Author: Annabelle Pelster

On The Power of Youth Day and Day 2 of National Volunteers Week, Kumuna, Volunteering Kingston’s Incredible Volunteer Officer, reflects on the unique power of younger volunteers.

National Volunteers Week is always an opportunity to reflect on trends. Over the last couple of years Voluntary Sector professionals, especially those working in Volunteer Services, have reflected how in the post pandemic world there had been a seismic shift in registrations away from “time-rich” volunteers and towards younger volunteers. That phenomenon was partly explained by health worries from the older volunteers but equally importantly a new wave of enthusiasm for supporting the community from the younger end of the volunteering spectrum. This introduces a plethora of mediums we are able to use to communicate effectively with young people. Whether it is school assemblies, Fresher’s Fairs, the usual social media avenues or the latest apps, young people have never been as accessible as they are today.

Face to face still has its place; we know from experience that visits to local schools how the registration numbers rocketed in the days following that outreach. Not only do our team enjoy presenting to a Sixth Form assembly they also appreciate the feedback they get. Volunteering, as an experience, has to evolve constantly to the changing world we live in. On the digital side, the excellent work of our team ensures we maximise our reach and that effort is demonstrated by the profiles we receive. If there is a new digital app on the block we should take advantage of it, the days of Twitter/X and Facebook domination are long over.

Young people want more control over their time; the trend is towards bite-sized volunteering that makes a difference on the ground. Dozens of administration roles on our Team Kinetic base do not interest younger volunteers so volunteer centres need a full range of opportunities to entice applications to succeed with this cohort. Similarly, Saturday shifts at a charity shop, whilst useful for those looking to experience work environments for the first time, are not always attractive to these energetic young volunteers.

I am not going to say everything in the garden is rosy when it comes to finding young people opportunities. Duke of Edinburgh opportunities for 13/14 year olds are very difficult to secure, mainly because the insurance industry makes life difficult for VIOs to be open to under 16s (and a few VIOs who mistakenly think safeguarding measures are too much bureaucracy) and work is needed to turn that around. Work continues to allow those making that mistake to understand and utilise the value of younger volunteers.

Proper reflection of younger volunteers indicates that as of National Volunteers Week 2025 it is a good period in the Volunteering sector for bringing in new blood. With their enthusiasm, a wave of committed young people who will always create a positive impact. The future is looking bright. Young volunteers bring their energy, ideas, and commitment are also vital to our communities. At Volunteering Kingston, we’ve seen how youth involvement builds skills, confidence, and real change. Young people aren’t just the future – they’re making a difference now.

Thank you to all our young volunteers.

Kumuna Kamasoh, Volunteer Officer, Volunteering Kingston.

This year, as in every year, National Volunteers’ Week (2nd – 8th June) coincides, because it falls in the month of June, with the dedication to celebrating communities that is Communities Month. Those celebrations are as important as ours are in the volunteering services arena. We also have a very important contribution to Kingston Volunteering coming out in the middle of this week so keep your eyes open for it.

National Volunteers’ Week is all about gratitude and so it should be. If ever there was a proper time to say thanks, to volunteers and the groups that come together in our communities, it is here and now. The contribution of volunteers has ensured our society remains functioning over the past fifteen years of our society’s peaks and troughs.

The thought of celebrating may not be appealing right now, while the demand for foodbanks keeps reaching a new peak, being positive whilst millions of displaced Ukrainians and Gazan’s continue look for safety and with money in the Voluntary Sector remaining as tight as ever. Personally, whilst I understand this thinking, I believe greater hurdles calls for a greater need for trumpet blowing. June 2025 and the joint approach of National Volunteers Week and Communities Month is such an occasion.

Volunteering Kingston, and volunteer services across London and the country, will be celebrating National Volunteers’ Week, in conjunction with others, to show our appreciation to volunteers who have dedicated their time and effort to support their communities. We are working with others to ensure a time to show gratitude to those who selflessly contribute continues later into the month.

Welcome to National Volunteers Week and Communities Month 2025, Kingston style. Events will be held across June to not only mark our appreciation but to be central in strengthening bonds that bind individual volunteers, volunteer-involving organisations and the statutory sector locally. Keep your eyes peeled, it will be celebratory and most importantly full of gratitude.

