This week, from 1–6 June 2026, we are celebrating Volunteers’ Week by recognising the incredible contribution that volunteers make across the globe. We would also like to shine a spotlight on the dedicated volunteers who support Sandwell Advocacy here in our local Sandwell community.
Their time, commitment and enthusiasm play a vital role in helping our charity succeed and continue delivering valuable services to local people. Through our FAQs, we hope to provide some useful information about volunteering, share the many benefits it offers, and showcase some of the inspiring ways our volunteers help make a positive difference in the lives of others every day.
- What makes a great volunteer?
A great volunteer is empathetic, reliable, and a good listener. At Sandwell Advocacy, we offer a telephone befriending service through our Sandwell Together project, where volunteers provide companionship, conversation, and a listening ear to our clients. For this role, we particularly welcome people who enjoy having a good chat, as building positive relationships is at the heart of what we do. - What inspires people to become a volunteer?
People choose to become volunteers for many different reasons. Some are inspired by a cause that has personally touched their lives, while others want to support an organisation or cause that is important to their local community. Many people volunteer because they want to give something back, make a positive difference, or use their spare time in a meaningful way.
Volunteering can also provide opportunities to develop new skills, gain valuable experience, and improve employability. For some, it is a stepping stone towards future employment, education, or training opportunities. - What are the personal benefits of volunteering?
There are many personal benefits to volunteering. It can help you meet new people, work as part of a team, feel connected to your community, and build your confidence. Volunteering also provides opportunities to learn new skills and gain valuable experience, which can enhance your CV, help you build professional relationships, and support you in obtaining references for future employment or education opportunities. - What motivates people to keep volunteering?
The main motivation for inspiring people to become a volunteer is often inspired by wanting to be part of something special. Seeing the difference that their role can make to either the organisation they are volunteering for, the recipients, the local community and even for them as individuals. It is really rewarding and hearing good feedback and seeing positive changes develop, are all key reasons why people continue to volunteer. - How have volunteers helped Sandwell Advocacy?
Volunteers have helped Sandwell Advocacy for many years. Volunteer Co-ordinator Katie Moreton is responsible for the telephone befriending service through Sandwell Together. Katie says,
“The difference that volunteers have made through their conversations is incredible! Often providing a lifeline to people who are socially isolated or experiencing loneliness. But equally I have heard how the volunteers also enjoy these conversations too. A weekly call can make a big impact!” - How many volunteers are currently registered with Sandwell Advocacy?
We have 28 volunteers and 5 trustees. All of whom bring a wide range of skills and experience to our charity and to the people of Sandwell. Some volunteers have previously worked in other volunteer roles, whilst some have expertise in counselling, social work support, community support, education and even business. However no experience is required, all we ask is that our volunteers have a compassionate nature and a great listening ear. - Who do the volunteers help through Sandwell Advocacy?
Our Sandwell Advocacy volunteers support local residents who are living in the Sandwell region and those who could be experiencing social isolation or feelings of loneliness. - What types of volunteer experiences can Sandwell Advocacy provide?
Our main project is our befriending project, through Sandwell Together, which maintains a level of contact with those who are lonely or isolated and is designed to provide emotional support. In addition, we are currently looking at wider volunteering roles throughout our organisation and will be sharing these on our website and social media in due course - How can we encourage more people to get involved in volunteering?
If you are considering volunteering, but you can’t give lots of time due to personal responsibilities, then something like our Sandwell Together project will be great for you. All we ask for is an hour of your time each week and this can be a daytime, evening or weekend. This offers flexibility to your own personal commitments and can make a huge difference to those who receive the calls.
For more information about volunteering with Sandwell Advocacy and the Sandwell Together project, and to find out how you can be part of our special team of volunteers, please visit our volunteering page of contact us for more information.
