Posted on: 30 May 2025
As we mark Volunteers Week (2–8 June), we would like to take this opportunity to extend our deepest thanks to the dedicated volunteers who make such a meaningful impact across our services.
Your time, compassion, and commitment play a vital role in helping us deliver outstanding care and support to our communities. Every day, you bring warmth, energy, and empathy to those who need it most—and for that, we are truly grateful.
To celebrate the powerful role volunteers play across CNWL, we're sharing a series of inspiring stories that highlight just how valuable your contributions are:
At the heart of CNWL Step-Down service is Sonia the kind of person who puts people first, always. Her focus? The residents. Supporting them as they leave hospital, helping them feel connected, capable, and at home in the world again.
So when Sonia heard about the Volunteer to Career (VtC) programme, a little light went on. What if we could bring in volunteers in a way that truly benefits our residents, but also gives the volunteers something back? A sense of purpose. A way to learn. A chance to care.
Meet Paula, she was studying Psychology when she started to feel a bit... wobbly about it all. Not in a bad way, just in that floating-above-your-own-head kind of way. The lectures were interesting. The textbooks
were full of long words. But something was missing.
She wanted to stop thinking about people and start meeting them. Not just analysing behaviours but understanding real stories, real lives, real emotions. So, she signed up to volunteer through the Volunteer to Career (VtC) programme.
She didn’t have any experience in mental health yet. But she had courage, a deep curiosity about people, and a strong desire to learn.
When Gaitrie started volunteering at CNWL, the Volunteer to Career (VtC) programme didn’t exist, and
she’s the first to say she would’ve jumped at the chance. She found her way on her own, without the mentoring, personal statement help or confidence boosts that VtC now offers. It wasn’t easy, but she kept going.
Today, thanks to the VtC programme, volunteers no longer have to figure it all out by themselves. They’ve got tailored support, career guidance, and someone in their corner every step of the way - just like Gaitrie wishes she’d had.
Throughout the week, our volunteers should keep an eye out for special thank you cards distributed across CNWL services—just a small gesture of our immense appreciation.
If you’re interested in getting involved, learning more, or reading additional volunteer stories, visit our become a volunteer page.
Thank you for making a difference—today and every day.
Volunteer Week 2025: Award winners
During Volunteers’ Week 2025, we honoured the dedication and compassion of our volunteers who make a real difference in our community. The judging panel comprising CNWL staff and an Expert by Experience were truly inspired by the outstanding nominations received for volunteers and their supervisors.
Winner: Barry
For his support with the Carer's Support Group at ARCH since 2010, providing a forum for carers of clients with addiction to meet and share their stories
Winner: Martha
For her kind and empathetic and understanding nature which creates a safe space for caregivers to be heard and supported.
Winner: Amal
“Fantastic” and “inspirational volunteer” for their work with volunteer partners in Camden, such as the parent champions and community events. She has also informed others of the essential services available.
Winner: Mac
For going above and beyond to support staff, the general public and volunteers as well as embodying CNWL’s values – respect, compassion and inclusivity.
Winner: Tirthamaya
Has shown great patience, kindness, and a willingness to expand her duties to support patients. She has also developed good working relationships within the department and across organisations.
Winner: Breastfeeding Support Volunteer – 0-19 Health Visiting service in Hillingdon
Described as “exceptional” individually and as a team, as well as reliable, skilled and having endless kindness and compassion towards those they support - the nominator couldn’t choose between them.
Their names are: Nicola Pickard, Jane Rowland, Karen Miles and Sarah Wells.
Jules Peris (Infant Feeding Lead) from Harrow 0-19 Infant Feeding team. [For a second consecutive year]