Michael Green – Projects Manager, Volunteering Kingston.

Today’s volunteer case study follows Melanie, a Girl Guiding Leader in Training who has been volunteering since 2018! Girl Guiding is the National Guiding Organisation of the UK, and is the UK’s largest girl-only organisation. Participants are supported by volunteers to go on a wide variety of adventures, support their community and learn new skills.

Volunteer role and organisation: *

GirlGuiding – Leader in Training

Tell us a little about yourself (where you live, what your occupation is)?

Live in Chessington. I studied interior design at university and went on to design retail stores for brands.

What inspired you to volunteer? 
Wanted to be involved and give back to the community. I wanted to give my time and do something rewarding. Loved the idea of being able to help young girls, guide them and teach them skills for now and later in life.

How did you find out about the volunteering role? 
Web search

Tell us about your volunteering role(s)?

Weekly meetings at our hall, we do a range of activities from crafts to thinking about topics etc. we follow a Girl Guiding badge reward scheme and also mix in with fun games, outdoor activities and girls interests. We also go camping and take part in community volunteering such as litter picking etc.

What has been the best thing about your volunteering experience?

Seeing the guides grow and develop through their time with us. All the fun and laughter shared proves we are doing it right and making a difference

Can you sum up your experience in three words? 
Lots of fun!

Thank you very much to Melanie for completing our volunteer survey. Are you interested in supporting Girl Guiding? Apply here! Alternatively, keep up with the service on their website, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.

Not sure where to begin with your volunteering journey? Check out our resources page here. 

This week, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on Staywell, an independent, award-winning charity that’s been at the heart of the community for nearly 80 years. As we approach their milestone anniversary in 2026, Staywell continues its incredible work supporting older people and fostering connections that enrich lives. 

Tell us a little about your organisation (what do you do, what is your mission, how long you have been active, where are you based in the borough etc):

At Staywell, our mission is to empower older people and their carers to live with independence, dignity, and a sense of community. We’re passionate about breaking down barriers and helping people embrace their full potential—whether by staying active in their homes, engaging with their neighbours or making new friends. 

With hubs in New Malden and Kingston, we offer a wide range of services including Home from Hospital and Handyperson, with holistic, evidence-based programmes tailored to the needs of our users. We believe in the power of bridging generations by engaging younger volunteers in meaningful ways in our work. 

Want to learn more? Check out our website for all the details!

Why do you want to involve volunteers in your organisation?

Volunteers are the lifeblood of Staywell. By giving your time, you’ll directly help improve the lives of older people, combatting isolation and fostering community spirit. 

But it’s not just about giving back—volunteering brings personal rewards, too. Research shows that volunteering boosts health and wellbeing, especially for older adults. It’s a fantastic way to: 

– Stay active and sharpen your skills after retirement or during a career break. 

– Build new skills and gain valuable experience. 

– Kickstart a new career path—many Staywell volunteers have joined our staff or moved into rewarding roles elsewhere. 

What volunteer role/s do you have available?

We have a variety of volunteer roles to match your interests and availability: 

Day Centre Volunteer: Help run activities, serve lunches, and support older adults at our day centres in New Malden and Kingston. 

Volunteer Befriender: Provide companionship to isolated older adults, either through home visits or outings to local parks, cafes, or libraries. Prefer phone-based volunteering? Join our telephone befriending service! 

Information, Advice & Guidance Volunteer: Help our team guide older adults in claiming life-changing benefit entitlements. 

Digital Volunteer: Use your organisational skills to support our marketing, publicity, and digital administrative tasks. — A whizz taking photos and videos on your phone? How about taking engaging photos for our social media and publications?

What advice would you give to someone considering volunteering for your organisation?

At Staywell, every volunteer makes a tangible difference. You’ll find friendship, fun and the joy of being part of a warm, supportive team. Most roles require no prior experience— we provide the training you’ll need to carry out your role and ongoing support to help you succeed. 

Whether you’re looking to make new connections, explore a new path, or simply give back, there’s a role waiting for you. 

Ready to start your volunteer journey? 

