Celebrating Volunteers’ Week: Insights from our CIPR Committee Volunteers
By Nicole Kenny, CIPR NW committee member
9 July 2025
Volunteering can take many forms, from mentoring peers and supporting charities to championing causes that align with our values.
Within the CIPR, our committee volunteers are a brilliant example of this spirit in action. They balance busy day jobs with their commitment to helping shape and support the profession and they do it all on their own time. But what drives someone to take on a voluntary role? What do they gain from it, and why do they keep coming back?
In this piece, some of our committee members share their personal reflections on what volunteering means to them. From building new skills and networks to finding purpose and perspective, their insights reveal just how rewarding giving back can be.
Samantha Crowe
My volunteering really took off when I moved to Manchester and I became chair of a PTA. My kids are at a school of 1,000 pupils - there are only four other primary schools this big in the country. Difference is really celebrated but the difference between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’ is dramatic. Giving kids the best start in life and equitable access to experiences can make a huge difference to future prospects and prosperity. Just getting a book into a child’s hands can boost the time they stay in education.
I’ve learnt it doesn’t take much effort or time to make a difference. Starting small on your street is just as beneficial as going big with a national charity fundraiser. You can volunteer quietly by planting flowers around a tree, someone will appreciate the kindness and the self-esteem I’ve seen young people gain from volunteering in these ways can’t be underestimated.
Charities are dependent on skills and donations to survive - volunteering can make a huge impact on income. If we all did one hour a month, a lot could change.
Chrissie Berry-Moorcroft
Making time to volunteer, which I recognize is a privilege, has always been a really important choice for me. I have volunteered in different contexts - from work overseas longer term, to shorter term engagements in my community, to serving as a charity trustee. Sometimes it's been offering my expertise in PR to organizations developing or upskilling those functions and sometimes it's been just "showing up and doing whatever is needed in that moment". But it's always personally and professionally growing, exposing me to new experiences and perspectives, connecting me to people, and being fun! While volunteering should always be about helping with change or impact where needed, it can also be mutually beneficial and I've felt improved well-being, confidence and skills as a result.
Working in the third sector I have great admiration and gratitude for volunteers who keep so many important functions of charities running, especially now in challenging times. If folks are able, I would recommend volunteering and now is a great time to start!
James Jordan
Volunteering is a chance to ‘give back’ and make a change which wouldn’t have happened without you. It’s incredibly rewarding, especially if you pick something that you naturally find enjoyable.
I volunteer as a litter picker in my local community in Walkden, Salford. Our community of litter pickers has now grown into a group called Walkden in Bloom, which also plants flowers in the town centre. The result has been phenomenal, with many local people commenting on how much better the town looks.
Just try it. If you find it enjoyable, it won’t even feel like a chore and you’ll be helping people at the same time as picking up a new hobby. You’d also be surprised at how many volunteering opportunities are completely flexible and allow you to give your time when it suits you.
I think I’m much more keen to volunteer for other causes where it fits in with my schedule. Once you get in the community spirit and see the result of your efforts, it can be contagious!
Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe
Volunteering starts with a passion for a cause and a willingness to make a difference with your skills and experience. It’s a wonderful way to support the community with your skills and time. I connect with other passionate people who bring different perspectives which enrich me and my world view. As a Trustee or a Board member, you also get valuable Board experience. Overall, it’s a way to live with purpose and make an impact benefitting yourself, the community and the volunteer organisation.
I have been a volunteer for many years now, in India working with charities as co-chair of the British High Commission Charity Committee or with Asha, working with youth in slums as mentorship co-ordinator and communications advisor; in Africa working with wildlife sanctuaries in Kenya, Zimbabwe, Malawi supporting communications and marketing and animal care; in Saudi Arabia as Newsletter Editor and Board member of the Women’s Skill Bureau; and in the UK as Trustee of animal charity Tree of Life for Animals (TOLFA) UK and of course CIPR North West EDI Champion. I also volunteer at work on staff / regional networks, inclusion cafes, innovation projects and learning and development focus.
When I was volunteering at the Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage in Zimbabwe, I was able to help them set up their social media channels and use my comms and marketing skills to help them reach local Zimbabwe residents who had previously not visited the 40 year old orphanage. It was great to have an impact and for many year, I stayed in touch and offered advice virtually.
My podcast ‘Meet the Mancunian: social impact stories’ is a passion project and showcases community champions across Greater Manchester. Through speaking to over 120 guests, I have learned a lot about Manchester’s proud culture, history and influences. Besides inspiring listeners, I have benefitted and bonded more to my new city Manchester.
Just go for it but make sure you choose a cause you care about. It will enrich your life and your network.