By Amanda Naylor OBE, Chief Executive, Volunteering Matters
Today, on International Volunteer Day, we celebrate the universal power of people giving their time, skills and kindness to make life better for others. Volunteering is one of the most hopeful forces we have. Every day at Volunteering Matters I am reminded just how much it shapes communities across the UK.
Why volunteers keep showing up
Life is busy and often challenging, yet volunteers continue to step forward. They don’t do it because they have endless time; they do it because they know their time matters.
Volunteering gives people a sense of purpose and connection. It’s not a one-way act of giving. It’s reciprocal. Volunteers tell us they gain confidence, friendships, skills and a deep sense of belonging. In a world that can feel fragmented, volunteering roots people in their communities and reminds them that they have the power to make things better.
Young people are leading now
Across the UK, from the National Youth Strategy to our own Brighter Futures, #iWill and Grandmentors programmes, I’ve seen the impact young people make when we hand them meaningful leadership.
The barrier has never been their ability. It’s whether we, as adults and institutions, are willing to share power. When we do, young people bring creativity, courage and lived expertise that transforms communities.
A message for today
If I could share one message, it would be this:
Extraordinary change is built by ordinary people.
Most volunteers don’t see themselves as extraordinary, but they are. Every mentoring session, every act of neighbourliness, every hour spent protecting green spaces or supporting families creates a ripple effect. Thousands of these small acts add up to stronger, kinder, more resilient communities.
Removing barriers so everyone can volunteer
Many people want to help but don’t always know how. The most common barriers are practical. Not knowing where to start, concerns about time, or uncertainty about what skills they have to offer.
At Volunteering Matters, we design volunteering around people’s lives. It’s flexible, inclusive and rooted in local need. We make it easy to get involved, and we see volunteers as partners, not resources. When people feel seen and supported, they realise they already have everything they need to make a difference.
An invitation
On International Volunteer Day, I want volunteers everywhere to feel our gratitude. Your time and compassion are the backbone of so many communities.
And if you’re someone who’s been wondering whether you could volunteer. The answer is yes. There is a place for you here. Whether it’s mentoring a young person, supporting an older neighbour, taking part in social action, or joining a local project, your contribution matters.
Explore our website find out how to get involved.
Together, we can build communities where everyone belongs, and where volunteering turns hope into action.
