. If the new scheme proves a success, it will be expanded, and volunteers will have the opportunity to take on more hours.
Fay Draper, Cruise Manager, ABP Ports said: “We are very excited for the volunteer scheme to get underway. As a port, we welcome transit guests throughout the year and know just how important it is for them to have a warm welcome as they disembark the ships and head into the city centre. The new volunteers will make a huge difference to the passenger’s experience and local businesses within the city centre.”
To join the programme, volunteers would need to commit to three hours on agreed-upon days. Stephen added: “We’re mostly looking for enthusiasm. Your time and passion for Southampton are the most valuable contributions. This will also be a great opportunity for people to work with like-minded individuals. We will ask those who sign up to attend a brief induction to help you feel prepared and confident in your role.”
GO! Southampton is looking for employees, businesses, individuals, students, and community groups to volunteer – anyone and everyone is welcome to join.
For those looking for volunteering opportunities and to be part of this exciting new scheme, please visit: www.gosouthampton.co.uk/welcome-volunteer/ where you can find out more about what volunteering entails and information on how to apply.
