Thank you to our volunteers

The nature of volunteering has changed a lot during the pandemic but our committed and hard-working volunteers have still been there to support the Crohn’s & Colitis community. This could be by supporting our volunteer helplines, running virtual social events and local network digital activities, or making sure all our information is accurate and up to date.

For some volunteers, the pandemic has allowed them more time to focus on their support role. “I’ve been working from home and without the daily commute I’ve been more available for calls than previously,” says Parent to Parent helpline volunteer Mike. “Every caller has been affected by the pandemic in some way, often making an already difficult situation more so.”

Stephanie, another Helpline volunteer, adds, "It felt extremely important for the service to carry on offering this safe, confidential space during what has been a very challenging and worrying time for people with chronic health conditions. I am proud to say that I’ve played a small part in keeping the service going.”  

Many have suffered through lack of social contact during the pandemic, but the volunteers who organise virtual social events have worked hard to help people feel connected. “I enjoy facilitating the events because you get to meet and talk to a range of different people, all with varying experiences and journeys of living with or supporting someone with Crohn's or Colitis,” says social event volunteer Michael. “It's always great to share these experiences and if that helps even just one person, then that's a job well done.”

“It’s a really rewarding role,” adds Claire. “Just being able to feel you’ve helped out a little bit and supported someone that may not have had an outlet or spoken up before. There’s a great sense of community and there’s always something new to learn too.”

Other volunteers have been finding creative ways to keep local networks alive and buzzing. “We created a video for World IBD Day 2020 with us each passing a toilet roll virtually and inviting everyone to #RollWithUs. Or volunteers could get involved in their own awareness activity, from wearing purple while out for their daily exercise to holding a virtual coffee morning,” says local network volunteer Jenny. “I’ve also continued to write our newsletters, updating local members on what we’ve been up to and what we’re hoping we will be able to do in the not-too-distant future.”

Edmund, another local Network volunteer, adds: “We've always been a really sociable group of friends so it has been difficult not seeing each other so much. When we do chat over Zoom it's great to hear everyone's news and know that they are keeping well as best they can given the circumstances.”

Health professionals volunteering on our editorial board have also stepped up. They help ensure our information stays accurate and up to date in a fast-changing health landscape. “During COVID, we were busier than ever,” says pharmacist and Editorial Board member Fiona. “We had to balance our work in the IBD team with supporting other pharmacy roles, such as dispensary work and ward cover, and the rollout of COVID vaccination clinics.”

And Crohn’s & Colitis UK knowledge and evidence officer Jess has high praise for our Reader Volunteers who help to shape our information. “They are the voice of those affected by the conditions, and make sure the information is clear and jargon free. We know this has been a year like no other for our community and we’re very proud of the part that our volunteers have played in our response to it.”

Read more from our volunteers in two blogs to mark Volunteers’ Week here and here.