If you’re inspired to support older people in your community, apply today to volunteer with Staywell. Stay connected with us on their website, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.

Not sure where to start? Check out our resources page for guidance on finding the perfect volunteer opportunity for you. 

We’d love to welcome you to our team—let’s make later life a greater life together!

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Thank you very much to Staywell for completing our spotlight form. Are you interested in supporting older people in your community? Apply to volunteer at Staywell here! Alternatively, keep up with the service on their 

Not sure where to begin with your volunteering journey? Check out our resources page here. 

Today’s organisation spotlight is on Larch Club, a social club for adults with (high functioning) autism run by Kingston Eco-Op. The club focuses on creating a space where members can socialise, make new friends, and express themselves. Members can partake in a range of activities, including board games, arts and crafts, and music.

Tell us a little about your organisation

The Larch Club was established in 2023 as a social club for adults with autism (without a learning disability). This is in response to a lack of local services following the social impact that the covid lockdowns had on people with autism. It is a member led group focussing on creating a safe, social space for members to socialise, take part in activities and go out on trips.

Why do you want to involve volunteers in your organisation?

Volunteers help improve the clubs ability to adapt to the individual needs of the members. With help we can plan for events, activities and trips that support the clubs aims.

What volunteer role/s do you have available?

The Larch Club runs from 5:30 to 8pm on Thursdays at Kingston Library. Volunteers will assist staff in setting up, running the club, tidying up at the end and planning for the future.

What advice would you give to someone considering volunteering for your organisation?

The Larch Club would be invaluable experience for anyone interested in social care, nursing, psychology or counselling. I began the journey in my career as a MIND volunteer so appreciate that interpersonal skills benefit greatly from experience. Training and travel expenses are available. Personal or private experience of autism is desirable.

Thank you so much to Christ from The Larch Club / Kingston Eco-Op for your time! Do you want to give back to your community? Become a volunteer for The Larch Club  here ! Want to find out more? Check out their website, X,  Instagram, and Facebook page.

Not sure where to begin with your volunteering journey? Check out our resources page here. 

Today’s organization spotlight is on Voices of Hope, a Kingston-based charity dedicated to bringing hope to people and their communities through community based projects. Voices of Hope often works with people struggling with complex physical and/or mental health issues, families experiencing food insecurity, women who have experienced abuse/domestic violence, and the elderly.

Tell us a little about your organisation:

Voices of Hope is a locally founded charity in Kingston Upon Thames with a focused reach into SW London. We are dedicated to bringing hope to individuals and the wider community, improving physical and mental health through community-based projects. We work with people struggling with complex physical and/or mental health issues, families experiencing food insecurity, women who have experienced abuse/domestic violence, and the elderly. We see those we reach as people who need support, encouragement and empowerment – not as problems which need solving. Our mission is to restore people, give them hope to rebuild their lives, and to equip them both practically and emotionally. We aim to achieve this through creative and inspiring projects focused in the 3 areas of Creative Arts, Food, and Women’s projects.

Why do you want to involve volunteers in Voices of Hope ?

Volunteers are an invaluable resource to our organisation, helping us to grow and thrive towards our cause. Their diverse skills and perspective bring unique expertise and fresh ideas that can enrich BRITE Box project. Community engagement is a big part of our organisations goal, building trust and enhancing our reputation.

What volunteer role/s do you have available?

The BRITE Box project, which operates under the umbrella of VOH, is a meal kit provided to families to help tackle food insecurity, helps build cooking skills as well introduce healthy recipes to children. Sessions run on Thursdays and Fridays term time only. We currently need more volunteers for the Friday (9.30 am – 12 noon) session, where volunteers place all other ingredients into the boxes, seal and have them ready for delivery to schools.

What advice would you give to someone considering volunteering for Voices of Hope?

Having been a volunteer myself with this amazing food project, has taught me the benefits of giving back to the community and meeting new lovely people from diverse walks of life. It helped me start back my career path, after being away for 4 years from the workforce. If you like contributing, meeting new people, love food projects and ideas come join us!

Thank you so much to Lakshmi from Voices of Hope for your time! Do you want to give back to your community? Become a volunteer for Voices of Hope here ! Want to find out more? Check out their website, X, YouTube Channel, Instagram, and Facebook page.

