Celebrating Colin: A living example of the volunteering ecosystem
Colin Mason’s 25-year journey through volunteering shows how one person can influence every level of society — from supporting individuals to leading national strategy. His story brings to life Volunteering Matters’ vision of volunteering as an ecosystem where everyone has something to give and gain.
By Emma Thomas-Hancock, Chief Operating Officer
As Chief Operating Officer at Volunteering Matters, one of the greatest privileges of my role is meeting extraordinary people who quietly transform communities through their commitment, generosity, and leadership. Few embody this more than Colin Mason, whose volunteering journey over more than 25 years exemplifies the power of volunteering to change lives, strengthen communities, and deliver lasting social impact.
Our new strategy sets out five change areas where volunteering has the power to make the biggest difference: tackling loneliness and isolation, improving health and wellbeing, breaking down barriers, equipping communities, and creating social cohesion. Colin’s story shows what this looks like in practice.
Tackling loneliness and isolation
Colin has always understood the importance of connection. Through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP), he has been involved in and led projects that bring younger and older people together to learn from one another. His involvement helped keep communities connected during the Covid-19 pandemic, when isolation was at its height. He ensured vital public health messages reached people, supported vaccination rollouts, and gave individuals the confidence to stay connected and safe.
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For me, volunteering has always been about people – being there for someone, sharing what you know, and learning from others. It’s about making sure no one feels forgotten or left behind
– Colin
Improving health and wellbeing
Whether as a former tutor in prisons or as a recent governor of an NHS Trust, Colin has championed health and wellbeing throughout his volunteering. His contributions to mental health awareness and public health campaigns highlight the critical role volunteers can play in improving quality of life. During his time as FOCUS editor (RSVP’s national newsletter) he was a trusted voice in helping communities understand and respond to new risks and challenges.
Breaking down barriers
Colin has worked tirelessly to ensure volunteering is inclusive. By supporting people in prison with education and skills, he has broken down barriers to rehabilitation and reintegration. His volunteering at Volunteering Matters has shown how volunteering can provide pathways for people who may have been excluded or disadvantaged, offering opportunities to contribute, belong, and grow.
Equipping communities
Over his long career in volunteering and governance, Colin has consistently invested in strengthening the organisations and communities he serves. He has been involved in recruitment at the highest levels, including the CEO and Chair of Trustees at Volunteering Matters, and provided strategic leadership to national charities. His wisdom and experience have helped shape organisations so they can equip communities with the tools and confidence they need to thrive.
Creating social cohesion
Colin’s story demonstrates the unifying power of volunteering. From intergenerational projects that connect different age groups, to his role in supporting disadvantaged and marginalised groups, Colin has been a bridge-builder. He embodies our belief that volunteering is not just about giving time – it is about creating the bonds of trust, respect, and understanding that hold society together.
A living example of the ecosystem of volunteering
Our strategy describes volunteering as an ecosystem – a continuum of opportunities, from informal neighbourly acts to national governance roles. Colin has experienced and contributed to every part of this ecosystem. He has given his time directly to individuals in need, shaped community initiatives, influenced policy through governance, and provided national-level leadership. His story shows that volunteering is not a single act, but a lifelong journey that adapts to people’s skills, interests, and stages of life.
As I reflect on Colin’s journey, I am reminded of the values that underpin his story – kindness, inclusion, honesty, and integrity.
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Colin shows us that volunteering is about more than giving time – it’s about creating a culture of kindness and inclusion, where everyone has something to give and something to gain. His values inspire us all to think about the kind of communities we want to build
– Emma Thomas-Hancock
Colin Mason is a role model for what volunteering can achieve – not just for the communities and organisations he has supported, but for what it says about the potential of volunteering as a cornerstone of social change. We are proud to celebrate him as part of our story, our strategy, and our future.
