How one volunteer is helping West Devon celebrate diversity through Respect Fest
As Respect Fest 2026 prepares for its biggest celebration yet, volunteer Sam explains how getting involved has helped her build connections and become part of the West Devon community
When Sam moved from Bristol to Tavistock two years ago, she was looking for a new community to call home.
What she found, through volunteering, was connection, purpose and the opportunity to help create something special for local people.
Volunteering has been a big part of Sam's life since coming to West Devon.
Alongside helping at Tregovenek's community garden and supporting activities at her children's school, she has become increasingly involved with Respect Fest, West Devon's growing celebration of diversity, inclusion and community.
She helps organise the vibrant programme of events that will culminate in a spectacular celebration day later this month.
"I have been volunteering with Respect Fest for about a year and a half," says Sam. "I started off as a casual volunteer, just helping at specific events, but in the build-up to this year's festival I have taken on more of a coordinator role and have been doing a few hours each week."
Sam's volunteer roles have helped her settle into a new area, build friendships and become part of the local community.
"Through volunteering, I've got to know Tavistock better and met so many lovely people who live here," she says.
As part of her role with Respect Fest, Sam works closely with local groups, organisations and creative practitioners, helping to develop events that celebrate the rich diversity of West Devon and beyond.
She especially enjoys the opportunity to bring people together and watch community ideas become reality.
"Making and facilitating connections, seeing events that benefit the community come to fruition and building something exciting with local people has been incredibly rewarding," she says.
For Sam, the festival's values are what first drew her to the organisation.
"Celebrating diversity is at the core of Respect's work and is the reason I chose to volunteer with them," she explains. "I am passionate about social justice and creating a community where everyone can participate, have hope for the future and thrive without prejudice."
Her previous role as Programme Coordinator for the Bristol Refugee Festival made Respect Fest a natural fit, and seeing the positive impact of the organisation on local people is what continues to motivate her.
"I am inspired by seeing the organisation develop and evolve, experiencing the benefits to the community and seeing new connections and relationships forming."
That sense of connection will be on display throughout Respect Fest 2026, which runs from 12 to 20 September.
The festival follows a successful summer programme that has already included a display of refugee stories at Tavistock Library and a Community Feast in Okehampton, and features an exciting range of activities, including an Afghan cultural afternoon, Caribbean dance sessions, photography, textiles and cookery workshops, and a global music night.
For young people, there are creative opportunities including a zine workshop and a photography and identity workshop.
The festival will conclude with a major 'Celebration Day' at Butchers' Hall and Bedford Square on Sunday 20 September, featuring performances from Suntou Susso, the Wheelhouse Folk Choir, Tavi Sings The World Choir, May Day Morris and RSVP Bhangra.
Writer and comedian Robin Ince, best known for The Infinite Monkey Cage, is set to appear as the compere.
As Respect Fest continues to develop, Sam believes there is a place for many more people to become involved.
"It's been very much all-hands-on-deck over the last few months," she says. "There are so many different ways people can get involved."
Because the organisation is still relatively new and volunteer-led, there are opportunities to contribute in a wide variety of ways.
Some volunteers focus on publicity and event delivery, while others support accessibility, design, promotion and project development.
Sam hopes local residents who care about community, inclusion and creativity will consider volunteering, whether they can spare a few hours at events or take on a more regular role.
"We're always on the lookout for new and enthusiastic volunteers, as well as professionals from the community sector who would like to work with us to deliver projects with community-focused objectives," she says.
"We are a friendly, welcoming bunch who enjoy working in this area, so please come and chat to us. We would love to know more about you and where your interests lie."
For Sam, volunteering with Respect Fest has shown how powerful community involvement can be.
What began as a way to meet people in a new town has become an opportunity to help shape events that bring people together, celebrate difference and strengthen community connections.
And as Respect Fest prepares for its biggest celebration yet, she hopes many more local people will join the journey.
To find out more about volunteering opportunities with Respect Fest or other organisations across West Devon, contact [email protected].