Volunteering: A Journey of Giving Back and Finding Purpose

I can still remember the moment I first connected with Hunts Community Cancer Network (HCCN). It was September 2017, and after going through my own cancer recovery, I met Susan Moore, the charity’s founder. Receiving local support during such a difficult time made me realise just how much a strong community can help someone heal - not just physically, but emotionally too. That’s when I knew I wanted to give back. So, I started small, donating my one-day volunteering allowance, then eventually taking six weeks of sabbatical from my day job to support the charity. And honestly? It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. 

From the very beginning, HCCN felt like home. It wasn’t just about turning up and helping out, it was about becoming part of something bigger. Every hour I spent volunteering showed me how much of a difference even the smallest contribution could make. I saw first-hand how a supportive, empowering community could change lives, and that inspired me to do even more. 

By late 2019, I stepped up as a Trustee, something I never imagined myself doing when I first started. It was a huge responsibility, but it also felt completely natural. I could finally blend my personal journey with my professional expertise, bringing years of charity operational management and volunteer development into the mix. Then came COVID, and everything changed. Suddenly, we had to rethink how we supported people. So, I helped lead the charity through virtual services running Zoom sessions, creating online and telephone support spaces, and keeping our community engaged through social media. Then later organising community drop-ins, exercise, wellbeing and nutrition in person activities. It was tough, but seeing how much these small actions helped people through their darkest hours reminded me why volunteering matters so much. 

One of the things I loved most about my role was the balance between strategy and human connection. Running a charity without paid staff means everyone gets stuck in - there’s no sitting on the sidelines. One day, I’d be refining management systems, and the next, I’d be making sure volunteers and service users felt supported and heard. There was always something new to tackle, always a way to make a difference. And that’s the beauty of volunteering: you don’t just give, you grow. You can share your knowledge and experience or learn new skill, you’ll make new friends and feel like you are part of something bigger.

If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, even for just an hour a week, I can’t recommend it enough. Whether your skills lie in strategy, hands-on work, administration, or simply bringing kindness to the people around you, there’s a place for you in the charity world. There’s nothing quite like knowing your time and effort are helping people get through the hardest times in their lives. And trust me, what you give, you get back tenfold in the form of fulfilment, purpose, and connection. 

Charities survive because of generous people willing to donate their time and talents. Whether it’s an hour, a day, or a full week, it all makes a difference. If you’re on the fence, jump in, you won’t regret it. 

Even though I’m no longer a Trustee, I still volunteer when I can, helping with small projects and programs. Volunteering is part of who I am, and if you cut me in half, you’d probably find the word "volunteering" running through me, just like those sticks of seaside rock. 

Story by Sallie Crawley