Volunteer
Volunteers are crucial to the Wren Project. We welcome volunteers from all walks of life into the Wren Community.
We welcome and celebrate the diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of our volunteers.
Our volunteers
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Why I volunteer for TWP?
This project went straight to my heart. I have been volunteering for various other projects but none that touches me so intimately. I have been living with an autoimmune condition for 12 years. It helps to relate to people who have been recently diagnosed with such a condition. I only need to think back to when I heard the distressing news that my life would change forever. I was stunned and had no idea where or whom to turn to. Now, there is such a place -TWP - that can offer support. For me, there was no hesitation that I wanted to be involved.
What volunteering for The Wren Project has taught me ?
Apart from opening my awareness to all the different autoimmune conditions that exist and their devastating effects on people’s lives, it has taught me not to assume I have even a remote idea about what people are feeling, but to be exceptionally attentive to the individual situations of the people I support so that I can respond in the most appropriate way. Every person has a unique experience of illness and when we can be attuned and meet them in the specific situation they find themselves in, I have seen first-hand how empowering it can be for them.
What the impact is for me?
I feel so lucky that I have met a remarkable bunch of like-minded people who, like me, are willing to be there for someone who is struggling. After each shift, I have the feeling that my morning was incredibly worthwhile. The session might go very well, or it might be more challenging, yet the feeling is the same. I feel fulfilled. Honestly, it is a privilege to know that someone trusts me enough to feel they can share some of their most difficult feelings or inner thoughts. It is extremely rewarding and to say it brings joy does not convey the right message. It is a deep feeling of doing something that has meaning.
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Why I volunteer with the Wren Project?
I volunteer with The Wren Project as I have always wanted to help people but never previously found the right place to do so. Autoimmune diseases are really tough and having someone to speak to who has absolutely no judgment is so important for people going through it. I've seen firsthand the help a non-judgemental ear can provide.
What volunteering with the Wren Project has taught me?
I have become a better listener which is an invaluable skill in all walks of life. At home, with friends, and even at work. When people feel listened to, they open up and trust you more which has major benefits. Everyone should try to listen more.
Chelsea, Listening Volunteer
Volunteering to help people with autoimmune conditions has given me a greater insight into how closely related the autoimmune community is. Practically my volunteering commitment is very regular, a few hours a month, having a routine is good for me and fits into my life well. I came to volunteer for the Wren Project because I understand what it's like to go through difficult times without support and, if I can help someone through the tough times of being diagnosed with a condition, I am glad to make it even a little easier.
Suze, Listening Volunteer
"Volunteering for the Wren Project is an absolute privilege. The values that the project promote and demonstrate to both Wrens and listening volunteers, makes the Wren Project such a special charity that I am honoured to be involved with it. What I gain from volunteering with this vital charity can be perfectly expressed by the words of Mahatma Gandhi, 'the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.’
Rhyanna, Supervisor Volunteer
“For anyone thinking of volunteering with the Wren Project - do it. You’ll have the support of a passionate and informed team who will empower you to be the best listening volunteer you can be.”
The Wren Project is a confidential and non-judgemental place for Wrens to talk about life with autoimmune disease.
Our model of support pairs Wrens with the same volunteer for fortnightly conversations. Through this ongoing, one-to-one support, a relationship of trust can develop between volunteer and Wren.
Knowledge of autoimmune disease, or mental health experience, is not necessary, but volunteers need to be dependable, empathic to the challenges of autoimmune disease, and highly committed to making a positive difference with our Wrens.
The Wren Project is committed to excellence - both in listening support for Wrens, and in ensuring the continued wellbeing and support of volunteers.
We are looking for volunteers who have a fundamental desire to help others, are compassionate, resilient, and have an open, non-judgemental approach.
Our application process is selective; not everyone is suited to what we offer at the Wren Project.
We’d love to hear from you - please do get in touch if you have any questions.
