New connections through volunteering

2nd May 2025

In less than a year, James went from no experience to helping lead two community groups for autistic adults - and discovered a welcoming space to connect, learn and give back.

James Sargeant first looked into volunteering a year ago but he wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Living in Winchester and working from home in a tech role at a cybersecurity company, James knew he wanted something more social.

After recently receiving an ADHD diagnosis, he was also looking for ways to connect with others who shared similar experiences.

That’s when he discovered Autism Hampshire’s community groups for autistic adults - and signed up to help with the Winchester craft group. Now, almost a year on, James also supports the New Forest Walk and Talk sessions and has become a valued part of both teams.

“I didn’t really know what I was expecting to start with. It was stepping into the unknown. I’d never done anything with charities,” said James, aged 39. “But everyone I met was super nice. And now, I’m obviously way more comfortable.”

For James, the experience has been positive on many levels - from reducing isolation to gaining insight into neurodiversity.

“I wanted to get more familiar with neurodivergence - volunteering is a good way to do that. There aren’t many places where you can just go to talk about neurodiversity with neurodivergent people.”

The groups bring together people from a variety of backgrounds and age groups. What they have in common is a shared understanding and that has created strong friendships and a true sense of community.

“It’s such a wide mix of people, but they all get on really well. Most of them have just become friends through the group. It’s like a little community where they all support each other. No matter how different they are, they all have shared experiences.”

Volunteering has helped James feel more connected, and he’s grown into the role with confidence. At first, the idea of running parts of the group alone felt intimidating but now he embraces it.

“I purposefully make sure that everybody has the chance to be heard. I spend time with anyone who is a bit isolated. I think that’s important. Most of them are there because of the community.”

Through his workplace, Proofpoint, James uses staff welfare and volunteer days to support the New Forest Walk and Talk group. And the benefits go both ways.

“For me, it’s been a super positive experience. Even looking at it selfishly, I have a group of people that I really like that I get to hang out with. Different opportunities pop up through that. There’s a lot of unexpected positive outcomes.”

His advice to others thinking about volunteering?

“When you’re doing something completely new, it is intimidating. It’s easy to give in to that. But just give it a shot. Take a chance and try something new. You’ve got to take that first step to give yourself that opportunity.”

Visit our webpage here to find out more about volunteering opportunities at Autism Hampshire.