Volunteers Week: Celebrating the Power of Giving Back

It’s Volunteers Week, and we’re taking a moment to shine a light on the incredible people who give their time, energy, and heart to make a difference.

This week, we’re not just celebrating our volunteers, we’re also highlighting the people we support who themselves choose to volunteer. At Real Life Options, we believe in people leading lives that reflect who they are. For Angela and Anjum, that means using their time to support their communities while gaining confidence, purpose, and new skills.

Meet Angela

Angela is a warm, confident advocate who represents tenants as part of Dimensions Housing. She’s friendly, empathetic, and never afraid to speak up for others. Angela’s voice matters, and she uses it to make sure the people we support are heard, included, and respected.

It’s no surprise she was re-elected to her post again this year. Her passion for fairness and her brilliant sense of humour makes her a valued leader in her community.

Meet Anjum

Over in Newcastle, Anjum volunteers with FareShare, a national charity redistributing surplus food to thousands of community groups across the UK.

He spends his Thursday mornings packing food pallets for local distribution, ensuring each box is carefully organised and ready for delivery. He works side by side with fellow volunteers and staff, staying focused and efficient while maintaining a friendly, cooperative attitude.

The structure and purpose of his volunteering role have helped him build confidence, routine, and strong connections with his colleagues.

What Volunteering Means

For Angela and Anjum, volunteering isn’t just about giving back, it’s a way to grow, learn, and connect. Both encourage others to try it, especially if you’re thinking about working in social care.

Angela believes volunteering is the perfect way to find out if the sector’s right for you. It gives people a real chance to understand what great support looks like, and what matters to the people we serve.

Thinking About Volunteering?

Angela and Anjum would highly recommend volunteering to others. Whether you’re exploring a future in social care or simply want to make a positive impact in your community, we’d love to hear from you.

Get in touch today and let’s talk about how your skills and interests could make a real difference.

Email: communitydevelopment@reallifeoptions.org