Volunteering is often described as ‘giving back’, but for many people, it’s also a way to grow – personally, professionally, and socially. Across the Falkirk District, volunteers consistently tell us that they gain far more than they expected.

A common theme is confidence. People talk about finding their voice, discovering strengths they didn’t know they had, and feeling more comfortable in new situations. For some, volunteering is a first step back into the world after a period of unemployment, illness, or caring responsibilities. For others, it’s a way to build skills in communication, teamwork, leadership, and more. As CVS Falkirk & District Participation and Engagement Manager, Marnie Kavanagh explains:

“Volunteering provides opportunities for personal growth, community engagement, skill development, networking, and creating a significant social impact. I have found when individuals volunteer, they gain a broader perspective on social issues – fostering empathy, compassion, and a sense of community. By volunteering their time and skills, volunteers contribute to the improvement of their communities.”

But it is not only volunteers who gain from their involvement, volunteer-involving organisations benefit too. Iain MacIntyre, Development Officer for Community Ownership, has seen first-hand how volunteers bring their experience into organisations and communities:

“Volunteers are critical to the success of all the organisations that I work with – they are the organisers, the doers, the out-of-the-box thinkers, that make so much happen for those volunteer-involving organisations and the communities that they serve. Volunteers bring those transferrable skills from all walks of life to the time that they spend volunteering. Communities would sorely miss out, if volunteers were unwilling to give up their time for something that they felt so passionate about.”

Within CVS Falkirk & District, many of our staff team found their way into working in the third sector through volunteer experience and to volunteer in their personal lives. As we celebrate all volunteers, we are pleased to share some of their experiences with you.

From Community Volunteer to Career Development

As Community Engagement and Participation Manager, Marnie works closely with the communities of Grangemouth and local/national partners to understand and engage with the Grangemouth Just Transition. For Marnie, her history of volunteering within Grangemouth for many years became the foundation for both personal growth and professional opportunity.

In 2010, Marnie helped establish Productive Parents, a local parenting group created to bring mums and carers together to socialise, build friendships, and support one another. What started as a small community initiative quickly developed into a constituted group that delivered skills development opportunities and worked alongside other organisations to improve the local area. Through her volunteering, Marnie “learned new skills, made new friends and helped make a difference in my community.”

The experience proved transformative. The confidence, knowledge, and skills she developed through volunteering ultimately helped her move into employment within the third sector: “I enjoyed it so much I used the skills and experience gained to seek employment working as a Community Development Officer for CVS Falkirk in 2018.”

Since then, Marnie has volunteered in many capacities, with her most recent opportunity as the Chair of Carron Gymnastics Centre (Stenhousemuir Gymnastics Club).

“Carron Gymnastics Centre, which serves as the home for the Stenhousemuir Gymnastics Club, is so much more than just a building; it is a place where hundreds of passionate gymnasts, including my daughter, have grown and thrived. When faced with closure, I felt compelled to work with other concerned parents and coaches to find a solution, which turned out to be forming a committee and undergoing the Community Asset Transfer process. We have been working tirelessly ever since to achieve our goal of preserving a space that has become a second home for so many young athletes.”

Building Leadership Through Volunteering

As Development Officer – Community Ownership, Iain supports third sector organisations through community asset transfer and local development projects. His own volunteering journey reflects this commitment to community support and leadership, demonstrating how volunteering can help develop communication and organisational skills while staying connected to your community.

His volunteering journey began in 2010 as a Student Advisor with the University of Edinburgh’s Free Legal Advice Centre, supporting clients who were unable to access legal aid. After graduating, he continued volunteering with the West Lothian Advice Shop, helping individuals navigate benefits, housing issues, and support services.

Over time, he moved into community leadership roles joining the local PTA and organising a Debating After School Club to support and create new and unique opportunities for children. In 2016, he joined a local community group set up to develop local regeneration and later became Chair of the organisation, overseeing staff, supporting local projects, and leading community events including annual fun runs and seasonal activities. Alongside these responsibilities, he has continued volunteering directly with the community group’s initiatives supporting both young people and older residents.

This Volunteers’ Week, we aim to highlight that volunteering builds people up. It opens doors. It strengthens communities by strengthening the individuals within them. And that’s something worth celebrating.