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I became a volunteer to give something back as well as to look after my mental wellbeing. I live with muscular dystrophy, which has limited what I can do in retirement. A couple of years ago, I spoke to my care coordinator at the hospital and explained that I felt like I was festering at home and becoming depressed. She asked whether there was something I could do to find a focus and keep my mind active.

I knew Voluntary Support was local, so one summer I called in to make an enquiry. From that point on, things changed. I was registered and offered a role at the VSNS offices for half a day a week. That small commitment made a huge difference, it gets me out of the house, socialising, and gives me the chance to give something back to my local community.

Finding my place and making a difference
I’ve now been volunteering for two years, and I really enjoy having a role to play which enables the team at Voluntary Support to reach more people and organisations in our area. Over time, I’ve made the role my own and discovered I’m good at it, which has meant I can help with more tasks within the team. I enjoy feeling that I’m really contributing to the organisation as well as society.

Before I started, the work I now do was falling behind simply because there wasn’t enough time for the team to do it. Being able to step in and see how much difference I make has been incredibly rewarding. It feels like I came along at just the right time to help where an extra pair of hands was needed.

My role runs alongside three of my colleagues in the office, and I get a lot of satisfaction from knowing how much I support them. I liaise with organisations to keep volunteering roles up to date on our system, register new volunteers, and make sure nothing gets missed. This means my colleagues are always working with accurate information and can match people to the right opportunities.

Another important part of my role is making sure new volunteers are registered quickly so they can be contacted promptly which makes them feel appreciated and valued. That first contact really matters especially when roles are time-sensitive and it’s great knowing I help make volunteering journeys a positive experience from the start.

A positive impact on my wellbeing
Volunteering has had a huge impact on my mental health. My wife has noticed how much more buoyant I am since I started. I can’t do many of the physical things I used to enjoy, like DIY, car maintenance or gardening, and that has been very frustrating. Volunteering gives me something I can do, something that keeps my mind active and gives me focus.

Having to leave the workplace was a real shock and marked a very low point in my life. I felt lost, just getting through the basics of living. Having a role each week has completely changed that. It’s given me purpose and lifted my spirits.

Feeling part of a team
What keeps me coming back is the people. I genuinely enjoy working with the team at Voluntary Support. I don’t just feel like I’m helping out, I feel like I belong and that I’m part of the work they do in the community.

I’ve also been surprised, in a really positive way, by the sheer variety of volunteering roles that come through. I didn’t realise how many organisations need help or how diverse the opportunities are. If I was more mobile, there are so many roles I’d love to try from outdoor work to driving or making things. There really is something for everyone.

Volunteering that fits around me
Flexibility has been key for me. Routine is important, but sometimes I need my hours to change depending on how I’m feeling and what my situation is. Usually, I do half a day in the office each week and sometimes I do more hours working from home. It can be morning or evening, and if I can’t get out, I can work completely remotely. Voluntary Support always adapts to make it work for both of us.

Because of my role, I’ve learned so much more about volunteering and the impact it has in the community. That’s helped me encourage others too. Recently, I spoke to someone with a similar condition who was feeling isolated and lonely and I was able to suggest options to her about where she could access support.

My message to others
If you’re thinking about volunteering, you’re nearly there. Just make an enquiry. You’d be surprised what’s available – outdoor roles, shop work, committee roles, or something completely different, there’s plenty to choose from. Decide what you want to do and go for it. You’ve got nothing to lose.