Stories from our volunteers
Real stories from British Red Cross volunteers supporting our vital work around the UK.
From emergency response to retail and fundraising, volunteers are an essential part of the work we do to help people in need.
Read some of the inspiring stories from our volunteers below.
"As a volunteer, I feel I can achieve anything"
British Red Cross volunteer Kat describes finding their community, the power of young volunteers’ voices and launching pronoun pins.
“Sometimes you have to do a lot to gain a lot.”
Laurentiu is passionate about inspiring other young people to take action in their communities to create a kinder, more inclusive society. He tells us more about his inspiration and journey in this story.
“We go above and beyond for A&E patients”
Amelia is a biomedical student and a volunteer with the British Red Cross’s A&E team in Cardiff. Volunteering has had a big impact on her CV – and she finds it emotionally rewarding too.
"I’ve always been a part of the Red Cross.”
Barbara first joined the British Red Cross as a Cadet when she was 11 years-old.
Sixty-five years later, she is still volunteering in the same area of North Wales and has been recognised for her service with a British Empire Medal.
"Helping others is my medicine"
Hatim is a PhD student and a volunteer with the British Red Cross’s Refugee Support team in Birmingham. In this story, Hatim shares his passion for helping young people settle into life in the UK.
"I wanted to help the Red Cross to help the people."
On Fridays, volunteer Ehsan provides free haircuts through his Refugee Barber Project.
Having first visited the hub as an asylum seeker himself, he now helps others navigate the same uncertainty he once faced.
Turning everyday tasks into steps toward recovery
Matt’s journey as a charity shop volunteer has been transformative, bringing structure, community, and time to focus on recovery after life took an unexpected turn in 2022.
"Seeing her run towards them brought tears to my eyes"
Alex was one of the British Red Cross volunteers who supported people arriving from Sudan to UK airports. Here, she describes two encounters she'll never forget.
If you've been inspired by the stories of our volunteers and want to get involved, take a look at some of the options below:
Volunteer with the British Red Cross
Become an emergency response volunteer
Sign up and help people when they need us most. From a house damaged by fire to a region hit by flooding, you can be there to help.
Become a fundraising volunteer
From organising events to collecting donations, fundraising volunteers are at the heart of what we do. Sign up today.
Volunteer in health and care
Support people in your community when they need it most. Join us as a health and care volunteer today.
Volunteer in community education
Join us as a workshop facilitator and help deliver life-saving and life-changing workshops in your community.