Not sure where to begin with your volunteering journey? Check out our resources page here. 

This week’s organisation spotlight is on Barnfield Riding for the Disabled, an organisation that helps disabled children and adults experience the therapeutic benefits of horse riding.

Hello, please could you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about RDA?

We’re Barnfield Riding for the Disabled, and we’re a registered charity that has been going for 40 years. We set up because we recognised there was a shortage of this kind of therapy in the area. Over the years, many riding opportunities for disabled people have closed down. We’ve got about 85 disabled riders a week that use this facility, so from a volunteer’s perspective we need an army to deliver the facility. 

We’ve got a total of 15 horses, 10 of which are working horses and 5 of which are in training. We’ve got one of every size because our riders are from 5-75 years old so we have a variety of horses in all sizes to cater to child and adult riders. When we look for horses to do this job, there are specific requirements. Horses have to be of a very special nature to look after disabled riders – they have to be calm and kind. That’s something that can’t be taught. 

On top of that temperament that they have to have goes a lot of training and time. We have to have confidence that they will do the job well. What you have to remember is that horses are, well, horses – they’re prey animals. 

We’re surviving in an environment where every inch of land is being squeezed out for housing. Right now, we try to work quite closely with local schools and nurseries and brownies.  We will tell the children a story about each horse, and at the end of the session we’ll get the horses out and teach them how to groom them. 

These may be working ponies but they’ve got the life of luxury. At the moment we’ve got a new little pony that’s causing a stir. She is called Peggy and she is the most beautiful thing you ever saw and was abandoned by the roadside, and I got lots of requests to rescue her. I trekked all the way over to Cambridge to find this little pony. She could’ve been abused, she certainly was starved. This little pony – talk about life lessons – is the most grateful little pony, she is so well behaved, well mannered. She’s got a new best friend called Annie. Peggy has taken Kingston by storm! 

Could you tell us a little more about the project? How might a volunteering session go at Barnfield Riding for the disabled?

In terms of volunteering we have a whole host of different roles. The principal roles are to facilitate these sessions. These could be a riding session, a therapy session or a horse care session. Anything to do with horses requires training so we have to offer a horse training package for each volunteer, to get accustomed to horse behaviour. Volunteers are trained to side-walk. Each person riding a horse will need two side-walkers in case they lose their balance, and one person to lead the horse. In total, we need three people to help with the horses. A lot of volunteers love coming to us because they’re learning such a wonderful skill – taking care of horses.

Some volunteers just want to come and care for the horses – get involved with feeding, grooming and preparing the horse for sessions. Other people might want to come and be at the stables – doing maintenance work, DIY, gardening or cleaning tack (bridles). People also like to get involved in fundraising or help with the website. The list just goes on – people forget that it’s not just about looking after horses. The deliverance of what we do is so wholesome – people want to be outdoors, the community gets so involved with what we do. For example, we have an annual open day to come together and learn about what we do, and how you can join us to make this organisation even better. 

What can volunteers learn by volunteering with Barnfield Riding for the Disabled?

On top of learning about horses – and there’s a hell of a lot to learn about horses – we also learn about life skills. Animals have an uncanny way of grounding you – the life skills that you learn from being around horses are things like patience, caring, equality, not being judgemental, never ever getting angry. You learn so much about honesty – animals are so honest, and they know when you’re not being honest. They just teach you to be a good person.

I work as an animal communicator – animals have a fantastic way of communicating with you, they can’t speak but they have a fantastic way of knowing how you feel. They were born very innocent like people – but people only change through their life experiences, and animals stay very kind. 

Finally, any funny stories?

 I had a group of children come to visit from the local nursery, and this boy put his hand up at the end of the session. He said: “my dad says he’s really worried about losing his job because the computers are taking over, but you must not be worried because the only person who could take your job is a robot horse”.

Thank you so much to PatsyAnn from Barnfield Riding for the disabled for your time! Interested in teaching the next generation to take a stand against climate change? Become a volunteer for Barnfield Riding for the disabled here ! Want to find out more? Check out their website and Facebook page.

Not sure where to begin with your volunteering journey? Check out our resources page here.