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Original poster

Volunteering... help restore my faith!

89 replies

Arlanymor · 31/07/2025 17:21

Off the back of a different thread where someone was whinging about being well-off but not AS well-off as others...

Can you tell me your lovely volunteering stories please? Firstly so I can tell you how marvellous you are, because volunteers make the world go around, and secondly because I think there are so many people who do FA in terms of giving back and maybe we can encourage a few more people to get involved?

My story - I work for a charity and speak to volunteers daily - in fact one lady yesterday brought me to (good) tears talking about her experience of joining her group post-COVID. Outside of work, I am a trustee of a local charity and give about 8 hours a week to the cause. I have made new friends, done new things I would have never done before through my volunteering, and made a little bit of a difference in my corner of the world. I am nowhere near the level of some uber volunteers, not remotely, but I do my small part to help.

OP posts:
MsMartini · 31/07/2025 17:54

I've volunteered for a national museum since 2012, and for a few other things related to schools or museum learning.

I've loved it - learned loads, discovered I can deliver sessions to the public (which after years of working on a laptop at home was a surprise!), done lots of different roles and training courses, met some truly extraordinary people, been part of some nationally significant events. I've now got a casual paid job in another museum as a result.

I love working with children - either with their families or in school groups - and hope that we are sparking curiosity, interest and engagement for their futures.

Needmorelego · 31/07/2025 17:53

I used to volunteer at the primary school PTA - although for some bizarre reason Mumsnet seems to hate PTAs 🤔

Original poster
Arlanymor · 31/07/2025 17:51

tonybennscat · 31/07/2025 17:48

I volunteer in an old garden that is slowly being restored. It’s magical seeing it coming to life, it’s brilliant being outdoors in all kinds of weather and I’m pretty much a beginner gardener - I’m learning so much from the other volunteers.

I did try my hand at being a digital volunteer, helping people get online but the organisation needed someone every week and due to personal circumstances I couldn’t commit to that at the time.

That sounds fabulous! Totally magical as you say and there's also something that is so good for the soul when you get your hands literally dirty isn't there? Don't ever beat yourself up for not being able to do everything, please, because you're doing fabulous work already. You're also a roughty-toughty resilient person doing what you do in all weathers - not a fair weather gardener! FAB!

OP posts:
Original poster
Arlanymor · 31/07/2025 17:49

PlayDateOutside · 31/07/2025 17:36

However I hear lots of people saying we should have this group or that group in our area.

Nobody wants to start x group & spend many hours running the group

Eg

No scout group in area
Nobody wants to commit to running the group

Always the way - I've lived in four different countries and it's the same everywhere. Unpaid time is unpaid time, right? But I think that until people volunteer they don't appreciate the social impact and value that literally you can't put a price on.

OP posts:
tonybennscat · 31/07/2025 17:48

I volunteer in an old garden that is slowly being restored. It’s magical seeing it coming to life, it’s brilliant being outdoors in all kinds of weather and I’m pretty much a beginner gardener - I’m learning so much from the other volunteers.

I did try my hand at being a digital volunteer, helping people get online but the organisation needed someone every week and due to personal circumstances I couldn’t commit to that at the time.

Original poster
Arlanymor · 31/07/2025 17:47

Barrenfieldoffucks · 31/07/2025 17:35

I used to volunteer at our local food bank. Sadly not the most comfortable fur to not being religious. 🙄

Now with our local food pantry, and love it.

There are definitely conflicts involved in that area of volunteering. I did food share (Welsh scheme - not sure if it's the same in England?) the last two Fridays and we had some cultural hurdles to deal with. Glad you are enjoying your change and just remember that you are brilliant!

OP posts:
PlayDateOutside · 31/07/2025 17:36

However I hear lots of people saying we should have this group or that group in our area.

Nobody wants to start x group & spend many hours running the group

Eg

No scout group in area
Nobody wants to commit to running the group

Barrenfieldoffucks · 31/07/2025 17:35

I used to volunteer at our local food bank. Sadly not the most comfortable fur to not being religious. 🙄

Now with our local food pantry, and love it.

Original poster
Arlanymor · 31/07/2025 17:33

PlayDateOutside · 31/07/2025 17:31

A couple of years ago I moved to a new area & only knew a couple of people

I joined several volunteer groups & met lots of new people !

Some of the volunteering has been slightly outside my comfort zone, but I have persevered.
I have received lots of positive feedback.
So I am proud of myself.

I am infact volunteering tonight

A different volunteer group on Friday

A different volunteer group on Saturday

The possibilities are endless !

I have definitely made a difference to my community

Superstar!!!! So good to hear and as you say, it can be a bit scary to start with. But you are one of the people who keep the cogs of community turning. You really and truly do - I hope you know and feel that you are valued. Giving back is honestly one of the purest, truest and most genuine things anyone can do. I think you are FAB!

OP posts:
Original poster
Arlanymor · 31/07/2025 17:32

Daleksatemyshed · 31/07/2025 17:30

Not marvellous at all but volunteer with a litter picking group. Some people bring their DC so hopefully they won't grow up to throw litter around like a lot of adults

Totally marvellous - it's about setting the example but also about caring for the place you live in. I think you're marvellous and you can't convince me otherwise!

OP posts:
Original poster
Arlanymor · 31/07/2025 17:31

LifeboatCrew · 31/07/2025 17:23

Clue’s in the name 👆🤣

Love this! I live in Swansea and regularly donate to our Mumbles lifeboaters - brilliant stuff. In case no one told you today - you are fabulous and selfless.

OP posts:
PlayDateOutside · 31/07/2025 17:31

A couple of years ago I moved to a new area & only knew a couple of people

I joined several volunteer groups & met lots of new people !

Some of the volunteering has been slightly outside my comfort zone, but I have persevered.
I have received lots of positive feedback.
So I am proud of myself.

I am infact volunteering tonight

A different volunteer group on Friday

A different volunteer group on Saturday

The possibilities are endless !

I have definitely made a difference to my community

Daleksatemyshed · 31/07/2025 17:30

Not marvellous at all but volunteer with a litter picking group. Some people bring their DC so hopefully they won't grow up to throw litter around like a lot of adults

LifeboatCrew · 31/07/2025 17:23

Clue’s in the name 👆🤣