"By volunteering, you will change people's lives"

Why did you get involved as a volunteer?

As a non-sufferer, I joined Crohn's & Colitis UK to support my partner (who has Crohn's), learn more about the disease, and meet people that can share their experience with the condition. The local group needed volunteers to help with various things so I joined the OT and since then, I've taken on several various roles such as monitoring the group email, updating the website, making the newsletter and so on.

What has been your biggest achievement or highlight in your volunteering role?

My personal proudest moment was probably when I was asked by the head office to help design the groups' newsletter templates and style guides. But the biggest achievement I think was helping to organise an information open day in a new hospital and working with the IBD specialists there who were keen to encourage patients to get involved in developing the IBD service at the hospital. This big event also enabled us to make links with local IBD nurses who are keen to work with us on promoting the group and the charity to their patients.

What three words would you use to describe your volunteering experience?

Rewarding, informative (learned a lot about IBD/health care in general) and challenging.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with Crohn's & Colitis UK?

By volunteering, you will change people's lives, in so many different ways. Whether it's supporting your local group or fundraising for the charity, you can make a huge difference to someone's life.

1-12 June 2016 is #VolunteersWeek and we are celebrating our wonderful volunteers and highlighting the different ways you can show your support. If you are interested in volunteering for Crohn's & Colitis UK and would like to find out more about how you can get involved, take a look at our volunteer pages or email volunteering@crohnsandcolitis.org.uk