By Laura Johnstone
This week is Volunteers’ Week (1st–7th June), and I’ve found myself reflecting on what it means to give your time freely, especially when life is already full. For me, volunteering isn’t something extra I squeeze in—it’s a part of who I am.
I volunteer for four incredible charities: UK Sepsis Trust, Sepsis Research FEAT, Ickle Pickles, and Diabetes UK. Each one is close to my heart, rooted in personal experience, and tied to the values I want to pass on to my daughter, Amelia.
Giving Without Getting Back
We live in a world where so much is transactional. What can I get from this? What do I gain? But volunteering turns that idea on its head. It’s about giving without expecting anything in return—and that’s exactly why it matters so much to me.
This is something I hope Amelia grows up understanding. I want her to see that compassion isn’t just a feeling, it’s something you do. That helping others isn’t about praise or status. It’s about being part of something bigger than yourself.
Why I Chose These Charities
UK Sepsis Trust & Sepsis Research FEAT – I nearly lost my life to sepsis. It was fast, terrifying, and left me with long-term impacts. I now know how vital early recognition is. These two organisations are doing incredible work to spread awareness, improve outcomes, and push forward life-saving research. Sharing my story and supporting them however I can is one way I try to turn something traumatic into something powerful. Ickle Pickles – As a mum to a premature baby, I know how lonely and overwhelming the neonatal journey can be. Ickle Pickles fund life-saving equipment for neonatal units across the UK. It’s a small charity doing big work, and I support them so that other families feel less alone when they need help the most. Diabetes UK – Before everything else, I was a podiatrist. I treated countless people living with diabetes and saw, far too often, how serious complications—especially foot ulcers—could lead to limb loss. Volunteering with Diabetes UK helps me continue that care in another way, raising awareness about the importance of foot health and early intervention. This is a cause that still means a great deal to me.
Why It Still Matters—Even as a Mum
Being a parent doesn’t stop me from volunteering. If anything, it motivates me even more. Because when Amelia watches me give my time, speak up, and show up for causes I care about, she’s learning that you can always make a difference—no matter how small it might seem.
Whether it’s sharing my story, supporting campaigns, or just listening to someone else’s, I believe every act of volunteering sends a ripple. One that someone else might need more than you’ll ever know.
How You Can Get Involved
If you’ve ever thought about volunteering but weren’t sure where to start—start small. You don’t need to sign up for everything. Just ask yourself: What matters to me? What lived experience do I have that could help someone else?
This Volunteers’ Week, I encourage you to find a cause that feels close to your heart. Whether it’s sharing your time, your story, your skills or simply your support—you will make a difference.
💬 Like what you’ve read?
If this resonated with you, please like, comment, and subscribe to the blog. Let’s keep building a community where kindness, honesty, and support are at the heart of everything we do. And if you’re a fellow volunteer—thank you. You’re changing the world, even if you don’t always see it.
Useful Links and References:
Volunteers’ Week UK UK Sepsis Trust Sepsis Research FEAT Ickle Pickles Charity Diabetes UK
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