We've spoken to volunteers from across all areas of Crohn's & Colitis UK to hear their stories, celebrate their impact and share what makes volunteering so special. Whether you're already taking part in volunteering or thinking about getting involved, we hope their experiences will inspire you to join us.
In 2024, our volunteers were involved in a wide range of activities, none of which could have been possible without their support. Here's a glimpse of what they've been up to, followed by personal stories that highlight what motivates them to volunteer.
Our 2024 impact:
- Introduced a new 'Living with a Stoma' Virtual Social Event
- Recruited 63 new Information Feedback Volunteers
- 66 Fundraising Volunteers supported four fundraising events, raising almost £400,000 in donations
- Over 150 in-person Local Network events were held in 2024 enabling people to meet and support each other in their local area
- 14 Research Champions worked across 20 research projects
- 61 Virtual Social Events were held in 2024 enabling over 650 people to connect and support each other.
- Recruited two new Lived Experience Representatives on our Research Strategy & Funding Committee. Bringing the total to four Lived Experience Representatives on the committee who are currently providing their expertise to feed into the development of our new Research Strategy.
- Five Lived Experience Members on the Awards Panel were involved in the review and discussion of 11 Outline Applications and contributed to the final decision to award three new research grants
- 15 new Medical Reviewers joined us and sent 23,613 publications to 77 different hospitals
- Plus lots more!
What does your role involve?
In my role as Information Feedback Volunteer, I review the information provided by the charity prior to its publication to ensure that it’s clear, relevant and helpful to those with Crohn’s or colitis. For example, if there are any spelling, grammar or formatting errors or unexplained medical jargon, I do my best to pick up on these.
What inspired you to volunteer?
I was inspired to volunteer when a friend of mine did a sponsored skydive for the charity. I didn’t quite have the courage for that myself, but I definitely wanted to get involved and thought I’d be of best help in the Reader Volunteer role.
What has been your favourite part about volunteering with us?
When I was first diagnosed with ulcerative colitis aged 15, this was quite a difficult time for me. Therefore, the possibility that my contributions may assist someone experiencing a comparable situation is very rewarding. Further, whilst helping others, this role also allows me to learn a great deal of invaluable information myself!
There is still so much to learn about Crohn’s and colitis, and the work of Crohn's & Colitis UK is integral in advancing this. Hence, until a cure is found and made available, the charity’s aim to improve the quality of life of those affected by these diseases is an extremely important one to champion.
Mike
Information Feedback Volunteer, living with Ulcerative Colitis
What does your role involve?
I am a Virtual Social Event host/co-host - I facilitate Virtual Social Events, creating a welcoming space, and ensuring everyone has a chance to contribute to the conversation.
What’s your most memorable moment as a volunteer?
My most memorable moment as a volunteer was the first Virtual Social Event I hosted. The event was for Family and Friends of those with Crohn’s and Colitis and it was a fantastic experience! The conversation flowed, and there was a wonderful atmosphere with the attendees supporting one another. I deeply enjoyed the session, and was relieved that my first event went smoothly!
What difference has volunteering made to your wellbeing?
Volunteering has a huge positive impact on my wellbeing. Each Virtual Social Event leaves me feeling connected and understood by others who are in a similar position to
me. I look forward to each event I’m part of as they’re a wonderful boost to my wellbeing.
I would encourage anyone thinking about volunteering to go for it! There’s a supportive and understanding culture within the Volunteering team, allowing you to balance your health and any other commitments with your volunteering.
Molly
Virtual Social Event Host, living with Crohn's Disease
What does your role involve?
I am a volunteer photographer. This involves photographing runners who are taking part in the London Marathon and Half Marathons in support of Crohn’s and Colitis UK, and the crowds who have come to cheer them on.
What’s your most memorable moment as a volunteer?
There have been a number of very touching moments, when a runner spots a family member and has stopped for a hug and words of encouragement mid race.
Our cheer point is positioned at around the halfway mark for the race, therefore seeing a family member, getting some support and encouragement can be a very emotional moment for some of the runners. It's lovely to see how much it means to everyone taking part, and the motivation it gives them to keep going.
What would you say to someone who was thinking about volunteering with Crohn’s & Colitis UK?
That they should do it! Any contribution, no matter how big or small counts.
The volunteering team are fantastic, and make it incredibly easy to get involved.
As someone who has Crohn's disease, I wanted to start contributing to the charity in a more engaged way.
I am a photographer, and I have also been well enough recently to start running in long distance events, which I really enjoy.
I saw an opportunity through volunteering to combine both of these passions.
I am delighted to be able to capture the incredible effort and achievements of the fundraisers running on behalf of Crohns and Colitis UK.
Jimmy
Volunteer Photographer, living with Crohn's Disease
What’s your most memorable moment as a volunteer?
Recently, I was asked to review some information Crohn's & Colitis UK intended to publish in relation to people within the LGBTQIA+ community who have IBD. This allowed me to consider some of the experiences I have had to navigate as a gay man with Crohn’s. I found it really heartening that a charity was focusing information in such specific ways and appreciated that I was able to reflect on some of my own experiences and feed into this information source. I was also pleased to see my feedback taken on board and felt that the team really understood my point of view.
Why do you think Crohn’s & Colitis UK’s mission is an important one to support?
I still think there is very little understanding of IBD is and the effects it can have on people if you are not familiar with it. I also think it is a difficult subject for people to talk about, even those who have IDB. I therefore think it is good to share experiences as you might be able to help someone going through a similar situation. I also think the more people that talk about it the better as it helps to raise awareness.
I have lived with Crohn’s since I was 19 years old (24 years) and over the years gained a lot of experience and tips that I thought I could share with others who may be going through similar things.
I enjoy reading and reviewing information so the role is a good fit for me. The team are also incredibly understanding and flexible if I am not able to help at certain times, either due to illness, work or other commitments.
Gary
Information Feedback Volunteer, living with Crohn's Disease
What does your role involve?
I’m a Research Champion and have worked on the AWARE-IBD project based in Sheffield which looked at service improvement with the patient-centered care. The role can involve supporting and helping other Research Champions and giving updates on current projects you're involved in. We can be asked to read and advised on Research materials or Research grant applications.
I host/co-host virtual social meeting for the charity, facilitating the meeting, sign posting and giving some personal anecdote of my IBD.
I’m Volunteer Lead Co-Ordinator for the South Yorkshire Local Network. I try to support those with IBD who come to our coffee mornings, this may be by signposting them to Crohn’s & Colitis UK and other organisations as well as help them to navigate the IBD services in South Yorkshire.
Why do you think Crohn’s & Colitis UK’s mission is an important one to support?
IBD awareness needs to be increased as there is still lack of education out there. Crohn’s & Colitis UK play a vital role in this education piece, being a reliable source of interest and support to those with IBD, their friends and family, the general public and health care professionals.
They are also helping to fund the crucial work carried out by researchers and those trying to find a cure for IBD.
What would you say to someone who was thinking about volunteering with Crohn’s & Colitis UK?
Volunteering is so worth while, you can help to make a difference! It is a great way to meet new people and support those with IBD. You won’t regret maying the decision.
Volunteering has made a huge difference to my wellbeing, being in a position to help and support others with IBD and sometimes their relatives. Having the ability to make a difference to their lives as having IBD is life changing and often very daunting. Volunteering is so rewarding for me and is an honor and pleasant to be giving the opportunity to do this.
Vicky
Research Champion, Virtual Social Event Host and Local Network Lead Volunteer
Interested in becoming one of our volunteers?
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, develop new skills and make a difference to everyone affected by Crohn’s and Colitis. Click the button to find out more.
