Inspire

In this section, you’ll find inspiring volunteer stories and campaigns that highlight the benefits of volunteering from various perspectives, offering insights and strategies to enhance your programmes and take the next steps.

Volunteer Voice

Hearing directly from volunteers about their experiences is invaluable for learning and growth. As a volunteer-involving organisation, it’s crucial to consider volunteer feedback and use it to refine and adapt your programmes. This approach not only enhances the volunteer experience but also helps attract more people to your roles. Check out some of these volunteer stories and learn from their experiences below. If you want to share your volunteer stories, submit them to the Volunteer Scotland Opportunity Search Website here.

 

Struan , Young Volunteer

"Doing something different always brings new experiences and sometimes you will find something you are passionate about and will create really good memorable experiences."

Emma, Volunteer Ranger

"Being a Volunteer Ranger has greatly improved my confidence and my mental health has massively improved; I really look forward to volunteering with the National Park and can’t wait to get out again once a day is over."

Jean, Shelter Volunteer

"Volunteering makes you feel good. It makes you look at your life—I’m very lucky. Some of our clients haven’t had any breaks at all. They seem to be fighting for everything."

Robert, Digi PALS Volunteer

"I would encourage anyone to volunteer. It’s through this process that a single person can make a difference and change the lives of their peers. Any contribution, no matter how small makes life easier and more enjoyable for everyone."

Sandie, Glasgow Life Volunteer

"Volunteering is really helping me to adapt to retirement. It’s helping me to share my understanding and knowledge with others, and to stretch my brain and learn things I didn’t know"

Kirsty, Diabetes UK Volunteer

"Stepping out of your comfort zone is where fun things happen. I come away with such a warm feeling of happy exhaustion. I love being a hype queen for diabetes."

Jamie, Diabetes UK Volunteer

"Being a part of the volunteer programme has provided a sense of accountability and acceptance in the management of such a difficult condition, which has motivated me to continue to do better."

Karen, Stratchcarron Hospice Volunteer

"While on shift in the ward I was able to share a small part of my experience with others letting them know it was normal to feel angry, sad, tearful or just exhausted. But the most important thing for me was to reinforce to individuals how amazing the staff and care and surroundings of the hospice were for palliative care."

Alan, Stratchcarron Hospice Volunteer

"Volunteering with Strathcarron Hospice was a brilliant experience! In the time I was here I learned so much. To meet and work with adult patients was incredibly helpful, as was working with the multi-disciplinary teams."

Seamus, Dundee Heritage Trust Volunteer

"Just go for it, you won’t know unless you try. As someone with anxiety, it was quite scary to email Dundee Heritage Trust about volunteering, especially for something they weren’t advertising. But everyone has been welcoming and nice. It’s been worth it, despite how anxiety makes things seem scarier than they are."

John, Dundee Heritage Trust Volunteer

“You learn things; the staff and volunteers over the years always treat you with respect; it’s fun; and you get a laugh. I always try to greet people with a smile and leave them walking out of Verdant Works having had a happy experience and with a smile on their face too. If you do that, they might well come back."

Anabel, Glasgow Women's Library Volunteer

Here’s the exact quote from Anabel’s story: “GWL has taught me that I have both [patience to be a cataloguer] and [confidence to be a public speaker and performer]. Above all, I feel that I am still part of a team, something that I knew I would miss enormously when I retired. GWL is the most supportive environment I have ever worked in, and I have made some wonderful friends through it.”

Ashley, Glasgow Women's Library Volunteer

“I was looking for something inclusive and friendly, a need I didn’t realize until I started volunteering with GWL. As a young disabled woman, finding a community where I fit in has been challenging, but at GWL, there’s an understanding that people come from diverse backgrounds and face various personal challenges.”

Covey Befriending Volunteers

"Volunteering is about transforming lives—it's the joy of seeing a child grow into their future, witnessing their progress over time, and becoming a cherished part of their journey. It's about making a difference through your presence and support, and feeling rewarded as you watch them thrive and achieve their dreams."

Volunteering with Four Pillars

"Volunteering with Four Pillars is a transformative experience that fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment. Whether it's reconnecting with the community, giving back through personal challenges, or finding renewed purpose, volunteers become vital parts of a supportive network that changes lives and strengthens the LGBT+ community."

Denis Law Legacy Trust Young Volunteers

"Their dedication to creating a remarkable event while contributing to the Kacey Seivwright Fund underscored the power of community-driven initiatives and the impact that passionate volunteers can have in making a difference."

Terrance Higgins Trust Volunteers

Volunteering with Terrence Higgins Trust transforms lives and builds community. From offering essential support and guidance to individuals affected by HIV, to sharing personal stories and professional skills, volunteers find profound fulfilment in making a real difference and fostering understanding. Their dedication not only enriches their own lives but also creates a welcoming and supportive environment for those in need.

Campaigns

Many campaigns and recognition events happen throughout the year recognising and celebrating volunteers and those who support them as well as campaigns that recognise and highlight the importance of some of the key demographic areas we’re targeting. Find out more about each of the campaigns, including the many benefits and insights of those that have participated previously and get involved! 

Share your knowledge & expertise

Help shape the future of volunteering in Scotland and share your valuable insights and experiences.

Next steps

Explore the National Recruitment Campaign section for even more! Discover inspiring stories from volunteers and organisations, along with guides, tips, and resources – everything you need to enhance your volunteer programmes and take the next steps.