Celebrating the Power of Volunteering During Volunteers’ Week

Mon 01st June 2026

Every year, Volunteers’ Week shines a light on the incredible contribution volunteers make to communities across the UK. It’s a chance to recognise the time, care, skills and compassion that volunteers give so generously, and to celebrate the positive difference they make in people’s lives every single day.

At Impact Arts, volunteers are an important part of our community. Across our projects and programmes, volunteers help create welcoming spaces, support participants to grow in confidence, and bring creativity, encouragement and kindness to everything they do. For many people, volunteering is also a powerful journey of personal growth, opening doors to new opportunities, friendships and experiences.

One person who knows this first-hand is a former participant from our Impactful Parents programme, Anita, who went from joining the project for support to becoming a volunteer, and is now working within the programme itself!

From Participant to Volunteer

“I first joined Impactful Parents as a participant during a time when I was trying to rebuild my confidence and figure out my next steps,” they explained. “The support, encouragement, and sense of community I experienced made a huge difference to me personally.”

After experiencing the positive impact of the programme, volunteering felt like a natural next step.

“Volunteering felt like a way to give something back and support other parents who may be feeling the same way I once did.”

Their experience as a volunteer quickly became transformational in its own right.

“My experience has been really positive and rewarding. Through volunteering, I gained confidence, developed new skills, and met amazing people. I felt supported and valued, and it helped me believe in myself more.”

Over time, volunteering created opportunities they never expected.

“It’s been incredible to go from being a participant to now working within the programme myself.”

The Difference Volunteers Make

Volunteers bring so much more than practical support. They bring empathy, lived experience, encouragement and understanding. Often, it’s the small moments that matter most. A friendly conversation, a warm welcome, or helping someone feel seen and listened to.

“My favourite part was seeing the positive impact even small acts of support can have on someone’s day,” they shared. “I enjoyed creating a welcoming environment where people felt comfortable, listened to, and encouraged.”

Volunteers also help build the sense of community that sits at the heart of many Impact Arts projects.

“I loved being part of such a supportive and creative team where everyone genuinely wants to help others grow.”

Thinking About Volunteering?

For anyone considering volunteering for a cause they care about, their message is simple:

“Go for it, even if you feel nervous or unsure at first. Volunteering can help you grow in ways you don’t expect. It can build confidence, create connections, and give you a real sense of purpose. You never know where it might lead, for me, it became the start of a completely new journey.”

This Volunteers’ Week, we want to say a huge thank you to every volunteer who gives their time, energy and creativity to support others. Your contribution makes a real difference, and we are incredibly grateful for everything you do.

Impact Arts is a community arts charity based in Scotland. Since 1994, we’ve been delivering creative arts and support programmes for children, young people, adults, families, and older people who are facing disadvantages or barriers to progress in life. Our mission is to tackle inequalities, address poverty, and transform lives through art and creativity.  

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