Karheena Woodroffe

Karheena is one of our Client Managers who volunteers with Shout, the UK’s free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone struggling to cope.

We spoke to Karheena about her volunteering experience, what inspired her to get involved, and the impact that services like Shout can have on people during difficult times.

Tell us about Shout and the work they do

“Shout is the UK’s only free confidential 24/7 messaging service for anyone who needs mental health support and is struggling to cope. When you text 85258 (easy to remember as it is up and down the middle numbers on your phone), you will be connected to a volunteer who is ready to listen and support you. As a volunteer, we work with people in distress to take them to a calmer moment and empower them to take the next steps to feeling better.”

What inspired you to start volunteering?

“I’ve seen first-hand how difficult it can be for a young person with psychosis to access mental health support when they need it most. Charities such as Shout provide a vital lifeline, and seeing the difference these organisations make inspired me to get involved rather than simply talk about how our country’s mental health service is in crisis.

I applied to volunteer with Shout and was delighted when my application was accepted, and soon after had completed the 25-hour training programme. While it was nerve-racking taking my first conversation, the support from the clinical supervisors and volunteer community has been incredible, and I’m proud to help others.”

What do you enjoy most about volunteering for Shout?

“I feel like I am making a difference to someone who is struggling and has reached out for help. Our training teaches us to truly listen to someone, and it could be that we are the first people our texter has felt able to talk to. We try to help our texter move from a hot moment to a place of calm by listening with empathy and validating their emotions.

Many conversations are with young people and we talk about difficult subjects such as self-harm and suicide. It is immensely rewarding to be able to speak to a person in such distress, and help them feel calmer in that moment.”

What would you say to someone considering volunteering?

“Volunteering can be incredibly rewarding because you are doing something you want to do rather than something you have to do. It doesn’t matter if you only have a short amount of time to offer, the key is to find a volunteering opportunity that you feel personally invested in, and go from there.”

Will Moy

Manager, Will Moy, is involved with Sheringham and Cromer Round Table, helping to organise and support a variety of fundraising, charitable, and community projects throughout the year.

We spoke with Will about his involvement, the impact community-led initiatives can have, and why giving back remains so important:

Tell us about the organisation you volunteer with

“I’ve been a part of Sheringham & Cromer Round Table for over 7 years. Round Table is an international organisation with over 30,000 members but it was started right here in Norwich, almost 100 years ago. The Louis Marchesi pub is named after the founder, and those who’ve visited Cinema City may have spotted the Round Table rondel in the bar area, to mark where the group began way back in 1927. As well as hosting social events for our members, Round Table locally hosts a number of events to give back to the local community and its members donate time to local charities needing support.”

What inspired you to start volunteering?

“Round Table goes beyond a group of friends meeting up. It enables us to give something back to the local community through fundraising, events and supporting worthwhile causes. When I first heard about it, I knew it was something I wanted to be involved in. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact we can have while also building friendships and making memories along the way.”

What do you enjoy most about being a part of Round Table?

“The variety of events and activities we get to be part of. No two years are ever the same, and there’s always something new to get involved in, whether that’s organising fundraising events or supporting local community projects. From gin festivals to firework displays, being a part of Round Table is a great mix of having fun, building friendships and giving something back.”

What experiences has Round Table given you that you never expected?

“I’ve met Round Table members from all over the world. I even visited one of our twin groups in New Delhi back in 2022!”

Melissa Porter

Melissa is our Office Manager who volunteers as a Passenger Guard on the North Norfolk Railway.

We sat down with Melissa to learn about how she became involved and what being a Guard is all about:

Tell us about the North Norfolk Railway and the work it does

“The North Norfolk Railway is a heritage railway line that runs from Sheringham to Holt, via Weybourne. Run almost entirely by volunteers, from steam crew and platform staff, to lineside maintenance and gift shop staff, the North Norfolk Railway exists to preserve a piece of local history for our future generations.”

How did you first get involved with volunteering there?

“I took my dad to a steam gala there, and he made a passing comment: “it’s incredible what these volunteers do”. I had no idea that the whole operation relies mostly on volunteers and without their passion, dedication, and enthusiasm, it simply wouldn’t be able to continue.

It’s such a beautiful piece of local heritage, and I wanted to be a part of helping to preserve it.”

For those who may not know, what does a Passenger Guard do?

“A Passenger Guard is responsible for the whole train and the safety of the passengers on the day. Most people know the Guard is the one who “waves the green flag and blows the whistle”, but there’s so much more to the job! I prepare the train inside and out, check for any faults or defects, ensure vacuum brakes work as expected, and prepare for dispatch. It’s a safety-critical role that took me the best part of a year to train for and become qualified, but I love it!”

What do you enjoy most about the role?

“Seeing customers step on to the platform for the first time and seeing the awe as they feel like they have been transported into another era is so wholesome. The team are also incredible; as we are all there as volunteers, we all have one thing in common: we want to be there and we are passionate about seeing the railway succeed, so we always strive to give our customers the best day out.”

What would you say to someone considering volunteering?

“Give it a go! There are so many organisations that rely on volunteers. Not only are you helping a worthwhile cause, but you also gain new skills and meet fantastic people. You never know where it might lead!”

Donna Martin

Our Practice Manager, Donna Martin, volunteers with The People’s Picnic Norwich, serving wholesome and home-cooked meals and providing essential supplies to the homeless & hungry of Norwich.

We spoke to Donna to learn about her volunteering experience as well as the important work that The People’s Picnic Norwich does within our local community.

Tell us about The People’s Picnic Norwich

“The People’s Picnic Norwich is a grassroots organisation providing meals and essentials to the homeless and vulnerable in Norwich. They provide vital, much-needed support come rain or shine, and have become an integral part of the lives of so many in the community.”

How did you first get involved with volunteering there?

“I’ve been involved since the start of this year. Initially I went down to help as a one-off, however, after just one visit I wanted to go again on a regular basis and lend my support; not just to the other volunteers, but also to the community who need and use the support provided.”

What made you decide to start volunteering?

“I’ve wanted to get involved and give something back to the community for a while. I’m in a fortunate position where I have a good job, a home, food on the table, and a caring family and friends around me. There are so many people who are not so lucky, and giving a small amount of my time each month to hand out a hot coffee, biscuits, sweets and hot food, makes me feel like I’m helping to make a difference. Sometimes it is very hard, when the people you are serving are the same age as your own children, and we may be the only support they have.”

What do you enjoy most about the role?

“I love engaging and talking to those who need the service we offer. Many are so polite and thankful for the support we’re providing and sometimes just being there to listen about their days makes it feel so worthwhile.”

What would you say to someone considering volunteering?

“There are so many volunteering opportunities, sometimes you just fall into them, on other occasions you just find something that feels so right, so explore what’s out there, you never know how much a small amount of your time can mean the world to others.”