Volunteering: The best thing I accidently said YES to!
How volunteering helped me stay connected, purposeful and part of my community
As Volunteer Week 2026 draws to a close, I would like to share the article I wrote for Great Chart with Singleton Parish Council
Singleton WI is full of women at every stage of life: mums rushing in after putting kids to bed, women juggling work and family, newly retired women rediscovering their time, and older ladies with more va-va-voom than most twenty-somethings. If you’ve ever seen a theatre full of WI women giving Burlesque a go, and yes, we did, you’ll know exactly what I mean. We’re a group that tries things, laughs loudly, and supports each other through it all.
Like many community groups in Singleton, our WI is run entirely by volunteers – local people giving their time to make our area warmer, kinder and more connected.
My volunteering is varied. Some days it’s newsletters, emails, planning, and the quiet admin that keeps everything running smoothly. Other days, it’s signposting someone to a service they didn’t know existed or helping a member find the confidence to try something new. And then there are our monthly meetings at Singleton Environment Centre, so full of energy, warmth, and that unmistakable WI mix of learning and laughter.
Those meetings work because our committee works. We draw on each other’s strengths, share the load, and make sure no one person is left drowning in tasks. It’s teamwork in its purest form, and it’s the reason Singleton WI feels so welcoming. We’re not a group that expects perfection; we’re a group that values effort, kindness, and showing up for each other in whatever way you can.
But here’s the honest bit: volunteering can turn you into a bit of a mug if you’re not careful. When you care about your community, it’s very easy to say “yes” to everything. I’ve learned (slowly!) that volunteering works best when it’s shared, paced, and sustainable, for all of us.
That’s especially true for me. I live with Multiple Sclerosis and several other complex conditions that affect me every single day. My eyesight is impaired, so I’m no longer allowed to drive. I rely on others to get me to meetings, events, and appointments. It adds an extra layer to volunteering, one that requires planning, patience, and the occasional deep breath.
I’ve had to step back at times. I’ve had to say no. I’ve had to accept defeat on days when my body won’t cooperate. And yes, I’ve had moments where I’ve thought, “Why did I agree to this again?” usually while discovering the thing I’d been searching for was in my hand the whole time.
But here’s the truth: volunteering gives me something that illness can sometimes take away: purpose, connection, and a sense of belonging. I may not be able to work in the traditional sense, but that doesn’t mean I can’t contribute. Through volunteering, I’ve continued to grow, learn, and take on roles I never imagined I’d be doing. It’s allowed me to use my skills, my voice, and my values in meaningful ways.
And the best part? Volunteering takes me as it finds me.
Singleton WI doesn’t expect me to be superhuman. They know I have limitations, but they also know I’ll always give my best. They know I care deeply about our community. They know I’ll show up, however I can (even in pj’s to committee meetings), whether that’s leading a meeting, writing a newsletter, or quietly helping someone find the support they need.
I’m proud of what we’ve built together. I’m proud of the women who walk through our doors, nervous but leave smiling. I’m proud of the friendships that form, the skills we share, the laughter that fills the room, and the way we lift each other without fuss or fanfare.
Most of all, I’m excited. Excited to see how we continue to grow, welcome new members, and support each other in the years ahead. Excited to keep building a space where women of all ages and backgrounds can feel at home.
If you’ve ever wondered whether WI might be for you, consider this your invitation. You don’t need to know anyone. You don’t need to be “good at” anything. You need to walk through the door. We’ll take it from there.
Whether it’s a WI, a local charity, a community group or a neighbourhood project, volunteering strengthens the place we call home.
email: Singletonwiekf@gmail.com Facebook: @SingletonWI