Across national, regional, and local levels, Halo’s volunteering initiative actively supports key strategic frameworks and county-wide objectives.
Nationally, the initiative aligns with the Civil Society Strategy (CSMS) and the Vision for Volunteering, a 10-year strategic plan co-led by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, Volunteering Matters, and major UK sector bodies.
Halo adapts its efforts to match the distinct volunteering aspirations of each local authority partner eg regionally, it furthers localised volunteering goals, such as those set by Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil.
Rather than chasing simple numerical quotas, Halo volunteering emphasises strategic outcome targets, demographic inclusion, and community wellbeing goals, effectively boosting involvement in social and physical activities throughout all Halo centres.
We also used the volunteering stories to support the ‘Seriously Social’ Campaign
The Halo Corporate Plan firmly acknowledged that volunteering plays a pivotal role in enhancing diversity, community engagement, inclusion, revenue, reputation, and overall participation.
This strategic vision was seamlessly converted into an operational community engagement campaign spanning from 2024 to 2026. To engage and recruit volunteers across the 9 regions where Halo operates, we leveraged every resource within our communication toolkit.
The comprehensive outreach included dedicated website, radio broadcasts, digital roadside billboards, Google Non-Profit advertisements, partner communication channels, social media platforms, community newsletters, and localised outreach events, with dual-language assets deployed across Welsh-speaking areas.
Our findings indicate that volunteers who personally navigate exercise challenges serve as incredibly powerful, relatable third-party endorsements for the health and social benefits of staying active.
Utilising videos and case studies of local residents dedicating their time to support others has proven exceptionally impactful. The authentic stories of volunteers overcoming personal barriers to fitness deeply resonate with individuals facing similar circumstances, inspiring broader community connection.
Without contribution from volunteers, delivery of these important initiatives is in doubt!
Ten volunteers are now in paid employment with Halo Growing success in attracting Welsh speakers.
● Link to National Volunteers Week & other health initiatives eg Autism, Dementia, Mental Health
● Use campaign as route to engage harder to reach groups – ethnic minority groups
● Link to medical conditions and support groups eg MS, Arthritis, Parkinsons
● Use feedback from current cohort to shape future phases
● Expand the breadth & depth of new volunteer roles: ○ Diversity of volunteer cohort ○ Drivers – to help overcome challenges of rural isolation & lack of public transport ○ Cycling coaches ○ Gym buddies ○ Helpers in water on children’s autism friendly swimming lessons ○ National Exercise Referral Schemes ○ More Welsh speakers to help comply with Welsh Language Measure 2011
● Roll out to recently acquired Halo centres – Shropshire – Tenbury Wells, Much Wenlock
● Engage with Welsh speaking communities NEW TARGET – 150 volunteers by the end of 2026 (at 139 at time of submission!)
