Working with volunteers is a privilege

I want to say a huge thanks this Volunteers’ Week to all the volunteers who give so much time and expertise to the MS Society and our community. You make what we do possible!

What I do

I’m Gavin Atkins, the Executive Director of Services and Support. This means I have the huge privilege of overseeing everything we provide to support those affected by MS to live well.

I’ve been at the MS Society for just over a year now, and I continue to be amazed by what our volunteers do. Every day, they go above and beyond to ensure our community gets the support and respect it deserves. From the volunteers who answer the calls on our MS Helpline to those in our local groups providing vital services and connection. Everyone I meet is passionate about how they can help and what volunteering does for them.

Why I do it

Volunteering’s why I got into this area of work in the first place – more years ago than I care to remember!

I started working with younger people while at university and then got involved in sport for development for a national education charity. Over the years, I’ve done a range of volunteering roles, including being a trustee for a sexual health charity in West Africa and supporting homelessness services in London. Today, I’m a Cub leader. Although it can feel like just one more thing to do after a long day at work, I absolutely love it.

Volunteering in action

I recently visited one of our groups and chatted to the Group Coordinator about why she’s involved. She has MS and wants to help others who’ve been diagnosed with MS avoid some of the experiences she’s had. She felt the group could offer the space for people to find their community, get answers to their questions and hear from others.

With the group’s small army of volunteers, she’s created that community, and when I visited, it was thriving!

Thank you

I’ll end this blog the way I started – by saying a huge thanks for everything you do, in whatever way you’re involved. You are the MS Society.