05/06/2026
Today we'd like to say a huge thank you to Lisa Jane for her fantastic work as our Social Media Volunteer.
In this photo, Lisa has just completed the Sheffield 10K, raising money for Under the Stars. It was an experience she thoroughly enjoyed, and we're incredibly grateful for her support and dedication.
We'll be sharing more about the Sheffield 10K and how you can get involved soon. For now, here are a few words from Lisa about her role at Under the Stars and why she chooses to volunteer with us.
'I have been volunteering as the Social Media Assistant at Under the Stars for around 3 years now (how time flies!). I found the opportunity through a project Volunteer Action Sheffield were running around creative volunteering opportunities. I had just left a full time role and was looking opportunities to develop new skills whilst giving back to the community. Under the Stars was a natural fit as a performer myself, unbeknownst to me at the time we had actually performed at some of the same events.
There are lots of good things I could say about volunteering with Under the Stars, it’s a great organisation and, although I’m mostly at a distance, I feel like I’ve got to know people through their stories. I enjoy the opportunities to do things in person, over my highlights over the last 12 months have to be representing the charity in the Sheffield 10km and seeing Folktales Reincarnated which was fantastic (I still tell people about it!).
I had some experience of using social media for community organisations before joining the charity, but I’ve gained so much knowledge and am continuing to develop. It has been interesting working with the team to try and come up with the best approach to posting and adapting to new technologies (I am still working on the latter!). I have been able to take those skills to other projects outside of the charity and likewise bring what I have learnt elsewhere.
What I would say to others thinking about volunteering
Go for it! You will get as much back from volunteering as you put in, whether that’s new friends, learning skills, getting to see cool shows, or just the mental boost of knowing you did something good for your community. Trying something new can open a whole world you never knew existed.
I’d also say think about why want to volunteer and talk with your volunteer manager if there are specific things you want to do or learn. I think it’s important to be realistic too, when you’re starting out it looking at volunteer opportunities it can be a bit like a buffet – you want to try everything all at once! Take it slow and work out what works best for you and your team.
Most importantly, have fun!'
