This Volunteers’ week we’re shining a spotlight on our incredible volunteers. Here Jacqui shares her story…

I first heard about West Kent Mind through my interest in mental health and the support available within the local community. As I learned more about the charity, I realised that its mission and values closely align with my own. Promoting positive mental well-being and helping people feel valued, supported and understood is something I care deeply about.

I decided to volunteer because I wanted to contribute to a cause that genuinely matters to me. It also offered an opportunity to use the skills I developed during my previous career and caring role in a new and meaningful setting, while continuing to learn and grow through new experiences.

What particularly attracted me to West Kent Mind was its approach to supporting people through outdoor activities and creative arts groups. Nature and creativity have always been important to me, and I have seen first-hand the positive impact they can have on well-being.

Volunteering has brought many benefits to my own life, both physically and mentally. It has helped to build my confidence, improve my self-esteem and enhance my overall sense of well-being. Being part of a supportive team makes me feel valued and connected. For me, volunteering is not only about giving something back to the community; it is also about personal growth and belonging.

One of the aspects I enjoy most is meeting people from all walks of life. Working alongside others who share a commitment to making a positive difference creates a strong sense of purpose and community.

Through my volunteering, I have come to appreciate how meaningful small moments can be. Taking the time to listen, being present, or sharing a simple conversation can have a lasting impact. Often, it is these moments that stay with me long after each session has ended.

My volunteering journey so far has been filled with a wonderful variety of experiences. From taking part in mindfulness sessions by the lakes at Sevenoaks Nature Reserve, to learning creative skills such as sashiko sewing, and contributing to projects that help develop and enhance the West Kent Mind garden, every experience has been rewarding.

These opportunities have reinforced my belief in the power of creativity, nature and shared activities to support mental well-being. They have given me a real sense of connection and shown me that there are many different ways to make a positive difference in people’s lives.

I am proud to be part of West Kent Mind and look forward to continuing this rewarding journey.

A huge thank you to Jacqui for sharing her story.