When people ask me what I do, I say that I'm a wellbeing coach and mentor that helps people re-discover themselves and burn bright again after burnout. Some of my clients are neurodiverse but all of them are high achievers, devoted to their objectives. When people ask me why I volunteer, the answer is both simple and complex. It is about connection, purpose, learning and making a difference. It is also about giving back to the communities that have enriched my own life.
My journey has taken many different paths. I have been practising yoga since 1988 and teaching since 2014. Following a career in Human Resources, Organisational Culture and Leadership Development, I "retired" - I wanted to work on my wellbeing. It created space for new and different opportunities to serve others.
In 2015, I helped establish a community centre (Maes y Coed Community Centre, Cardiff), as the founding trustee through a Capital Asset Transfer, creating a valuable local resource that continues to bring people together. I have also spent time as an Explorer Scout Leader, helping young people develop confidence, resilience and life skills. Right now (from July 2026) I have the privilege of serving as President of Hereford Elgar Rotary Club, working alongside a great group of people, dedicated volunteers who share a commitment to improving lives and strengthening our community.
Looking back, a common thread runs through all of these experiences: people.
Volunteering has allowed me to meet individuals from every walk of life. It has created friendships, strengthened social connections and given me opportunities to learn from others. Whether teaching yoga, supporting young people, helping manage community facilities or working with fellow Rotarians, I have witnessed the extraordinary impact that ordinary people can have when they give their time freely.
The Evidence Behind Volunteering
The benefits of volunteering are not just anecdotal. A growing body of research shows that volunteers experience significant improvements in wellbeing, happiness and social connection.
According to the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), 93% of volunteers say they enjoy their volunteering, 90% feel they make a difference, and 77% report that volunteering improves their mental health and wellbeing. Nearly nine in ten volunteers say volunteering has helped them meet new people.
Research from the London School of Economics examining the NHS Volunteer Responders programme found that volunteers experienced stronger personal wellbeing, a greater sense of belonging and increased social connectedness within their local communities.
Volunteering also remains a vital part of community life across England. Government statistics show that approximately 12.9 million adults volunteered formally at least once during 2023/24, demonstrating the enormous contribution volunteers make to society every year.
These findings resonate strongly with my own experience.
Volunteering keeps me engaged and connected. It provides opportunities to use the skills I developed throughout my professional career while continuing to learn new ones. It gives structure and meaning to my time and offers the satisfaction of seeing positive outcomes, whether that is a young person achieving a goal, a community event bringing people together or someone leaving a yoga class feeling calmer and more confident.
Yoga has played a particularly important role in shaping my approach to volunteering. The practice encourages mindfulness, compassion and service to others. Teaching yoga is not simply about physical movement; it is about helping people improve their wellbeing and discover greater balance in their lives. Many of the same values underpin effective volunteering: listening, supporting, encouraging and creating spaces where people can thrive.
Life outside volunteering is equally important in keeping me grounded. At home, I share my life with my partner (who got me into the Repair Café malarkey - we set one up in Hereford and now I also volunteer in Worcester) one cat and four chickens, who provide their own unique lessons in patience, routine and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. They remind me that wellbeing often comes from small moments and meaningful connections, whether with people or animals.
Volunteering is sometimes seen as an act of giving, but I have found that it is equally an act of receiving. Through every role I have undertaken, I have gained friendships, experiences, knowledge and countless memories. The rewards are not financial, they are immeasurable.
Why Do I Do It?
I volunteer because I believe communities are stronger when people contribute their time, skills and energy.
I volunteer because helping others helps me grow too.
I volunteer because connection, purpose and service enrich life.
Most of all, I volunteer because making a positive difference, however small, is one of the most fulfilling things any of us can do.
After all these years, from yoga teacher to Scout leader, community centre founder to Rotary President, I still find that the more I give, the more I receive in return. And if the research tells us anything, it is that volunteering doesn't just change communities. It changes the volunteers themselves.
If you’re interested in joining Rotary, or coming along to a yoga class – please feel free to get in touch
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