Written by Jade Dai
At WCC, volunteers play an important role in supporting the day-to-day running of our work. From providing life-changing counselling and psychotherapy, to administration and translation to creative storytelling and digital communications, every volunteer brings something different — helping make WCC a warm and welcoming place for the communities we support.
Some work quietly behind the scenes, while others use creativity, writing or communication skills to connect with people and share stories. Although every volunteer experience is different, one thing connects them all: a shared wish to support others and be part of something meaningful.
To celebrate Volunteers’ Week 2026, I spoke to two of WCC’s office volunteers — Lu Brookes, Munira Mohamed about what volunteering has meant to them, what they have learned, and the moments that have stayed with them most. At the end, I also share my experience of being a social media volunteer.
Different ways of making a difference
Lu volunteers as an administrative support capacity, mainly supporting the Low-Cost Service by updating client databases. She has also written case studies based on client feedback and experiences, helping to share stories of how counselling can make a difference in people’s lives.
More recently, Lu has been involved in a creative project with the Men’s Group. Together, the group designed shadow puppets, created characters and developed their own story — with Lu helping turn their ideas into a script for future sessions.
For Lu, one of the most meaningful parts of volunteering has been knowing that her writing can support others.
“Whether it’s helping someone share their story or communicating the work happening at WCC, it feels meaningful to know my skills are helping people,” she says.
Volunteering has also been an important first step for Lu. After being away from work for some time due to personal circumstances, joining WCC gave her an opportunity to rebuild confidence, learn new skills and ease back into a working environment. WCC’s mission to provide accessible therapy strongly resonated with her, and she values the welcoming and inclusive environment she found here.
One of the biggest things Lu has learned is that support is always there when things feel challenging.
“I’ve learned that I can do things, even if they seem daunting,” she says. “And there are people willing to help if I need support.”
Like Lu, Munira also supports WCC in practical and meaningful ways. Her volunteering includes administration and project-based work, such as creating guidance documents, helping to develop surveys, and translating information sheets into different languages.
Much of this work happens quietly behind the scenes, but Munira knows it helps make support easier to access and everyday processes run more smoothly.
For Munira, one of the most memorable moments has been reading feedback from clients and seeing the difference counselling has made in people’s lives.
“It reminds me how important this work is,” she says. “Even small contributions can help make a real difference.”
Volunteering at WCC has also deepened Munira’s understanding of how counselling can empower people.
She says she has learned how important counselling can be in helping people regain confidence, process difficult experiences and feel more in control of their lives. She has also been inspired by how dedicated the WCC team is in supporting clients, counsellors and staff.
For Munira, volunteering has been a meaningful way to contribute to work she strongly believes in.
Growing confidence through volunteering
I support WCC as a social media volunteer, helping to write Instagram content, blog articles and occasionally support the creation of short videos.
For me, volunteering has been a chance to combine creativity with communication – learning more about how WCC connects with different communities while helping share its work in welcoming and accessible ways.
Creating short videos has become one of the most enjoyable and memorable parts of my volunteering experience.
Being at WCC gives me space to share ideas creatively, and at the same time, I’ve learned more about why people come to WCC and how this organisation creates a welcoming and supportive space.
When I first joined WCC, I hoped volunteering would help me improve my English and gain experience in a UK working environment. But over time, it became something much more personal.
For me, WCC feels almost like a place with a little bit of magic. Every time I come here, I feel happier, calmer and more comfortable.”
I have found that the kindness, patience and encouragement from the team have helped me grow in confidence.
People here make you feel supported. When someone is patient with you and recognises your work, it helps you believe in yourself more.
Small moments have made a big difference. The warmth and encouragement I receive from staff members have helped me feel more comfortable speaking English, more confident sharing my ideas, and more excited about contributing to WCC.
That’s one of the reasons I always look forward to coming to WCC.
Meaningful ways to contribute
Although Lu, Munira and I came to WCC for different reasons, our experiences share something in common: we’ve all found meaningful ways to contribute while also learning, growing and gaining something for themselves.
Our stories remind us that volunteering can take many forms. Whether you enjoy administration, creative projects, writing, communications or supporting people behind the scenes, there may be a place for your skills at WCC.
If you have ever thought about volunteering, perhaps this is your sign to take the first step.
Whether you have practical skills, creative ideas, or simply some time to give, there may be a place for you at WCC.
You may come hoping to contribute something — but, like many volunteers, you might find yourself gaining something too.
