Share your time and change lives
So many of us throughout our lives have been touched by the selfless (and unpaid) service of others – from the welcome cup of tea in a hospital waiting room to the Brownie leaders, amateur football coaches, the voice at the end of a helpline and those who run the food banks. How much less rich our lives would be without those who share their precious time looking after us.
In the coming year, we have some great opportunities for Friends who would like to work with children, young people, and families - so if you've got a bit of time available and you want to make a difference, keep reading.
Quakers in Britain has produced a new booklet listing all the fantastic CYP volunteering events coming up in 2026.
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"Volunteers don't get paid, not because they're worthless, but because they're priceless."
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These events give children of all ages, the wonderful opportunity to explore their place in Quakers and in the world, to make lifelong friendships, to worship, to be creative, to have fun and to play games.For volunteers, being on a team at an event for children and young people is joyful. It gives us chance to be part of a purposeful Quaker community, to develop our skills, to contribute to Quakers in Britain, and to make a difference to the lives of children and young people.
And don't worry if you've not volunteered before, you'll be offered support and training. You just need to be willing to get stuck in and help ensure participants are having a good time! One Friend who has caught the volunteering bug is Loveday.
"I first got involved with the children as a way of encouraging my daughter to volunteer." she explained.
"That first year I found that I really enjoyed being part of the team and meeting all the other volunteers, so I volunteered again the following year!"
"Before Yearly Meeting there is quite a lot of build-up for the volunteers, including a residential training weekend. This is a lovely opportunity to get to know the other volunteers as well as the Quakers in Britain staff who organise the events. The staff are incredibly supportive and give the volunteers lots of information to help them plan the timetable for the Children's Programme. Yearly Meeting passed in a blur. It was hectic but really good fun. It felt very worthwhile to be part of the bigger team that makes Yearly Meeting happen, and we felt very appreciated. I feel it has given me greater confidence to step out of my comfort zone and let my life speak."
Mahatma Gandhi is often quoted as saying, "the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." If this appeals to you, check out the new volunteer booklet (PDF) or visit the vonteering web page.