We couldn't make our London Borough of Culture year happen without our volunteers. We chatted to them about their experience getting involved!
As we mark International Volunteer Day on 5 December, we’re celebrating the huge impact they’ve had on our London Borough of Culture year!
Volunteering is a force for positive change, strengthening communities and driving social progress. In the UK, volunteering contributes an estimated £25 billion annually to the economy (Civil Society). Beyond economics, it helps connect our community, brings essential skills to support our team, and fosters a sense of togetherness.
Read what four of our London Borough of Culture volunteers had to say about their experience volunteering…
Baily
As I live in Wandsworth, I was pleased to see my borough be awarded London Borough of Culture. Then, as I work in Richmond, the new volunteer policy was introduced, I felt it was an omen for me to take the opportunity to learn more about my local communities.
I signed up to Rosterfy and volunteered for Happy Streets. As a set up crew member, I spent the afternoon clearing rubbish and chatting to others. Then I worked at Wandsworth's Big Play Out - a wonderful outdoor event for families and children. I oversaw the silent disco with a few headphone tearaways. Finally, I was part of the event crew with African Caribbean Food Month's launch party. I was giving a video interview when guest of honour Ainsley Harriet gate crashed the interview. Boy was I star struck!
I'm hoping to do more volunteering in my own time but the timing of the new volunteer policy meant I was able to give back two days to my local community - when I would usually be sitting at a desk responding to emails or making reports etc.
Jamie
I was really excited when Wandsworth won London Borough of Culture status for 2025. I enjoy going out to the theatre and seeing live music, so I was keen to get involved in as much of Wandsworth’s year of culture as possible. Volunteering seemed like a great opportunity to attend events whilst also giving back.
So far, I have volunteered at Country on the Common in Tooting and Battersea Park in Concert, in various roles: helping out on the merchandise and information stands, welcoming people in the ‘gold circle’, and signposting people to event information.
I really enjoyed my shifts - meeting the other volunteers, chatting to attendees about Wandsworth’s year as London Borough of Culture, and seeing some great events. I would definitely recommend volunteering to others interested in joining in, and I’m looking forward to helping out at more events in the second half of the programme!
Megan
Given I live in Wandsworth, it was the perfect opportunity to actually be involved with the London Borough of Culture programme, that I may not get to experience again. I wanted to get involved and make connections, to be part of something that was unique, exciting and full of culture.
I volunteered at the LBOC School Musicals Showcase in June 2025, which was actually taking place really close to my house, so it was a good chance to get involved. I work in events anyway, so being involved in any kind of event, especially a community event, is something I’m always keen to do. Especially if it means I might meet local talented creatives in various art forms and incorporate them in my future community events.
I would recommend volunteering to everyone and anyone, there are so many different events and types of volunteering you can do with this programme, there really is something for everyone, don’t just take my word for it, see for yourself!
Vusi
Volunteering has been a great way for me to develop my knowledge of the borough and increase opportunities to engage with residents. I have volunteered at various events this year including Strictly Wandsworth and the Full of Life Fair. I am really passionate about workplace wellbeing and I’ve supported colleagues to get active by hosting a Virtual Fitness Session on National Fitness Day. Now I'm on a mission to get colleagues improving their wellbeing through singing.
