From Isolation to Impact: Lottie’s Journey of Healing through Volunteering

Meet the amazing Lottie, who volunteers for Age UK and ReConnect Gloucestershire. Lottie was kind enough to answer our quick-fire questions and shared her inspirational story with us. She also has some fantastic advice for those thinking about volunteering! Read her story below…

1. Why did you decide to start volunteering?

I decided to start volunteering as a way to reintegrate into everyday life after a long period of illness. Living with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia had left me mostly stuck at home, unable to work. As my recovery progressed, I realised how disconnected I had become from the ‘real world’. Volunteering felt like a meaningful way to rebuild my confidence, regain my social skills, and gradually build myself up and get back to being able to work again. Beyond that, I missed the feeling of making a positive difference in someone’s life. Volunteering seemed like the perfect way to contribute to others while also helping myself heal and reconnect with the world.

2. How did you find Go Volunteer Glos?

After deciding I wanted to volunteer, I wasn’t sure where to begin. Like many people, I turned to Google, where I quickly discovered the Go Volunteer Glos website.

3. What was your experience of using Go Volunteer Glos?

My experience with Go Volunteer Glos was seamless. The website was easy to navigate and had lots of different volunteering opportunities, and I could search for roles within my local area. It only took a few clicks to express my interest in a few different roles, then the organisations got into contact with me, and I completed application forms and interviews very quickly. Thanks to Go Volunteer Glos, I’ve become a telephone befriender with ReConnect Gloucestershire and joined Age UK Gloucestershire’s Help Team, where I assist individuals in their homes with applying for Attendance Allowance and Blue Badges.

4. How do you feel volunteering has benefitted you?

Volunteering has benefited me in countless ways. It has helped me re-expand my world, boosting both my confidence and self-esteem. The personal rewards have far outweighed the time and energy I’ve given. In my befriending role, I love listening to people’s stories—their memories, and how they speak about the people, places, and pets they’ve cherished. There’s something truly special about hearing a voice lift as they reminisce about happier times, briefly escaping their present struggles. It usually doesn’t take long to build a rapport, and the warmth in their voice as they recognise who is calling always makes my day. When I help people with complicated application forms, it’s rewarding to know I’m using my skills and experience from my previous career to make a meaningful impact. 

5. What advice would you give to people wanting to volunteer? 

If you're considering volunteering, my advice is to start by finding a cause that resonates with you. Think about how your personal experiences can guide your choice—if you’ve struggled with loneliness, volunteering to help others facing similar challenges is a great idea; think about any specific expertise you might have and consider using it to assist people dealing with related issues. Decide how much time you can reasonably and reliably commit, start with something manageable - you can always take on more! Most importantly, dive in with passion! The more you invest in volunteering, the more rewarding it becomes. Not only will you make a meaningful difference in others' lives, but volunteering will also make a meaningful difference in your own.

Volunteer Stories showcase some of the fabulous volunteers we have across Gloucestershire. If you know an amazing volunteer like Lottie, we’d love to feature them! Email us at [email protected]. 

Feeling inspired? Find volunteering opportunities by clicking the button below.