Celebrating National Volunteers’ Week

To celebrate National Volunteers Week this June, we’re shining the spotlight on the incredible individuals giving their time this 2026. 

From treating patients in our clinics or operating our mobile clinic, to advising GP registrations and drafting funding applications, volunteers protect the right to healthcare everyday. In 2025, our volunteers in our National Advice Line handled 721 calls and supported over 1,500 patients. Our free medical support across mobile clinics, partnerships and trusted community spaces is made possible by our network of 85 volunteer doctors, nurses, and support workers. Read on to understand how Hazel, Jannatul, Michelle, and Yrina each make a difference. 

Hazel, one of our Data Volunteers

Hazel joined us in early 2026, and supports our Individual Giving and Database Manager, Hiena, in the Fundraising Department.  

How do you feel connected to the work of our organisation? 

“As a long-time supporter of the mission of Doctors of the World UK, I am proud to contribute my time and skills to such an important cause. It is a privilege to play even a small part in supporting the organisation’s work and helping those who need it most.” 

What’s the highlight of the role? 

“I would especially like to thank Hiena for her outstanding support. She is always approachable, patient, and responsive, and she takes great care to explain tasks clearly and thoroughly. Her encouragement and guidance have made me feel valued as a volunteer and have inspired me to remain involved with the programme.” 

Hazel volunteers her time remotely, therefore can fit it in with other work, home and social commitments. We welcome both in-person and online voluntary supports; there’s always a variety of tasks in need of help with and whatever your available time, skills or experiences, our volunteer coordinators will try to fit you with a department and project that helps both you and our charity grow!  

National Advice Line Volunteer, Jannatul

Meet Jannatul, one of our Advice Line Volunteers, who joined us in November 2025 and is a current undergraduate in Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience at the University of Westminster.  

Jannatul’s always been interested in healthcare and the sociopsychological factors affecting people’s health, therefore wanted to get involved in our work to gain experience working directly with communities. The barriers to their healthcare, whether legal, linguistic, economic or social, have a huge impact on wellbeing, and Jannatul wanted to further his understanding of the wider factors blocking one’s access to healthcare.  

Why did you choose Doctors of the World UK specifically? 

“I chose Doctors of the World UK because I strongly believe healthcare should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or immigration status. I was inspired by the organisation’s mission to support vulnerable communities, including migrants, refugees, and people who struggle to access healthcare services.”

 What have you learned since becoming a volunteer here? 

“Since becoming a volunteer, I’ve learned a great deal about the real-life barriers many people face when accessing healthcare. I’ve also improved my communication, teamwork, empathy, and problem-solving skills. The experience has helped me better understand the importance of compassionate and inclusive care” 

What does your role include? 

“My volunteer role involves supporting service users by helping with administrative tasks, communication, signposting services, and creating a welcoming environment. I try to make people feel comfortable, listened to, and supported. Volunteering gives me a sense of purpose and reminds me why I’m passionate about healthcare and helping others.”

 

Meet Michelle, A Non-Clinical Support Volunteer

As a member of our Services Volunteer Team, Michelle is one of our Non-Clinical Support Volunteers. Alongside this, she is completing her degree with Boston University, studying abroad in London as a Health Science Program undergraduate.  

What drew you to work with DOTW-UK? 

“I chose to volunteer with Doctors of the World because of its mission to improve healthcare access for marginalized communities, which aligns with academic interests and future goals in the medical field. This experience has broadened my perspective on the social and systemic aspects of healthcare, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow.”

Can you tell us about your role at Doctors of the World UK?  

“In this role, I conduct social assessments, support GP registrations, and help connect vulnerable populations to healthcare and community resources, while also contributing to projects such as GP mapping.”

Yrina’s a new Prospect Research Volunteer

Meet Yrina, one of our Prospect Research Volunteers who supports our International Partnerships and Philanthropy Manager, Gwendoline. Yrina joined the volunteer team early 2026, drawn to gaining a better understanding of how advocacy, philanthropy and funding combine to improve healthcare access for undeserved communities.  

What does your voluntary role day-to-day look like? 

“My role involves supporting prospect research and fundraising activity, helping identify potential funding opportunities and learning more about how philanthropic partnerships are developed and maintained within the NGO sector. Day to day, this can involve researching organisations and donors, reviewing funding priorities, supporting background preparation and gaining insight into how fundraising strategy supports wider programme delivery and advocacy work within Doctors of the World.” 

Challenges and joys? 

“One of the biggest challenges has been learning the breadth of the funding landscape and understanding how many moving parts are involved in sustaining charitable work long term. It has definitely given me a new appreciation for the strategic and relationship-based aspects of philanthropy and fundraising.The biggest joy has been the people. Everyone has been incredibly generous with their time and knowledge, and it has been genuinely exciting to learn more about how mission-driven organisations operate behind the scenes to create real-world impact.”

Every call answered, and every patient supported, relies on the generosity of people who believe healthcare should be accessible to all.