Volunteering Stories

We estimate that 19% of people participate in volunteering from a borough population of just over 200,000. 

The volunteer community in Merton is thriving and we love to share inspirational stories of local people dedicating their time and the positive effect it has on the local community and our borough. To share your story email volunteer@mertonconnected.co.uk. We'd love to hear from you. 

Afua. Bond Primary School

Afu was inspired to volunteer at her grandchild's primary school. She has harnessed her passion for education to help young people in her Merton community.

The latest volunteer opportunities

Reggie. Shop Volunteer St Raphael's Hospice

Reggie retired from Advertising and Publishing to pursue a career as a therapist. She loves being a part of meaningful work, which has led her to become a volunteer with St Raphael’s Hospice.

Opportunities with St Raphael's Hospice

Barbara. Driver, Home Visits Library Service

“I have been a volunteer driver with the Home Visit Library service for over 10 years, since the service began. A local councillor who was setting up the service, approached me to get involved and the rest, as they say, is history! I drop off a selection of books to several different clients each much. All of them are lovely, they enjoy a good chat and it’s great to learn a little about the interesting lives they have lived. Because they are housebound, quite often I may be the only person they’ve interacted with that day, or even week. They are truly appreciative of the deliveries and really enjoy a good read.

The latest volunteer opportunities

Pat. Community Champion

Pat both lives and works in Mitcham and is a volunteer Community Champion, a role which helps prevent and manage COVID-19 outbreaks in Merton. In the summer of 2019 Pat attended a community workshop where she heard a call out to the community to support local efforts and have an ongoing dialogue with the NHS and Merton council to stem and combat the virus. She joined the team there and then and still attends regular meetings to receive the latest guidelines and information to help Merton residents live safely and fairly with Covid.

Contact Pat to find out more

A Volunteer Succcess Story

New to the UK in 2003, Slawek started as a volunteer and is now an established member of the Merton community and has recently been elected as a local councillor

Discover Slawek's Story

Sabitri. Merton Bengali Women’s Group

Sabitri has volunteered for over 20 years as an interpreter with the Merton Bengali Women’s Group using her language skills to support others in the local community. Quote “ I volunteer because I like to use my skills to help people and improve their quality of life”

The latest volunteer opportunities

A Volunteer Succcess Story

In May 2022, Councillor Joan Henry became the First Citizen of Merton, when she was elected Mayor for the municipal year 2022/23. From her arrival in the UK from Jamaica some 43 years ago, Joan’s journey has been one of service and dedication to the community.

Read Joan's story

Meena. Ethnic Minority Centre.

Meena is a volunteer administrator with Ethnic Minority Centre in Merton. Her volunteering journey started after her husband passed away and she used the opportunity to improve her English, build her confidence and increase her employability skills. As a result of her volunteering Meena secured employment at a local pharmacy.

The latest volunteering opportunities

Dave. Volunteer Driver. St Raphael's Hospice

Dave came into contact with St Raphael’s Hospice for the first time when his mum was ill. 20 years later, he became a valued member of the volunteering team. Three weeks into Dave’s retirement from Transport for London he knew that he needed a new project. He went online and saw St Raphael’s recruiting for volunteers and decided to sign up. He beams when speaking about the Hospice and how much he enjoys his time volunteering, stating that he has a smile on his face every day because of the charity.

Opportunities with St Raphael's Hospice

Madam Deputy Mayor Councillor Agatha Akygina,

Merton’s Deputy Mayor is a committed volunteer with a number of roles including a Family Support Volunteer for Merton Homestart for over 20 years, a Primary School Governor at St Mark’s Primary School, a volunteer for Merton Street Pastors for over 10 years, a Foodbank Volunteer at St Michael’s, Pollards Hill, Chair of the Ghanaian Parents’ Association as well as a Fundraiser for Shooting Star Chase Children’s Hospice

The latest volunteering opportunities

Esther. Home Visit Library Volunteer

Working as part of the team, Esther selects books for local residents who are unable to get to their local library, as well as the residents of a residential care home. She make selections on their behalf based on their personal preferences and can choose from the entire library collection and make requests for books from other libraries. She often receives notes from them, letting her that how much they’ve enjoyed a particular book or author.

Merton Street Pastors

Street Pastor volunteers have been in Merton for over 15 years and the Merton Street Pastors offer practical assistance and reassurance to shoppers and those enjoying the local nightlife. Drawn from a number of local Merton churches, the dedicated trained volunteers take to the streets of Merton (Mitcham, Morden and Wimbledon Town Centre) every Friday and Saturday from between 12:00 pm – 2:00am (times vary by location) to assist people in need.