Volunteers’ Week: Supporting change through Crisis

Volunteers’ Week is an opportunity to recognise the difference that people can make by giving their time, skills and experience to support others.

For me, the power of volunteering was brought into sharp focus through my recent involvement in the Crisis Changing Lives Panel.

The Changing Lives Programme supports individuals experiencing homelessness or instability by helping them access practical funding to move forward with their lives. What stood out immediately was the focus on long-term change rather than short-term intervention – helping people rebuild stability and independence through education, skills and employment.

As part of the panel, I reviewed applications and contributed to discussions alongside representatives from Crisis and other organisations. The role involved looking closely at how each funding request would deliver meaningful outcomes – whether that was supporting someone to gain a qualification, return to education, or take steps towards self-employment.

Hearing the stories behind the applications was both powerful and humbling. Many applicants had faced significant barriers, but were determined to create a better future for themselves. The support being sought was often very practical – funding for training, equipment or access to education – but the potential impact was transformational.

The experience reinforced something I’ve seen through previous volunteering: that homelessness is rarely a single issue. It is often closely linked with challenges around housing, education, employment and access to opportunity. What Crisis does so effectively is provide structured, joined-up support that helps people navigate these challenges and move forward in a sustainable way.

Being part of the decision-making process carried a real sense of responsibility, but also a sense of privilege. To contribute to decisions that can genuinely change someone’s trajectory – supporting them towards independence, stability and dignity – is incredibly rewarding.

Taking part in the Changing Lives panel was genuinely one of the highlights of my career. The care, rigour and compassion that Crisis brings to its work is outstanding, and it was inspiring to meet individuals who are actively working to transform their lives.

Volunteering doesn’t always need to be large-scale to be impactful. Sometimes, it’s about applying your professional experience in a way that helps remove barriers and create opportunity for others. I would strongly encourage others to get involved wherever they can.