Volunteer Stories

According to survey statistics, Birmngham has a higher-than-average number of people who say they feel lonely. Loneliness and isolation can affect anyone, but it’s particularly common among older adults. Across Birmingham, charities and volunteers are working hard to change that, offering befriending services both in person and over the phone. One of those charities is Re-engage, which helps older people build vital social connections as their circles shrink in older age.

Across Birmingham, community kitchens, foodbanks and meal projects are busier than ever. The latest Birmingham City-Wide Food Aid Count 2025 shows that more than 22,000 visits were made to food banks in just two weeks this spring - a 64% increase since the 2023 count. It’s a stark reminder of the growing need for food support in our city. Behind every meal served and every parcel packed, there are volunteers - people who turn up week after week to cook, bake, and hand out food with a smile. Their kindness keeps these vital services running, and right now, they need more helping hands. Volunteer Brum currently features several brilliant organisations all looking for new volunteers to join their teams. FoodCycle (pictured) Midland Mencap , The Active Wellbeing Society , Fareshare Midlands , Narthex and Bethany Foodbank are all seeking people who can lend time to help feed their communities. Whether you love cooking, serving, or simply chatting with people as they collect food, there’s a role for you. Teal Martin-Heaven, Midlands Regional Manager from Foodcycle said: "At FoodCycle we have recently started using the BVSC volunteer platform to advertise our various volunteering opportunities across the city. This has been really useful in reaching a wider range of individuals. Through using this platform we have seen an increase in new volunteers supporting our projects across the city." Harry Clark, FoodCycle volunteer commented: "I moved to Birmingham in August and came across FoodCycle when looking for volunteering opportunities. It has been a joy to serve and get to know the locals in the community, and a great way to meet other like minded people volunteering their time in helping others."

In this guest blog from Forward Carers, Sarah shares what it's like to be a Carer Ambassador Volunteer and the difference it makes to her.

An article that highlights what it's like to volunteer at the Refugee and Migrant Centre.

An article that highlights what it's like to volunteer with Medaille Trust.

An article that highlights what it's like to volunteer with Better Pathways.