As we kick off Volunteers’ Week 2025, Sailfin warmly joins hundreds of charities and community groups across the country in saying thank you for being the backbone of the charity sector.
Celebrating Volunteers’ Week 2025
Volunteers are the often overlooked key workforce of the charity sector; dedicated people who, with little fanfare and often no expectation of recognition, choose to give their time, energy, and compassion to help others.
Whether delivering food parcels, supporting those in distress, driving people to vital appointments, or serving as trustees, volunteers empower charities to reach individuals and communities who might otherwise be left behind.
At Sailfin, our work supporting charities and social enterprises offers a privileged view of the impact volunteers make every day. We have seen volunteers drive positive change in projects ranging from local fundraising initiatives to national governance boards, shaping the future of civil society with their expertise and empathy.
Their stories are varied; from young guides and scouts learning lifelong skills, to experienced professionals sharing knowledge as trustees, to family members giving up their Friday nights to run community events.
The Charity Commission’s Volunteers’ Week message, published earlier today, resonates deeply with us. As Interim Chair Mark Simms OBE advises, “Volunteering is not a side project. It underpins civil society. It represents people at their best — choosing to act not for profit or attention, but because they believe in helping others.” This devotion shows itself in countless acts; the volunteer driver ensuring hospital appointments aren’t missed, the environmental steward planting trees, the food bank teams making a difference for families in crisis, and so many more.
Volunteering crosses boundaries of age, background, and circumstance. It connects people through shared values and a commitment to making a difference, no matter personal challenges or available resources. Trustees serve the sector’s vital governance roles, bringing professional insight and lived experience, guiding organisations safely and lawfully – all without pay.
Perhaps most remarkable is how volunteering benefits not only those served, but those who serve. Research shows that volunteering boosts wellbeing, confidence, and a sense of purpose, sometimes transforming the lives of volunteers themselves as much as those they support.
For anyone inspired to get involved, Volunteers’ Week is the perfect time. Consider your skills and interests; there will always be a cause that values what you bring.
Community centres, local charities, online projects, and governance opportunities all offer ways to contribute – and even an hour a week makes a real difference. The Charity Commission has compiled helpful guidance for finding volunteering and trustee roles; take a moment to explore and discover where you can make a difference.
To every volunteer: thank you. Your work is seen, valued, and it truly makes the world a better place.
Contact Sailfin Charity Consultancy for support around developing your charity’s volunteer strategy.