This week is National Volunteer Week 20-26th May, where we celebrate the contribution and dedication of our volunteers across our Lifeline network. Whether they are Crisis Supporters or retail staff, we couldn’t do what we do without them.
As part of the celebrations this week, we like to speak to our volunteers about why they do what they do, and why Lifeline. Below is a piece by one of our newest volunteers, Natasha, who is donates her time to the team as a copywriter.
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A lot of us are unfulfilled in our day jobs, why not do an activity on the side you are passionate about, and helps others? That’s one of the thoughts that went through my head when considering volunteering for Lifeline as a Copywriter. I approached the Lifeline team via email and have been copywriting for a couple months now, which has been very rewarding!
I’m passionate about copywriting and wanted to explore this passion and pursue the “flow state” I get into whenever I’m thick in a writing project. I love that feeling. Then I thought, why not get more experience whilst also contributing my writing talents to the local community? And to a cause that matters to me personally.
During Covid I utilised Lifeline’s hotline services when I was going through a tough time and needed support, and I remember this experience deeply. The reassurance and lack of judgement over the phone - the other person just being there and listening - it stuck with me. Volunteering at Lifeline felt like the perfect way to give back to this organisation in a small way for the immense gratitude I felt that day.
With current challenges around cost-of-living pressures and the cost for private mental health services being too expensive for many to access, it makes me proud to work for an organisation like Lifeline that is available to everyone at no-cost - and its services are literally lifesaving.
It’s so rewarding contributing to a cause that you care about, even in such a small way and I hope to continue in doing so and recommend this experience to anyone thinking about doing it. Volunteering can look different for everyone depending on your interests and talents - it could be in call centre, Lifeline Shop, copywriting - the world is your oyster - reach out and see what happens!
Find out more about becoming a volunteer with Lifeline