Volunteers’ Week 2026 – Discover the powerful stories of our volunteers
Volunteers’ Week (1–7 June) is a time to celebrate the generosity, passion and dedication of volunteers across the UK. We’re proud to share the stories of the incredible people who support Arthritis UK and change lives in their communities.
Ruth Kirby
I attended a Self-Management workshop, as I have osteoarthritis, in early 2018 which was run by Arthritis UK for the local NHS. I discovered there were some Community Networks groups around the country, but not locally. Having retired in 2017 I volunteered to start one, and to be a facilitator for the courses I had attended. Since then, I have been the lead volunteer for Hampshire Community Network, a Self-Management Facilitator and a Research Volunteer
The thing I most enjoy about volunteering is feeling that people are gaining useful knowledge to help with their condition. The knowledge people gain is not only from me and the various speakers we have, but I think it is so useful to be in the same room as a group of people who have arthritis and can share their experience. I have heard so many times “I thought it was only me”, and it never is.
There is so much the volunteer can gain too. I learn from my group every time we meet, and volunteering is something which is so good for your own resilience.
The staff I have worked with have been great. I love the fact the charity involves volunteers in so many areas of the work, so I have been consulted about many things, interviewed new staff, and been on project groups. It is great to be able to use my professional expertise to support others.
Eden Byrne
I’ve been volunteering with Arthritis UK since May 2024 in many roles! I’m part of the Young People’s Panel, Your Rheum and I’m also a Research Partner volunteer.
I wanted to volunteer with Arthritis UK to make a difference and feel more connected to other people who have arthritis. I thought it was a great way to be able to meet new people and help give back.
What I most enjoy about volunteering is the diversity of opportunities that I’m able to get involved with, such as, being able to get feedback on research projects, create content for social media or develop my skills such as confidence and communication. I have also loved meeting other young people who have similar experiences to me, and it has definitely helped me feel less isolated.
I’d highly recommend volunteering at Arthritis UK and the people part of the charity such as Research Partners are all really friendly and supportive. It’s a great way to feel like you’re able to contribute to something meaningful and meet other people, despite your health condition. I’m really looking forward to getting involved in future projects!
Anne Raffle
I am a Lead Volunteer (Admin) for Arthritis UK and I have been volunteering for approximately 18 months. I decided to volunteer as I wanted to formally help establish a Community Network group in the community.
I enjoy meeting people, encouraging others to get the benefit of regular exercise as well as myself. This gives me a reason to get up on a Monday morning as I also live with osteoarthritis.
We currently have a weekly average of 24 attendees who enjoy all the sessions and are disappointed when there is a break because of bank holidays or venue closure!
If you haven’t been to one of our groups before, I’s say try something different, you may not find your place at the first attempt, but it is worth trying again until you do. It is a pleasure to help people; you may need that help someday.
Sonia Waitt
I started volunteering with Arthritis Care in 2006 and have been a volunteer ever since, with Versus Arthritis and now Arthritis UK. I am a Community Network Lead and a Physical Activity volunteer teaching Chi Me.
In September 2000 I had a slight fall and damaged my back. I was being treated for a slipped disc and sciatica and was given traction to try and relieve the pain. The pain was much worse, and I had a tremor that resembled a pneumatic drill when I stood. I spent 18 months lying on my stomach on the living room floor doing jigsaws. It got to the stage that I could do a 1000-piece jigsaw in a day!
In December 2005, I decided to go to the Arthritis Care Gateshead group. It was lovely to be with people who understood the pain I was going through and best of all I could have a laugh. I made some lifelong friends too.
In 2006, I was finally diagnosed with fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis. I signed up a six-week challenging arthritis and learned lots of coping skills. I decided to walk to the lamp post and back, each time trying to get a bit further to the next lamp post. By the end of the course, I managed to get to my dentist appointment in my local village and back home again! Following on from that, I joined Gateshead Branch Committee, and I became an Information Volunteer too.
In 2008 and after my son was born, I had a few challenges with my arthritis and fibromyalgia, but I found ways of doing things to make it easier for me, like changing my son on a high table so I didn’t have to bend.
Following lock down, I lead an exercise group on Zoom with an exercise instructor, to help people keep moving. I also completed a course to teach Chi Me. I hope in the future I can do more with the charity and Gateshead Community Network. I look forward to the next chapter of my life with an amazing charity and working with such amazing and inspirational people!
I thought my life was over but with the confidence, skills and support I gained from doing the Challenging Arthritis course and the friendships I made at Gateshead Branch, my outlook on life completely changed. I live my life alongside arthritis, and I no longer suffer from it.
Laura Valentina Cardenas Dimas
I am an Information Hub Volunteer, and I have volunteered for two months.
I decided to volunteer with Arthritis UK because I know first-hand how difficult it can be to live with arthritis. I also understand how valuable and important external support, like that offered by Arthritis UK, can be. I want to contribute to supporting people living with these conditions so that they don’t feel as isolated or lost in their journey.
The thing I most enjoy about volunteering is when I have the feeling that someone left a conversation feeling seen and heard. Also, volunteering with the team at Arthritis UK is great because they are incredibly kind. It’s clear that they understand the charity’s mission. They genuinely care about people and are passionate about making a difference.
Choosing to volunteer for a cause you care about is deeply rewarding and makes a valuable contribution to society. What may seem like a small act to you, can mean a great deal to someone else. Simple acts of kindness can have a powerful positive impact on someone’s life, even more than you might imagine!
Susan Braganza
I am a Chi-Mi Instructor and I have been volunteering for six months. I wanted to volunteer as I wanted to learn something new and gain confidence, as I’ve not been able to work.
As I have found exercise to be beneficial for me, I wanted others to benefit as well. The thing I most enjoy about volunteering is giving something back to the community and feeling that I also have something to give.
After teaching a class, people say they enjoy it and they have increased mobility. There is a general consensus that the sessions are very relaxing!
To anyone who wants to become a Chi-Mi Instructor – it might be dauting at first but there is support and you will also meet interesting people and make new friends!