Author: Wendy Masterson

Unity to Vacate Former Magistrates Court in Romsey.

Posted on September 29, 2025 by - Community

Unity main logo

Unity is to Vacate the Former Magistrates Court, Romsey office in December – Continuing Strong Community Presence in Romsey

 

Unity, the charity dedicated to supporting communities and groups across Test Valley, will be vacating its office at the Former Magistrates’ Court (FMC) in Romsey at the beginning of December. This decision reflects Unity’s commitment to using charitable funds responsibly and ensuring maximum benefit for the community.

 

While the FMC office has served as a base for Unity’s operations, it has seen limited use in recent months. In light of this, Unity has chosen to redirect resources away from underutilised office space and instead focus on working more flexibly within the community, using local assets and venues to continue delivering services and support.

 

Terry Bishop, Chief Executive of Unity, said:
"This is not a step back – it’s a step forward. We’re as committed as ever to Romsey and its groups and residents. By working more closely with community partners and using shared spaces, we can be more present, more responsive, and more effective. Every pound we save on office costs is a pound we can invest in helping people."

 

Unity will continue to maintain a strong presence in Romsey through outreach, events, and partnerships with local organisations. The charity remains fully operational and accessible to residents and groups, with staff and volunteers continuing their work across the area.

 

For more information about Unity’s services or to get involved, please see our website or contact info@unityonline.org.uk

Meeting the Challenges Together The Next Phase

Posted on June 17, 2025 by - Community

Some business people sat at a table talking

Volunteer Awards 2025

Posted on June 16, 2025 by - Volunteering

Unity volunteer awards, CEO & Chairman

Unsung Hero Award

The first category we celebrated was our Unsung hero award; this award is given to a person who has achieved great things or committed acts of bravery or self-sacrifice yet is not celebrated or recognized.

Unsung Hero Award nominees were

  • Kate Marsh (Walk N Talk 4 Mental Health)
  • Matt Jeffery (Me & My Dad Club)
  • Mark Money (King John's House and Museum)
  • Sally McConchie (Unity Travelling Pantry)

 

The runner up was Mark Money from King John's House and Museum.

The overall winner is Matt Jeffery from Me & My Dad Club.

Matt told us, “Big thanks to the committee for nominating me, it was a honour and privilege to be nominated and to win the unsung hero award and big congratulations to Pamela-Jane Olley for being nominated for volunteer of the year. “

 

Team of the year

Our second award was, given to the team of the year. This award recognises an outstanding team which really makes a difference to our community.

Team of the Year nominees were

  • VIA Management team (Veterans in Action)
  • Garden for Mind Volunteers (Andover Mind)
  • Andover Food Bank Volunteers
  • Andover Community Engage
  • Active Buddy team (I Can Therapy Centre)
  • I Can Therapy Centre Volunteers
  • Andover Rocks
  • King John's House and Museum Volunteers
  • Andover Pool Association
  • Citizens Advice Test Valley Volunteers
  • Unity Transport

Runner up
Team of the Year, was Unity’s Transport team

Winner

Citizens Advice Team of Volunteers

They told us, “"At Citizens Advice Test Valley, we would not exist without our amazing team of volunteers.

They give up their own time to help others in the community who need that extra support to help move them forward

We are eternally grateful for their hard work every day"

 

Volunteer of the year

Our third award was given to our volunteer of the year; the Volunteer of the Year award is designed to recognise the importance of volunteers. It seeks to recognise the commitment, dedication and impact their involvement has had on their community.

 

Volunteer of the year nominations

  • Daniel Matthews (GCS Pantry Long Meadow)
  • Jenny Cooling (Andover Mind)
  • Dennis Randall (Andover Mind)
  • Bruce McMillan (Andover Mind)
  • Aimee Knell (Southampton Shenanigans Meetup group)
  • Thomas James (Men’s breakfast chat)
  • Sylvia Cuister (Andover & District Cats Protection)
  • Pamela-Jane Olley (Me & My Dad Club)
  • Brian Normington (Romsey Abbey)
  • Ronnie Hoo (Andover Chinese Community Support Group)
  • Manuela Wahnon (Family Harmony Ltd.)
  • Lisa Niven (Unity Travelling Pantry)
  • Alison Broom (Unity Travelling Pantry)

 

Runner up

Brian Normington

(Romsey Abbey)

 

Winner

Daniel Matthews

(GCS Pantry Long Meadow)

 

Dan tells us, “I am thrilled to win Volunteer of the year awards. I would like to thank all my customers who has supported me by nominated me, this is a massive surprise, my customers and supporters are amazing.

 I just like to give back to the community, I suffer with my mental health and find it hard to work full time due to personal injuries, which led to mental health issues afterwards, but volunteering has opened up and boost my confidence and made me love giving back to the community and helping others who suffers as well.

 This is a massive achievement and I'm so excited to be given this award I feel this has given me a purpose in life

 I hope this open doors for others who suffers that volunteering can help with your mental health and gives you plenty of opportunities in the future.”

Summing up

Wendy Masterson, Head of the community team at Unity  shares, "It was an absolute honour for Unity to host the Test Valley Volunteer Awards 2025, celebrating the incredible individuals and teams whose selfless contributions strengthen the heart of our community. As the Volunteer Centre for Test Valley, we are proud to champion the spirit of volunteering and deeply grateful to all those who give their time to make a lasting difference. Congratulations to all nominees, runners-up, and winners – your dedication inspires us all."

 

We are proud to share that Mayor Gordon Bailey MBE has chosen Unity as one of his charities.  His support recognises our ongoing work and commitment to the community of Test Valley.

 

Thank you to all who attended.

 

 

Photos taken by Nathan James Film Productions.

Meeting the Challenges Together

Posted on April 11, 2025 by - Community

People sat around a table looking at a laptop computer

Test Valley Volunteer Awards 2025

Posted on April 11, 2025 by - Volunteering

Unity volunteering logo

This year we have a guest speaker, Andy Ferrier, Chief Executive, Test Valley Borough Council
‘Devolution and the Local Government Reform and the way we work together to shape the future’.

 

Unity are delighted to announce the categories for the Test Valley Volunteer Awards 2025 and we invite your nominations. This year we are again focusing on volunteers that add something extra to your organisation’s resilience and sustainability through their skills, experience, passion, and motivation.

 

 

The categories are:

  • Volunteer of the Year sponsored by Fluidity Insurance
  • Unsung Hero Award
  • Team of the Year Award sponsored by Unity

 

Winners will receive a trophy and certificate, with runners up receiving a certificate.

 

 

Please note that there will be Buffet style refreshments for everyone to enjoy.

 

 

Nominations are now open. Click here to see more.