Level Up Gosport (LUPG) has been established for almost 12 years, supporting young adults aged 18 - 25 years to gain self-respect and confidence via community volunteering for local charities and organisations based in and around Gosport. Previously, it was a community organisation known as Loud & Proud, but in 2022 the Trustees voted to constitute as an independent charity. LUPG has developed an excellent reputation within Gosport and is very proud to announce that 80% of the vulnerable young people it supports have gone on to either secure employment, returned to education or to independently volunteer. The majority of the young adults that LUPG supports have an additional need or a mild learning/physical (hidden, neurodivergent) disability; or have mental health challenges, like lacking in confidence or high anxiety levels. Level Up Gosport supports young people (members) to gain employability skills via volunteering within the local community. We have recently created WEXi (Work Experience initiative) that will offer a free, varied programme of supported work experience, partnering with local organisations, businesses and charities, e.g., a local garage, entertainment venue and café; plus, a sheltered housing charity, we believe that the young, vulnerable adults we support will receive practical experience (via volunteering), consolidated by training and a support pathway into employment. Meanwhile, the members continue to engage in joint activities and initiatives with local organisations supporting a variety of issues, like homelessness, family breakdown and mental health issues, such as Communities Against Cancer, Rowner Community Hub and St Vincent's College Education Health and Care Plan students, in addition to supporting local Lions and Rotary Club charitable activities. Alongside Gosport Borough Council, supporting them at their Employment Fairs. Every year Level Up Gosport organise and run a drinks station at the Gosport Half Marathon. The race would not be able to be provided each year to the benefit of aspiring runners without the volunteering of groups like Level Up Gosport. As well as provide volunteers at an annual local Vehicle & Motor Show and for the Michaelmas Fair. Level Up Gosport cultivate their own allotment, where they learn horticultural skills with the aim of becoming 100% organic and sustainable. The older allotment holders enjoy engaging with and giving advice and exchanging produce with the young people. A yardstick regarding the success of Level Up Gosport is that repeat and new requests for their services in supporting the smooth running of local activities and events, continues to be high from the recipient organisations and charities, who often have little funding to pay for support workers and staff. The members receive many complimentary ‘thank you’ messages and after each event, Level Up Gosport also ask recipients of their support and volunteering to complete a ‘feedback’ form designed by the members.
