Case Studies

Detailed accounts of volunteers' paths into different charitable roles. Each study tracks someone's progression from initial interest to active volunteering.

A Career Break to Volunteer Abroad: A Case Study

George took a career break from engineering to volunteer abroad and discovered how a leg injury sparked a life-changing shift in his priorities.

Employer Supported My Child Mentor Work: A Case Study

How one employee's four-hour monthly commitment to mentoring a child changed both their lives through her company's volunteering scheme.

Helping Out on a Debt Helpline: A Case Study

A payroll officer shares why she volunteers for a debt helpline and what it takes to help people in financial crisis.

How a Samaritan Became a Counsellor: A Case Study

Jan volunteered with the Samaritans and it led her to a full-time career as a counsellor, showing how community work can open unexpected doors.

I Became a Citizen Advocate: A Case Study

Jenny discovered what it takes to become a citizen advocate and how she started speaking up for someone with learning disabilities.

I Put My Love of Animals Into Action: A Case Study

Joely couldn't own pets in her city flat, so she found another way to be around animals by volunteering at a rescue shelter.

I Use My Massage Skills as a Volunteer: A Case Study

See how Lila turned her massage skills into rewarding volunteer work and made a real difference in her community.

I Work as a Mountain Rescue Volunteer: A Case Study

A PE teacher explains what it takes to join a mountain rescue team and why he volunteers to help lost hikers and climbers.

New Career Through St John's Ambulance: A Case Study

Sasha switched from office work to paramedic by volunteering with St John's Ambulance and discovering her natural talent for emergency care.

New Skills Volunteering with National Trust: A Case Study

Terry shares how weekend volunteering with the National Trust taught her new skills and built lasting friendships.

Volunteering as an Animal Carer: A Case Study

Cyndy Hopkins volunteers as a pet foster carer, providing temporary homes for animals when their owners need emergency care.

Volunteering for Talking Newspapers: A Case Study

John uses his clear voice to read local news for blind and visually impaired people through a talking newspaper service.