Volunteering in a compassionate community offers a unique chance to make a meaningful difference while enriching your own life. Opportunities range from formal volunteering with partner organisations, to informal roles on behalf of the wider network such as Compassionate Community Ambassadors, who focus on spreading awareness, sharing knowledge and experiences, and promoting compassionate community events and activities. 

At the heart of this approach is reciprocity – the belief that acts of kindness benefit everyone involved, fostering a shared sense of purpose and belonging. Whether you’re providing hands-on care or inspiring others through advocacy, every act strengthens the bonds of community and helps create a more caring and inclusive society.  

Volunteering not only delivers practical help to those in need but also brings personal growth, fulfilment, and the joy of contributing to a network of compassion. Join us to make a positive impact, one small act at a time. 

Compassionate Community Connectors is a new volunteer role that is being hosted by St Helena. It’s aimed at helping us grow a network of support that empowers people across north east Essex to access the health and care resources they need.  

In this role, you’ll share vital health and care information in public places such as cafes, libraries, and community hubs, creating opportunities for people to learn about the support available to them.  

As a trusted representative of the Compassionate Community network, you’ll provide friendly, approachable guidance and signpost individuals to services that can enhance their wellbeing and quality of life. 

This role is perfect for those who are passionate about building connections. You’ll work alongside a dynamic team, expanding your knowledge of local health and care services while fostering relationships with individuals and organizations in your area. By volunteering as a Community Connector, you’ll contribute to creating a more informed, supported, and connected community. 

If you’re interested in making a difference as a Compassionate Community Connector, please let us know by emailing us. compassionatecommunities@sthelena.org.uk

St Helena helps local people face incurable illness and bereavement, supporting them and their families, friends and carers. We could not do this without the incredible passion, dedication and individual experiences of volunteers, who come from all backgrounds and all walks of life.  

No matter their role, our volunteers all contribute towards making a huge difference to the lives of patients, their families and the general running of our organisation. 

The butterfly service works within the East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) palliative and end of life care teams and is funded by Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity. 

The butterfly bedside sitting service provides company and support to hospital patients in the last days and hours of their lives, as well as supporting their families and/or carers, ensuring that every person receives the compassion and comfort they wish for at the end of their life. 

Volunteers are at the heart of what Age Well East does, giving their time to people who need company or just a friend to talk to. 

Age Well East's popular community friendship services offer one-to-one volunteer friendship, pen friending, groups and activities.  

The emotional support services provide crucial wellness support for people living through loss, bereavement, mental health struggles and end of life care.  

And Age Well East's specialist team is available to guide people through a dementia diagnosis and provide ongoing support to people and their carers through specialist groups and services.