Shining a spotlight on volunteers in Leeds

If volunteering doesn’t happen by accident, neither does recognition.

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Inspired by Humans of New York, Volunteers of Leeds is now in its third year of shining a spotlight on people from all backgrounds and walks of life who are making change in their communities. Over that time, it has strengthened the visibility of volunteering across the city, become a touchpoint for a wide range of partners, and deepened the relationship between Leeds Museums and Galleries and Volunteer Centre Leeds.

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Behind this visible celebration sits thoughtful infrastructure.

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In October 2023, Voluntary Action Leeds (the host for Volunteer Centre Leeds) brought volunteers, community organisations and city partners together to co-design a volunteering strategy for Leeds. This convening role — creating space for shared reflection and joint action — is a vital part of ensuring volunteering thrives.

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The co-design process revealed something important. While volunteers felt appreciated by the organisations they supported, many felt the wider difference they made was not recognised across the city. Others who had considered volunteering were unsure whether they would be welcomed or whether their skills would be valued.

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The strategy responded with a clear commitment: to celebrate and showcase the difference that both formal and informal volunteering makes.

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The first Volunteers of Leeds campaign launched alongside the strategy, sharing volunteer profiles across social media. As it concluded, Polly, a student at Leeds College of Art, approached the team with a vision to create portraits celebrating unsung volunteers. The project evolved into a genuinely volunteer-led initiative, with volunteering organisations nominating individuals to profile and local artists bringing their stories to life.

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Farahd, a recently settled refugee and internationally exhibited artist before fleeing Iraq, also became involved. The project culminated in a celebration event with the Mayor of Leeds and an exhibition at Leeds Museum — further strengthening cross-sector relationships and embedding volunteering within the city’s cultural life.

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Volunteers of Leeds is now an established part of the city’s cultural calendar, with this year’s campaign focusing on the joy people experience through volunteering.

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This is what our Volunteering Doesn’t Happen by Accident campaign is about. Thriving volunteer cultures are built intentionally — through strategy, partnership, visibility and infrastructure support.

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NAVCA members can download our free Volunteering Doesn’t Happen by Accident toolkit via the Member Hub to help you reflect on how volunteering is supported and celebrated in your area — and to turn insight into purposeful action.

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When we invest in infrastructure, volunteering doesn’t just happen. It is recognised, valued and sustained.