Case Studies

Discover real stories of community volunteers and helpers, examining the difference they make locally and the rewards of supporting neighbours and organisations.

Finding a New Direction After Redundancy: A Case Study

Lisa lost her job and found unexpected direction by volunteering at Citizens Advice, rebuilding her confidence through helping others.

Founding and Running a Community Gallery: Case Study

Three friends in North London turned an empty shop into a volunteer-run community gallery bringing contemporary art and free workshops to their neighbourhood.

Full-time Mum to Carer Support Volunteer: A Case Study

Sarah left full-time parenting to volunteer as a carer, giving families a break while supporting children with learning difficulties.

Getting Fit While Helping the Environment: A Case Study

How a busy teacher ditched his couch potato habits by volunteering to plant trees and clear woodland.

How I Take Part in Neighbourhood Watch: A Case Study

Alan shares how starting a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in his area tackled crime, vandalism and antisocial behaviour over three years.

How We Created a Community Garden: A Case Study

Two Edinburgh neighbours transformed their neglected backyard into a thriving community garden with help from a local association.

I Became a Councillor to Help My Community: Case Study

Anna quit her community centre job to become a councillor, here's why she stepped into local government and what she's fighting for.

I Became a Fundraiser for a Local Charity: A Case Study

Katy used her marketing skills to raise funds for a local youth group after leaving college and deciding to volunteer in her community.

I Became Coach for Under 13s Football: A Case Study

A parent shares what he learned taking on a volunteer coaching role with a youth football team.

I Made New Friends at a Playscheme: A Case Study

A widowed mum volunteers at a local playscheme and discovers a new social circle among other parents doing the same.

I Volunteered for a Local Museum: A Case Study

How a museum volunteer role helped Jane break into tourism when job applications weren't working.

My Experience of Skill Swapping: Case Study

A Hampshire man shares how he swaps skills with his neighbours to save money and build community connections.

My New Skills as a Special Constable: A Case Study

A beautician shares how becoming a special constable taught her new skills and challenged her in unexpected ways.

Using My Complementary Therapies in a Day Centre: A Case Study

An aromatherapist shares how she started offering free treatments at a local day centre and why it made a real difference to people's wellbeing.

Work- Life Balance as a Hospice Volunteer: A Case Study

A financial consultant cuts his work hours to volunteer at a hospice and discovers how helping others transforms his priorities.