Our Volunteers

Did you know that what started off as a seed of an idea in Huddersfield last year had over 1000 volunteers the width and breadth of the country and overseas too. From the Outer Hebrides to the Isle of Wight, Mexico, Finland and as as far away as Australia. 

Our amazing volunteers include young people, families, schools, colleges, Universities, businesses, carers, charities, people who have retired…many people who just wish to make someone’s day a little brighter.  Incredible!  If you wish to be involved in  this exciting and very worthwhile project, please  read on…

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Introducing Steven…

Where are you based and how long have you been letter writing for?
I’m Steven and I’m from Huddersfield but currently live in Calderdale.  I’ve been a volunteer at Give…A Few Words for nearly three years?! Time really does fly by.

What do you most enjoy about letter writing?

What I most enjoy about Give A Few Words is the actual feeling of physically writing a handwritten letter. I studied my degree in English Literature with Creative Writing, so love writing, and being able to write letters for people in the community is just really special.

What makes a handwritten letter more important that a text?

I feel a handwritten letter is a lot more personal than a text. You follow the flow of the paper to create a story that somebody reads and enjoys. A recipient can feel more connected to you if they read your handwriting. Plus, I definitely take more care when writing by hand to ensure the spelling and grammar is correct.

What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering for Give…A Few Words?

If you’re considering volunteering for Give…A Few Words definitely do it! It’s such an uplifting experience writing letters to people in the community and allows you to open up about your life in ways you didn’t realise. Writing or typing a letter doesn’t take long at all and the impact it can make on a person’s life is amazing. Give…A Few Words is a wonderful charity and you’ll definitely feel part of a special community, bringing positivity and happiness into the world.

What’s a small thing that makes you happy?

A small thing that makes me happy is when somebody says thank you to me after I’ve done something to help them. It’s that little bit of recognition that makes me feel really good. I’ve made a difference to someone’s life at a certain time of the day.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself?

An interesting fact about me is that I’ve been a fan of professional wrestling for over 25 years and I’ve had the opportunity to appear on podcasts about American and Japanese pro-wrestling. 

Introducing Kerry….

In April, we were incredibly fortunate to meet our furthest-away volunteer during a trip to the other side of the globe. 

It was an absolute pleasure to meet Kerry, who is not only a truly lovely person, but also writes the most inspirational messages — sharing not just kindness, but a little ray of Australian sunshine too.

Where are you based and how long have you been letter writing for?
I’m Kerry from Sydney in Australia and have been volunteering with Give…A Few Words for about 3 years.  I have been writing to penfriends from about the age of 13.

What was it like meeting up with Give…A Few Words recently?

It was lovely meeting Sharron and putting a face to the name.  It was interesting to learn more about the beginnings of GAFW from Sharron and also to discuss its development over the years.

What small thing makes you happy?

A small thing that makes me happy is being out in the fresh air.  Another is writing a letter or reading.

What makes a handwritten letter more important than a text?

A handwritten letter takes time and effort and is like a chat with a friend.  It is more personal than a text.  I find doing a handwritten letter more satisfying than sending a text and I still get a thrill when I find a handwritten letter in my letterbox.