As part of our week-long celebration of Volunteers’ Week (2 to 8 June), we caught up with a familiar face and longstanding member of our volunteer community, Dylan Henderson, to hear about his volunteering journey, the confidence it has given him over the years, and what being part of the group he proudly calls “the Charlie House family” means to him.
How did you first get involved with volunteering and Charlie House?
I started my volunteering journey with the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers, and about four years ago I came across Charlie House through their posts on social media. I thought it would be great to start volunteering at local events, and that’s how my journey with Charlie House began!
What kind of roles have you taken on with Charlie House?
I’ve loved helping at big events like Big Bounce, Fizz & Fashion, and the Big Charlie House Ball. I get involved with everything from setting up the venue to selling raffle tickets and welcoming guests, just to name a few. As a bonus, I get to enjoy all the fun and performances that might happen on the day too!
Tell us more about Fizz & Fashion. What were your roles there?
Just like at the Charlie House Ball, I like to help in any way I can to help make the events as successful as possible. I particularly enjoy working on the door to welcome guests. I think it’s so important that people feel welcomed from the moment they arrive at any Charlie House event.
You don’t often come along to volunteer alone. Your family gets involved too, right?
Yes! My mum, Lynne, also often volunteers along with my brother, Ross. My mum, in particular, really enjoys volunteering, and I think I get that from her. It’s a family thing for us, and we love doing it together. It's in our genes!
Do you know roughly how many hours you’ve volunteered in total?
I’ve logged over 700 volunteering hours on my Saltire Award profile, but I don’t track everything I do. I don’t volunteer for the award. I volunteer because I love it.
What would you say to someone who’s unsure about volunteering?
I’d say just go for it! Before I started volunteering, I was really shy. Now I’m way more confident. It’s rewarding not just for the organisation you are helping, but for yourself too. When you volunteer with Charlie House, you become part of a family, what I call “the Charlie House family”.
What would you say is your favourite thing about volunteering?
Probably seeing the families Charlie House supports and hearing the parents talk about their children. The events Charlie House puts on help people understand what families go through and how different everyone’s situation can be. That sense of community is really important to me.
You’re also involved in fundraising outside of events. Can you tell us a bit about that?
I help collect prizes for raffles and other fundraising activities Charlie House does. I reach out to businesses and contacts in the local community, follow up, and arrange collections. It takes a bit of planning and work, but I really enjoy being able to support the fundraising team at Charlie House.
Could you sum up what volunteering means to you?
Volunteering is loads of fun, and it helps you meet new people. It’s also opened up other opportunities for me. I’m really excited to have joined the volunteer and committee team for the upcoming Tall Ships Races event in Aberdeen this July, and I’m also looking forward to getting involved in more exciting Charlie House events later this year.
Have a volunteering story to share, or want to thank someone who’s made a difference? Join the celebration this Volunteers’ Week by tagging us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn at @CharlieHouseHQ and using the hashtag #VolunteersWeek.
There are also so many ways to support Charlie House, from attending events to taking on a fundraising challenge, and signing up to volunteer! Find out more and get involved at www.charliehouse.org.uk/support-us
