By Lucy Berger I used to think volunteering was something other people did. People with spare time, people older than me, or people who were just born extra caring. I was busy worrying about work, friends, and trying to figure out what I wanted from life. Then came the summer of 2024.
A friend casually mentioned that the Wandsworth Arts Fringe needed volunteers. I’d been to a few events there in the past and always loved the mix of theatre, music, and odd little pop-up shows tucked into corners of Battersea and Putney. The idea of being part of it sounded fun, but I had no clue what I’d actually be doing. Still, I signed up.
That decision turned into one of the best things I’ve ever done. It was an eye-opener, a rush, and honestly a kind of epiphany. I realised how good it feels to give your time to something bigger than yourself. Not for money, not for recognition, but simply to be part of your community.
The Thrill of Doing Something for Nothing
On my first day, I was thrown straight into the madness of helping with an outdoor performance in Wandsworth Park. I expected to hand out flyers or maybe carry a few chairs. Instead, I found myself managing queues, chatting with artists, and directing a crowd of confused but excited locals towards the stage.
I can’t explain it properly, but the atmosphere gave me a buzz I hadn’t felt before. People were asking me questions, looking to me for help, and I realised I actually had answers. I was useful. The adrenaline kicked in and I didn’t want the day to end.
The strangest part was that I didn’t earn a penny for it. And yet, I walked home grinning, feeling fuller than I had after any shift at my part-time job. Doing something just because it mattered to other people gave me a sense of satisfaction that money couldn’t touch.
Small Tasks, Big Feelings
Over the course of the festival, I did everything from setting up chairs in a church hall to collecting litter after a performance on the Thames Path. None of it was glamorous. I came home sweaty, dusty, and sometimes covered in confetti or paint. But those small jobs made a difference.
I still remember one older lady thanking me for walking her to the right venue when she got lost. She told me she wouldn’t have made it without help. That tiny moment stuck with me. It showed me that volunteering isn’t always about grand gestures. Often, it’s the smallest things that people appreciate the most.
And I loved the sense of belonging. I wasn’t just a face in the crowd. I was part of the machine that made the festival work. That’s addictive, in the best possible way.
Why Local Volunteering Matters
After the Arts Fringe, I started paying more attention to what was happening in my borough. Wandsworth has always been my home, but volunteering made me see it differently. I noticed how much of what I’d taken for granted – the clean parks, the lively events, even the community noticeboards – existed because people gave their time.
Local volunteering matters because it keeps neighbourhoods alive. It’s easy to assume the council or some big organisation handles everything, but the truth is, so much depends on people stepping up. Whether it’s running a food bank, cleaning communal spaces, or coaching kids’ sports clubs, these efforts glue a community together.
It also creates connections you can’t buy. You meet people you’d never normally cross paths with – different ages, backgrounds, and stories. You realise your neighbourhood is a lot richer and more diverse than you thought.
The Ripple Effect
One of the best parts about volunteering is the ripple effect. I noticed how my friends reacted when I told them about my Arts Fringe role. At first, they teased me about working for free. But after hearing my stories, a couple of them started asking about how to get involved.
That’s the beauty of it. When you see someone enjoying themselves while giving back, it changes your perspective. It makes you wonder what you could do too. Volunteering spreads because people can feel the energy. It’s contagious in a very good way.
My Next Steps
Since that summer, I’ve been thinking about how I can do more. I don’t want volunteering to be a one-off. Wandsworth gave me so much growing up, and I’d like to keep giving something back.
Right now, I’m looking at projects that focus on keeping our environment clean. The idea of community litter picks appeals to me – not because picking up rubbish sounds thrilling, but because of what it represents. It’s a small act with a visible result. A clean street feels safer and more welcoming. A tidy park makes people want to use it.
I’m also curious about helping maintain communal gardens and green spaces. I’ve never been much of a gardener, but I like the thought of learning alongside others. Plants and flowers bring joy to people, and looking after them is a hands-on way to improve daily life in the borough.
Another project on my radar is helping with local youth events. If the Arts Fringe taught me anything, it’s that young people thrive when they’ve got something exciting to get involved in. Even just supporting a football session or creative workshop could make a difference to someone’s week.
Volunteering as a Lifestyle
I don’t think volunteering should be seen as a one-time experience, like ticking a box. For me, it’s becoming part of my lifestyle. It’s a way of staying connected to where I live and making sure I’m not just a passive resident.
The best part is that it doesn’t require perfection. You don’t need to sign your life away. Even a few hours a month can mean something. And the personal benefits are huge – confidence, new skills, friendships, and the knowledge that you’ve helped in some way.
Volunteering makes life feel bigger. It reminds you that your time has value, not just in pounds but in kindness, energy, and presence. It’s a different kind of wealth, and one that grows the more you share it.
Looking Ahead with Excitement
As I plan for the months ahead, I feel a genuine sense of excitement. It’s not the kind of excitement that comes from a holiday or a night out, but something deeper. It’s the anticipation of being part of something meaningful.
I imagine myself joining a group clean-up along the Thames, laughing with strangers as we haul bags of rubbish into bins. I see myself helping a nervous teenager feel comfortable at a local drama workshop. These images make me want to say yes to more opportunities, even if they feel small at first.
Wandsworth shaped who I am, and volunteering feels like the right way to give back. That summer epiphany showed me that happiness doesn’t always come from chasing things for yourself. Sometimes, it comes from stepping forward, rolling up your sleeves, and doing something that matters to others.