National Volunteer Week: Voices from Our Volunteers

As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, we took the opportunity to hear from two of our volunteers, Karma Karsang and Sian Fitzpatrick, about what volunteering means to them and how it has shaped their experiences at Activate Mental Health.

Their reflections are honest, thoughtful, and deeply human, and together, they capture the true spirit of volunteering within our community.

What Volunteering Means

For both Karma Karsang and Sian Fitzpatrick, volunteering is about more than giving time, it’s about purpose and meaning.

Karma Karsang shared that while she has sometimes questioned whether volunteering is tied to personal fulfilment, she has come to see it differently. For her, it is about making a meaningful difference, even in small ways, and contributing to something beyond herself.

Sian Fitzpatrick expressed a similar sentiment, describing volunteering as something that gives her “purpose and meaning without the pressure of expectations.” It creates a space where simply showing up is enough, without the pressures often associated with work or performance.

Moments That Stay with Them

When asked about memorable experiences, both volunteers spoke about simple but powerful moments.

For Karma Karsang, a board games night stood out. What made it special was not the activity itself, but the atmosphere, people helping each other, not focusing on winning, and creating a space of kindness and patience. She recalled how others supported her during a game of Scrabble, making the experience feel comfortable and inclusive.

Later that evening, a conversation-based game allowed her to feel truly heard and seen. It reminded her that, at their core, people are not so different from one another.

For Sian Fitzpatrick, the moments that stay with her are when participants express sincere gratitude. Hearing how a meetup has impacted someone’s life serves as a powerful reminder that even small efforts can make a meaningful difference.

How Volunteering Has Shaped Their Perspectives

Both volunteers reflected on how volunteering has influenced the way they see people and themselves.

Karma Karsang spoke about the pressure she has felt to prove herself, particularly while living abroad. Through volunteering, she has come to recognise that everyone is simply doing the best they can with what they have. This shift has helped her move away from tying her self-worth to job titles or expectations.

Sian Fitzpatrick shared that her experience has helped her become more open and trusting of others. Volunteering has strengthened her sense of connection and left her feeling more hopeful about people and the world around her.

Connection, Wellbeing, and Community

A strong theme in both reflections is the role volunteering plays in creating connection.

Sian Fitzpatrick shared that volunteering has helped reduce feelings of isolation by providing structure, regular connection, and a sense of community. Knowing others have similar experiences brings comfort and reassurance.

Karma Karsang also highlighted the emotional impact, sharing that she leaves each volunteering experience with a sense of fulfilment and positive energy, something she values deeply.

What Keeps Them Coming Back

Despite busy schedules and life’s challenges, both volunteers continue to return, and their reasons are simple yet powerful.

For Sian Fitzpatrick, it is the knowledge that she may be making a small or significant difference in someone else’s life.

For Karma Karsang, it is what she gains from each experience. Although volunteering is unpaid, she walks away with something she describes as far more valuable, meaning, connection, and a sense of fulfilment.

Celebrating Our Volunteers

During National Volunteer Week, we recognise and celebrate the contributions of volunteers like Karma Karsang and Sian Fitzpatrick, whose stories reflect the heart of Activate Mental Health. Through small acts of kindness, shared experiences, and genuine connection, our volunteers create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued.

To all our volunteers, thank you for everything you do. Your impact reaches far beyond what can be seen, and this week is a moment to truly acknowledge and appreciate that.

Support Activate Mental Health

If you’d like to get involved with Activate Mental Health, here are some ways to do so:

Volunteer for Activate Mental Health 🙋‍♀️🌱: Click here to find out more about volunteering

for Activate Mental Health.

Donate to us 🙋‍♀️🎗️: Every contribution matters. Click here to contribute to our cause.

Share Your Stories Of Activate Mental Health 🙋‍♀️📚: Click here to express your interest

and chat to our blog team.

Or if you would prefer to email the blog team directly, please reach us on: stories@activatemh.com.au