As part of Volunteers' Week 2025, Bexley Voluntary Service Council (BVSC) is proud to celebrate the thousands of incredible individuals across our borough who give their time and energy to support local organisations and strengthen our community. This week, we’re shining a spotlight on Thrive Impact, a grassroots, community-led organisation based in Thamesmead.
Adeola Ogbara (left), Founder of Thrive Impact, with voluteers Ann and Elizabeth
Connection, Compassion and Community at the Core
Thrive Impact supports women affected by domestic abuse, parents of neurodiverse children, and young people facing social or personal challenges. Their work is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: healing and empowerment happen through connection, compassion, and community.
Their three core programmes — Empower Her, Neuro-Nurture, and Teen Connect — offer safe, supportive spaces for growth and transformation. But what makes these programmes truly thrive is the dedication and heart of their volunteers.
Volunteers with Purpose and Passion
Thrive Impact’s volunteers play a vital role across all their projects. They serve as youth mentors in Teen Connect, peer supporters in Empower Her, admin assistants, co-facilitators, and wellbeing activity leads.
Fola shared that she has worked with younger children for most of her life and has always wanted to work with teenagers especially as she has four of her own at home. She's currently the Teen Connect Mentoring Project Lead for Thrive Impact, she said:
"Thrive Impact has given me the opportunity to finally work with teenagers, something I've always wanted to do. As a mum of four teens, I understand how much support they need. I'm really grateful to be in a space where I can give back and help young people thrive." — Fola, Teen Connect Project Lead
Many of these volunteers bring not only professional skills but also lived experience, creating an empathetic and supportive environment for those they work with. Some have even been supported by similar organisations in the past and are now giving back to help others on their journey.
All volunteers are safeguarding trained and DBS-checked, and Thrive Impact offers a warm, inclusive environment where every volunteer feels safe, supported, and part of a wider community.
Building Belonging, One Moment at a Time
At Thrive Impact, volunteers are recognised and celebrated in ways that feel genuine and meaningful — whether that’s a thank-you message in a group chat or a slice of cake shared at a meeting. These small, everyday acts help build a strong sense of community and connection among the team.
And the impact is real. As one young participant in Teen Connect shared:
“I look forward to coming to the youth club because Tayo makes it fun, and I’ve learnt how to play new table games from him.”
— Youth participant, age 13
From helping young people build confidence to supporting women regaining independence, Thrive Impact’s volunteers are making a tangible difference — and strengthening the fabric of the community.
Thank You to All Our Volunteers
This Volunteers’ Week, BVSC celebrates and thanks the volunteers at Thrive Impact — and across Bexley — whose passion and generosity are transforming individual lives and, in doing so, helping to shape a more connected, compassionate community for everyone.
Learn more about Thrive Impact and their work at www.thriveimpact.co.uk and the many volunteering opportunities across the borough via the Bexley Volunteer Centre website.