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Inspire
May 2026
Volunteer Focus
Welcome to the May 2026 edition of Inspire
I am personally delighted by the arrival of warmer, sunnier days without the need for coats or umbrellas — it really lifts my spirits. It’s a great reminder of the positive impact small changes can have on our wellbeing. Nothing pleases me more than socialising in the sunshine, going for a walk, sitting under a tree, seeing my cat eating al fresco, or visiting a favourite place, such as the coast for me.
In this issue, we’re celebrating another kind of positive impact — the one created by our volunteers. We focus on the many ways they support our work and the difference they make to the lives of the people we support every day. We are incredibly grateful for their contribution; we simply couldn’t do what we do without them.
I hope you enjoy meeting some of them in this edition. Please do get in touch if you have any questions.
Matthew
MFT Volunteer Coordinator [in photo]
📧 Email: matthew@maryfrancestrust.org.uk
📱 Phone (call or SMS): 07432 510493
Volunteering at MFT
Did you know that we have THREE groups of volunteers at MFT?
Flick through the slides below to find out more!
Update to our Volunteer Recruitment Process
Our volunteers play a vital role in helping us support our local communities. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who gives their time, energy and compassion to support our work.
We’ve always taken great care in selecting volunteers whose values, enthusiasm and approach align with our organisation, the responsibilities of their role, and, where relevant, the needs of the people we support.
As part of our ongoing commitment to safeguarding, wellbeing and professional boundaries, we’ve recently introduced changes to our volunteer recruitment process.
Please click below to find out more!
Join the Advisory Group
We’re looking for a new Chair of Trustees!
Why They Volunteer for MFT
Nina, Trustee
“I was excited to join MFT as a Trustee because I’m deeply committed to building equity within the mental health space and understand the importance of services that truly work for people in their context. I was drawn to MFT’s mission to involve people with lived experience, work in partnership with local services, and advocate against stigma — and I’m delighted to contribute my skills and time to support its growth and impact”.
Nina volunteers as part of our Board of Trustees, offering her time and skills to support the strategic direction of our organisation. Read her bio below.
Kerri, Volunteer Facilitator, Community Connections
“I started volunteering with MFT because they once helped me when I was going through some tough times. There have been parts of my life where things have felt overwhelming and where I didn’t always feel understood or supported without judgement.
MFT gave me a safe space where I felt heard and seen, and offered support services within the community that proved invaluable. After some time, I found myself in a stronger place and having the ability to now look back and reflect on my own journey and how much support MFT had given me.
I decided I wanted to give something back and be able to be there in ways others had been there for me, so I started volunteering with them.
Volunteering hasn’t just been about giving back, it’s helped me grow too in ways I didn’t think possible (a couple of years ago). I not only enjoy volunteering with MFT but it’s given me the opportunity to turn something once difficult into something positive.
It’s not ‘just’ volunteering, it’s the capability of making a difference, making connections, understanding and being a part of something that genuinely helps people.
MFT provide a lifeline for many a people in different ways and in different parts of their journey all struggling somewhat. It’s a real privilege to be a part of their volunteering team.”
Kerri helps to facilitate our Friday Coffee & Social at Brickfield Centre, Epsom and the Epsom Downs walking group on Thursday mornings.
Tom, Volunteer Facilitator, Community Connections
“I’ve really enjoyed my time volunteering with Mary Frances Trust. I look forward to every session of the Men’s Group as one of the best bits of my week. Being able to support people in my community brings me joy and a sense of belonging, and I’ve learnt a lot about myself and others whilst volunteering.”
Tom helps to facilitate our Online Men’s Social Group on 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.
Julia, Volunteer Facilitator, Community Connections
“I have found volunteering for MFT very rewarding. The aims and incredible achievements of MFT are dear to my heart as I grew up with a close family member who struggled to cope with their mental health. It has been a humbling experience seeing how people manage their challenges and how those with different life experiences and from varied age groups often come together to help support one another.”
Julia helps to facilitate our Saturday Coffee and Social Group and Monday Peer Support Group in Ashtead.
Countdown to Volunteer Week!
Volunteer Week is marked every year on the first week of June. This is a chance to say thank you to our volunteers and celebrate the impact of their incredible contributions!
We will soon be treating our volunteers to a lovely MFT tea party, so watch this space!
Impact of Volunteering
The true value of the volunteer team is based in the variety of people that offer their support, bringing numerous skills, patience, generosity of spirit and time to support our work.
It is often the little things our volunteers do that makes such a positive impact to clients on an individual level which isn’t always measurable by outputs and outcomes but is truly valued by those they assist.
Matthew, MFT Volunteer Coordinator
Mental Health Tip
We’ve asked our Trustee Steven [in photo below], who works as a Workforce Development Lead for NHS England and a qualified Occupational Therapist, to share how he supports his mental health. As a Park Run enthusiast, he recommends the following:
“Even a quick 30-minute lunchtime run gives me a mental reset. Running isn’t just exercise for me, it’s my way of hitting the refresh button for the afternoon! I would recommend it to anyone needing a midday boost.
Alternatively, taking a brisk walk at lunchtime is a simple way to boost your mental health, too. Even just 10 minutes can lift my mood, increase my energy, and improve focus for the afternoon. Regular movement, even in short bursts, helps reduce stress, clears your mind, and keeps you feeling more balanced throughout the day.”
We’ll be back soon!
Our next edition of Inspire will return in July to celebrate Co-Production Week and give you further insights into how we do Co-Production at MFT. Stay tuned!
