Framework celebrates volunteers making 2,000 lives better each year

Framework volunteers have spent 6,000 hours over the last year helping 2,000 people gain confidence with everything from cooking skills, getting online and attending appointments to befriending to reduce isolation. 

Now the 132 volunteers who have been making a difference to the lives of people using Framework’s homelessness and recovery services are being recognised. 

We are taking the opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers for the time, care and commitment they have contributed over the past 12 months, presenting long service awards and recognising those who have gone above and beyond in their services. 

Framework CEO Claire McGonigle said: “Behind every hour given is a life supported, a step forward taken, and a future beginning to change. Our volunteers bring an extra dimension that enables the people we support to go out and pursue activities, to learn new skills and other things which are really important in their journey to a more fulfilling life.”

The Framework volunteering team is passionate about making sure the roles volunteers take on are meaningful, well-supported and rewarding. This year, Framework also presented certificates of achievement to nine people who completed the Volunteer Pathway Course. 

Volunteering with Framework offers a wide range of opportunities, from digital inclusion support and creative activities to befriending roles that help people build confidence, reduce isolation and feel part of their community.

Kay Yallup has been volunteering for Framework for 18 years and helped support the set up of the volunteering team. She said: “Volunteering helps me feel valued. I’ve gained a lot of experience and learned to understand people better. At Framework, everyone is treated as an individual. They match you to a placement that fits you. I never had self‑esteem growing up. Volunteering has helped me feel valued.”

Whether supporting someone to get online, take part in meaningful activities, or simply spending time together, volunteers play a vital role in helping people move beyond crisis and build a better future.

Volunteers have been involved in services across the East Midlands including supported living for former rough sleepers; recovery services; rehabilitation units; Crisis Sanctuaries, employment and mental health services and street outreach. 

Cassidy Durose is the first to spend time in a Crisis Sanctuary – which offer safe, trusted spaces for people in mental health crisis – and has praised the support she received from Framework as a neuro-diverse volunteer.

“I think an organisation that’s disability confident is not something that there’s a lot of going around of, really. Through volunteering at the Crisis Sanctuary, I’ve learned a lot about Framework’s values and, it just really speaks to me, the ideas of, respect, respond, empowering people. I feel part of that now.”

Volunteer Hussan added: “I would recommend it to anybody who wants to help or give back to their community.”

At Nottingham Recovery Network, there is also a peer mentoring course where people with lived experience can learn how to support others in recovery. 

Framework is committed to making volunteering accessible and flexible, offering travel reimbursement, support around childcare needs and adaptable time commitments. Volunteers are also provided with training and development opportunities to build skills and confidence. Find out more about volunteering at Framework and get involved.