Volunteers’ Week: The power of connection through volunteering

Volunteering can mean many things.

It can mean giving your time, sharing your skills or supporting your community. But sometimes, volunteering creates something unexpected: friendship, connection and relationships that leave a lasting impact on everyone involved.

This Volunteers’ Week, we’re sharing the story of Pat and Shamirah, whose friendship is a wonderful reminder that connection can happen in the most unexpected places.

Pat is 90 years old and has lived an extraordinary life. At the age of 21, she moved to Central Africa to live and work before later returning to the UK. In more recent years, ill health and reduced mobility had left her feeling increasingly isolated and lonely despite having a caring family close by.

When Pat was offered the opportunity to be matched with a Befriender, she had one concern.

She didn’t want somebody young.

She worried they wouldn’t have much in common and wouldn’t know what to talk about.

At the same time, Shamirah, a 21-year-old University of Lincoln student studying Biomedical Science, was looking for a volunteering opportunity. Having previously volunteered in healthcare settings, she hoped to gain valuable experience for her future career, but she also wanted to build meaningful connections while living away from home.

When they were introduced, neither could have predicted what would happen next.

Conversation quickly turned to family, life experiences and Africa. Pat shared stories from her years living in Kenya, while Shamirah talked about her own family background.

What started as uncertainty became something neither expected.

They clicked.

Their visits became something both looked forward to. They laughed together, exchanged stories and built a friendship that stretched far beyond the original purpose of the match.

In December, Shamirah turned 21. Knowing she would be visiting on her birthday, Pat asked her son to buy a card and cakes so they could celebrate together.

A small gesture that said something much bigger.

When asked about their time together, Pat said:

“We seem to always have something to talk about. It’s not awkward at all. Thank you very much. It’s nice to see her. I was 90 a few weeks ago and Shamirah was 21 in December so we’ve both had big birthdays recently! I used to live in Kenya and Shamirah’s family come from Africa so I enjoy telling her about my life back then.”

Shamirah said:

“It’s really nice actually, especially hearing how amazing her life has been. It’s been a highlight for me and she’s done so well and it’s lovely hearing her stories. It’s been good to have a break from all my uni stuff to come and catch up with her.”

Their story is a reminder that volunteering doesn’t only make a difference to the people receiving support.

It creates connection. It challenges assumptions. It builds confidence, understanding and friendships that can span generations.

This Volunteers’ Week, we want to say thank you to every volunteer who gives their time to create moments like these across Lincolnshire.

You never know where one conversation might lead.