Volunteer Stories

Each volunteer that supports Herts Welcomes Refugees, does so with their own story to share. Some are inspired by personal experiences, others by their studies, their values, their family or simply a desire to make a positive difference in their local community. But with each of their volunteers is a common thread: that welcoming refugees isn't just about offering practical support, it's about building human connection, challenging misconceptions and reminding people that everyone deserves kindness, dignity and a sense of belonging. Two of Herts Welcomes Refugees newest volunteers, Soha and Steph , beautifully capture what motivates so many people to get involved. For Steph, volunteering grew naturally from her academic interest in migration and human rights. After studying Geography at Durham University and focusing her dissertation on the UK asylum system, she wanted to use that learning in a practical way to help tackle these issues. Steph explains, "I wanted to help in any way that I could to improve the experiences of refugees and asylum seekers and show that they are welcome and valued in our community." Inspired by the work of Herts Welcomes Refugees, Steph became part of the weekly hotel drop-in group, helping new arrivals navigate everything from understanding Home Office letters to accessing education opportunities and local activities. While the work is varied, Steph really enjoys seeing people begin to build friendships, grow in confidence and find moments of normality despite living and navigating difficult circumstances. "The positive impacts of HWR's work are so inspiring," she says. "Seeing residents enjoy activities together, forming friendships and feeling empowered is my favourite part of volunteering." For Soha, volunteering is also rooted in a long-standing belief that our communities are strengthened by people from different backgrounds and cultures. Having studied History, Politics, Economics and International Relations at university, she became increasingly interested in refugee issues through following organisations supporting people fleeing conflict. Having returned home after university gave Soha the opportunity to volunteer with Herts Welcomes Refugees, using her skills to create graphics, communications and campaigns that raise awareness of the charity's work. One of the most powerful things volunteering has given Soha is the opportunity to meet people seeking asylum face-to-face. "When you interact with refugees and asylum seekers," she reflects, "you learn human stories which are so important in helping dispel harmful myths." Those conversations have reinforced something she already believed; that behind every headline is a person with a story, with hopes, talents, families and ambitions. Listening to individual experiences helps replace assumptions with understanding and reminds us how much we all have in common, deep down. This is something many Herts Welcomes Refugees volunteers talk about. Whether they're teaching English, helping children with homework, running activities, sorting donations or simply sharing a cup of tea and conversation - volunteering becomes a two-way exchange. While volunteers are the ones that offer practical support, they often find they receive just as much in return through new friendships, fresh perspectives and a deeper understanding of the resilience and courage shown by the people they meet and the stories they share. Steph has a simple message for anyone wondering whether to get involved: "Just go for it!" To find out what roles Herts Welcomes Refugees has available:

