Volunteers' Week 2026: Bev's Story
For Volunteers’ Week 2026, Bev shares her experience as a volunteer counsellor working with young people accessing the Barca-Leeds Wellbeing Hour service. Bev’s journey highlights not only the impact volunteering can have on the community, but also the personal benefits it can bring - from rebuilding confidence to rediscovering purpose.
Starting the Journey
Bev’s volunteering journey began after a period of change in her career. Having previously worked for a charity supporting young people, she found herself out of work when the organisation closed.
After taking some time out and looking for the right role, Bev came across a volunteering opportunity at Barca-Leeds that immediately stood out.
“The description of the role just ticked all my boxes really… it felt like the position was made for me.”
For Bev, volunteering wasn’t just about gaining experience - it was a way back into doing what she loves:
“I really felt that it would be good for me to get back into some kind of work… I’d started to lose my confidence a little bit.”
Finding Confidence Through Volunteering
Returning to a working environment after time away can feel daunting, and Bev admits she initially felt “a bit wobbly” and unsure of herself. Volunteering gave her a supportive space to take that first step back.
Although there were some early challenges - particularly adjusting to new systems and admin processes - she quickly found her footing.
“In terms of the counselling, it just felt like home.”
Being part of a welcoming and supportive team made all the difference, helping Bev settle in:
“It’s just such a lovely place to work… the people are just lovely, so helpful, really try and help you fit in.”
Making a difference
As a volunteer counsellor, Bev has worked with a wide range of young people, each with different experiences and challenges, including neurodivergent individuals and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
“The work with the young people… has just been really, really rewarding.”
Bev particularly recognises the importance of Barca-Leeds providing accessible, free counselling for young people as a key part of the service which complements and enhances other support.
Continuing to Learn
While Bev brought a wealth of experience with her, volunteering still provided opportunities to learn and grow. Rather than learning entirely new skills, she found herself strengthening and refining her existing ones:
“You’re constantly learning… you never know it all.”
The experience also helped her rebuild her professional confidence, ultimately giving her the push that she needed to start her own private counselling practice alongside her volunteering.
“I just thought, well, no, I can do this… this is what I’m good at.”
Feeling Supported
A key part of Bev’s experience has been the support she received throughout her volunteering journey.
Regular check-ins and a genuine focus on wellbeing stood out:
“I’ve had monthly line management meetings… they always start with my wellbeing… that was really lovely actually… it’s really rare to come across that.”
This people-first approach reinforced her sense that the organisation truly cares - not just about those it supports, but also about those who work and volunteer within it.
“[Barca-Leeds] really comes across as an organisation that cares about everybody.”
Advice for Future Volunteers
When asked what she would say to anyone considering volunteering at Barca-Leeds, Bev’s message is simple and encouraging:
“Just do it… you don’t have to show up and be perfect. You just have to show up with good intentions and people will help you.”
Her advice reflects her own experience - that volunteering is not about getting everything right from the start, but about showing up, being open to learning, and making a difference.
Bev’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact volunteering can have - not only for those receiving support, but for volunteers themselves. From rebuilding confidence to finding renewed purpose, her journey shows that taking that first step can lead to meaningful and lasting change.
