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Joining us as a volunteer not only changes lives but also offers a chance to forge lasting friendships, enjoy meaningful experiences, and truly connect with your community. We are so grateful for the kindness and generosity of our volunteers, many of whom have been with us since the beginning! Marmalade volunteers say they feel supported and valued and enjoy meeting new, like-minded people.
Ian's story
For Ian, volunteering with Marmalade Trust has been a fulfilling experience that has allowed him to make a genuine difference in someone's life.
By building a trusting relationship through regular phone contact, companions offer help and support to build the member's confidence, form new social links and access services needed. Signposting to new activities or ways of making social connections inside or outside the home, is a key part of the volunteer role.
The connection Ian built with Michael went beyond just weekly conversations. "Michael happened to be a really kind and genuinely interesting person, so my time on the calls was a pleasure. I had to keep reminding him of this because he was always feeling a little guilty for the time I gave him."
Ian’s role was to offer support, but Michael needed something different from what other members might seek. "Compared to my calls last year, which were more about signposting and getting someone 'over the line' to take their first steps towards a new social experience, for Michael, it was more about affirmation."
Michael, who recently lost his wife, was already involved in several fulfilling activities, but he just needed someone to validate that he was on the right path. "He was already filling his life with so many fulfilling activities; he just needed to hear that he was 'doing well,' something I guess his wife would have said to him if she was still around."
Through their conversations, Ian found that they discussed not only Michael’s accomplishments but also the emotional challenges that came with being a widower. "As a recent widower, he was having to deal with the lows that come and go between the busy periods in his life, so it was good to let him talk about that too. I guess we can’t solve all the problems, but I hope the calls were a benefit to him and that he can look back on them as a comfort during periods of loneliness."
Ian got involved with Marmalade Trust because he wanted to use his spare time for something charitable. "I had spare time on my hands and wanted to do something charity-related, and this was a good fit. I work full time, so being able to schedule a bit of time each week works well. The training provided covered my lack of experience or skills."
For Ian, the most rewarding part of volunteering has been seeing the impact he makes. "I guess I was also drawn to helping the 'forgotten' people, rather than the more high-profile charities and beneficiaries. It has turned out to be very fulfilling, especially where you can see the impact you make."
Join our volunteer family
Each year, our small team at Marmalade HQ are overwhelmed with how many kind people offer their time to support their community. Through our Christmas Cheer and Marmalade Companion projects, we reach out to those most at risk of loneliness, guiding them to vital support and empowering them to make new friendships and connections.
Joining us as a volunteer not only changes lives but also offers a chance to forge lasting friendships, enjoy meaningful experiences, and truly connect with your community. We are so grateful for the kindness and generosity of our volunteers, many of whom have been with us since the beginning! Marmalade volunteers say they feel supported and valued and enjoy meeting new, like-minded people.
The wonderful photos in this story were taken as part of the HEINEKEN UK Star Turns Orange fundraising event. Alongside members and volunteers, we had a chance to celebrate connection and the work we do at Marmalade Trust.
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