When Jenny Bridger first arrived at Penniwells Riding for the Disabled (RDA), she wasn’t just looking for something to do. Having recently left hospital, Jenny was already involved in riding for the disabled and volunteering gave her a sense of purpose at a time when recovery felt uncertain. Penniwells became a place where she could channel her motivation into something positive, helping others while rebuilding her own confidence. So strong was that connection that Jenny chose to remain in Hertfordshire after leaving hospital, simply so she could stay involved. That was over ten years ago. “I wanted to prove that people in hospital can volunteer,” Jenny explains. While still an inpatient, she went out for the day, not for shopping trips or days out, but to volunteer at the yard. The Penniwells team were incredibly supportive, always ensuring someone was nearby if she needed help and allowing her role to grow gently and safely over time - at her own pace. She began with stable work and learning how the yard operated, gradually building confidence and understanding how each RDA group worked. As her confidence grew, so did her involvement - from fundraising challenges like marathons, abseiling and fancy-dress events, to creating sensory tracks and social media posting, and now with a hands-on involvement building wooden animals for the yard. “I’ll often take my screwdriver up to put things up for them,” she laughs. “Being able to get involved in as much or as little as possible - especially with my mental health - is really important.” That flexibility has allowed Jenny to remain involved through health appointments, setbacks and milestones alike. Sometimes she even travels with the group to competitions and shows. "Volunteers don't just give their time, they give people the confidence to believe in themselves. Volunteering fills a space in your heart that you didn't know was empty and we cannot do any of it without the support of our volunteers. The riders and volunteers both benefit from feeling very much part of the Penniwells Team and family, " says Sarah Healing, Penniwells Centre Manager. Beyond the stables, Jenny has supported Pony Club sessions on Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons, hoping to one day train as a leader for this group. She has encouraged riders to get involved in arts, crafts and creative writing and taken on the “extra bits” that busy staff don’t always have time for. Penniwells, part of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), supports around 140 riders a week and requires many volunteers to support them. For Jenny, what the organisation has given her goes far beyond numbers. “I’m very grateful for what they give me,” she says. “They gave me a sense of security when I was moving into a new area and allowed me to start an independent life. It’s been a constant for me.” Jenny set herself a personal goal: if she could volunteer consistently for a year with no relapses or hospital admissions, she would consider moving into a more formal role. She achieved that - and went on to become a volunteer with Mind Network, where she works part time leading part of their experience team, helping to develop training whilst encouraging others to use their experiences to improve mental health services. Still, when times are hard, Penniwells remains her anchor. “When I’ve had major struggles, the first place I’ve gone back to is Penniwells,” she explains. “Being around animals is a huge passion for me, so if I don’t want to be there, that’s a sign I need to check in with myself.” One moment stands out above all others. Jenny formed a deep bond with a particular mare - so deep that she now has her tattooed on her back. “She told me to go home,” Jenny recalls. “She nudged me towards the stable door - like she was saying, ‘You’re not well enough to be here today.’ That horse represents RDA and Penniwells to me. It’s a space I can always go back to, even if it’s just for ten minutes.” That sense of safety and acceptance is central to Jenny’s experience. “There’s no demand, no pressure. It’s about what you feel comfortable with.” She strongly believes in the RDA motto - ‘It’s what you can do that counts’ - and believes it can be applied it to everyone, not just riders. “They’ll always find something you’re confident with. You don’t need experience; you can come and learn.” For Jenny, volunteering has been mutually beneficial. “Everyone helps out, regardless of ability or disability. It’s about showing people: you can do this .” Volunteering has also given her friendship, routine and community - things she didn’t have after spending four years in hospital. Penniwells’ inclusive, LGBTQ+-friendly environment helped her feel safe and confident, and for many people, she says, volunteering can be a stepping stone to work, part of a health plan, or simply a place to belong. “People volunteer for lots of reasons,” Jenny says. “Not just because they want to do something good - don’t worry about being judged for that. If it works for you and helps you, that’s fantastic.” She’s clear that charities benefit just as much as volunteers do and take real pride in the progress people make. “You might think you’re helping someone else, but actually, it’s about what it can do for you too. That gratitude flows both ways.” “I may never be able to work full time,” she reflects, “but if I can do things that make me feel like I’m doing something good, that matters.” For Jenny, volunteering has always been more than a role. “Volunteering is where I could be myself.” 

Youth volunteering plays a vital role in building stronger communities, offering young people the chance to develop skills, experience, confidence and a sense of purpose while giving their time to something meaningful. At Growing Resilience in Teens (GRIT), volunteers are included as part of their community, helping to create stable foundations within their structure, raise funds and support the mission of enabling young people to thrive. GRIT is a charity based in North Hertfordshire that supports the mental health and wellbeing of young people aged 11 to 24. Through group programmes, workshops and one-to-one coaching, GRIT helps young people build confidence, resilience and learn practical tools to cope with life’s challenges, empowering them to feel stronger and more in control of their futures. We spoke to one of GRIT's volunteers, Albert, who manages their Vinted account, not only raising vital funds needed for the charity, but also creating awareness of what the charity do, collecting donations, listing them and posting them. What first inspired you to start volunteering at GRIT and what motivates you to continue? I was actually one of GRIT’s young people back in 2019, so I already knew what a great charity they are. Years later, I was encouraged by the Jobcentre to look into volunteering. They recommended to check out GoVolHerts so I did and I saw GRIT were looking for someone to run their Vinted account and it immediately stood out to me. I’d already been selling on my own Vinted account, so it felt like a perfect match. Volunteering now feels like a full-circle moment and a way to give back. Can you share a moment or experience in your role that was especially rewarding or meaningful? There isn’t one big standout moment. Aside from photographing, packaging and sending items most of the work I do is from my laptop in bed but seeing sales come through and knowing they’re helping fund GRIT’s work is always a good feeling. What is the best part of your volunteering role and why does it stand out to you? The flexibility really stands out to me. Being able to volunteer in a way that fits around my routine while still making a meaningful contribution makes the role enjoyable. How has volunteering changed you or made a difference to your life? Volunteering has given me a sense of purpose. It’s nice having something to focus on that feels productive and worthwhile, rather than just filling time, and knowing it’s actually making a difference. Is there anything you’d like to say to other young people considering volunteering? You don’t have to be perfect or have it all figured out to volunteer. If you’re good at something already, there’s probably a way to use it and still keep it enjoyable. Albert is a great example of how volunteering doesn’t always look the same — and how small, consistent actions can make a big difference. By organising and running GRIT’s Vinted account, Albert helps turn donated items into vital funds that directly support GRIT’s work with young people. His role shows how creativity, organisation and commitment can be just as powerful as being front-and-centre, and how youth volunteering can fit around individual strengths while still making a real impact. See more of GRIT's volunteer opportunities here .