Celebrating our FANTASTIC Volunteers!
Updated: 03/06/26
Created: 03/06/2026
Who by? Gary Williams
With this week being a celebration of volunteers across the country, writing this provides me with another opportunity to reflect on how amazing our Ruils volunteers are. I’m constantly in awe of their fantastic and often life changing contributions.
Without our volunteers, we would not be able to provide our life affirming befriending, walking and community group activities for our clients, who live with long term health & mental health conditions, as well as being isolated and lonely.
Week-in, week-out, our befrienders listen, support, empathise, encourage. They build trust and mutual respect. They look to increase their client’s engagement with their community, and help improve their wellbeing and confidence to be more independent. With our community group activity leads, the create an inclusive and supportive environment, that inspires our members to discover a talent, as well as a togetherness within the group where the members encourage and look out for each other.
We also have many office volunteers, Interns, forum Chairs and Trustees who drive forward our campaign work, oversee governance and drive our user-led way of working. We are stronger with their input and support!
Here are some quotes from volunteers, where they have reflected on the impact they have made in support of their clients.
“Through consistent contact and support, I saw the people I befriended build confidence and overcome personal challenges. One went on to start volunteering, and another gained the confidence to leave the house and engage in community groups and activities”.
“My main goal is to bring comfort, dignity and joy into her daily life. I provide regular support and consistency, which is especially important for someone with memory difficulties, as familiar faces and routines help reduce anxiety and confusion”.
“I make a conscious effort to engage her in meaningful conversation, reminiscence, and simple activities that she enjoys. We often talk about her past experiences, look through photos, or listen to music she loves. These moments frequently bring smiles and laughter, and I can see a clear positive shift in her mood when she feels heard and understood”.
These reflections highlight not just the practical support volunteers provide, but the deep human connection at the centre of it all. It’s in the smiles, the shared memories, the small steps forward, and the renewed sense of purpose that the true value of volunteering shines through.
From all of us at Ruils, we want to say a heartfelt thank you—not only to our own volunteers, but to volunteers everywhere. Your kindness strengthens communities and transforms lives. Because of you, so many people feel less alone, more confident, and better able to face the challenges in their lives.
