Joanne's volunteer story
Joanne has volunteered as Social Media Lead for Kirklees Climate Commission and currently Volunteers as a Campaigner for Changing Faces – a national charity that provides support and promotes respect for everyone with a visible difference.
How did you find out about volunteering?
I first got involved through Huddersfield Business School’s mentoring scheme, where I was paired with an industry mentor. She encouraged me to get involved with the Kirklees Climate Commission as she was leading their marketing and thought it would be a great opportunity for me. It was through this that I realised how valuable volunteering can be, not just for gaining experience but also for contributing to something that really matters.
With Changing Faces, I came across a post on social media calling for volunteer campaigners. As someone with a visible difference, I felt it was the perfect opportunity to share my experiences and support a cause that means a lot to me. I’d always wanted to use my story in a positive way, and volunteering with them gave me the chance to do exactly that.
What type of activities do you usually do when you volunteer?
With the Kirklees Climate Commission, I led their social media activity. I set up new profiles on different channels, created a content calendar, planned posts, wrote captions, and designed graphics. I also wrote an article for the website. As more volunteers joined, I supported them by reviewing and approving their content, helping to keep everything consistent and professional. This experience gave me the chance to take ownership of projects, and build leadership skills.
With Changing Faces, my volunteering is more personal and advocacy-based. I use my voice and lived experiences to increase representation for people with visible differences. I’ve written articles for their website, created social media videos, and taken part in campaigns such as Face Equality Week. Through this, I aim to raise awareness, challenge perceptions, and help build a sense of community for others with visible differences. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that by sharing my story, I might be giving someone else the reassurance and confidence I once needed myself.
What do you like about your Volunteer role?
My current volunteering role with Changing Faces is very special to me. I never imagined I’d have the confidence to do something like this, but knowing I can support other young people who may be experiencing similar challenges to what I went through means a lot. It feels rewarding to know that my contribution is making a difference, while at the same time I’m building my own confidence and developing skills such as social media and speaking on camera. What I also love is that every opportunity feels meaningful. Whether it’s creating content, taking part in campaigns, or simply sharing my story. It reminds me how powerful representation can be, and it’s a privilege to be part of something that not only supports others but also helps shift perceptions
in wider society. Volunteering with Changing Faces has become more than just a role to me, it’s something that continues to shape me personally and professionally in the best way.
How has volunteering made a difference to you?
Volunteering with Changing Faces has helped me connect with other like-minded people who also have visible differences. That sense of community has been lifechanging for me. It’s reassuring and empowering to know I’m not alone, and to share experiences with others who truly understand.
It has also encouraged me to push myself outside my comfort zone and say “yes” to opportunities I might once have shied away from, whether that’s public speaking, creating social media content, or sharing my story more openly. Along the way, I’ve built new skills, grown in confidence, and developed a stronger belief in myself. Beyond the personal growth, volunteering has given me the chance to make a real difference for others. Whether it’s inspiring someone through my story, helping increase visibility and representation, or providing support to people who feel isolated, I can see the tangible impact of my
efforts. Knowing that my contributions might give someone else reassurance, confidence, or a sense of belonging makes it all worth it. It’s rewarding in a way that goes beyond skills or experience, it’s about supporting and helping create change for people who need it most.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your volunteering experience?
For me, the best part about volunteering is knowing I can help others with visible differences. It’s not just something for your CV, it’s a way to build confidence, pick up new skills, and make a real difference to people’s lives. I’m just happy that by sharing my experiences, I might make someone
else feel a bit less alone. What I also love is seeing the real-life impact of what you do. Whether it’s someone commenting that my story has helped them, or feeling like I’ve contributed to raising awareness and challenging stereotypes. Volunteering has shown me that even small actions can make a difference, and that being part of a supportive community can be empowering for both myself and the people we’re helping.
If you would like some help to start your volunteer journey please get in touch.