A Volunteers’ Journey with FTWW

I first discovered FTWW in 2014, at the very beginning, on Facebook. Back then, there were only around 10 to 15 members of the group – now there are thousands. I became involved during this early phase and, looking back, I think that I played an important role in supporting the organisation as it began to grow…I’m so pleased that I have remained involved throughout its – and my – journey.

My main early contribution began with offering practical support, helping to maintain the website, creating and scheduling social media content, developing newsletters and supporting digital engagement. I also helped set up and coordinate in-person events. During this crucial period of the organisation’s development, I grew a lot of friendships too! I later gained valuable governance experience as a trustee for a few years.

Through volunteering with FTWW, I developed and strengthened my skills in social media and communications, including using Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X and Mailchimp, as well as creating content for the website. I would do a lot of engagement for the FTWW-sponsored EndoMarches from afar! These opportunities certainly helped to build my confidence, and being part of a supportive environment also helped to enhance my technical skills.

One of the key benefits for me as a volunteer at FTWW has been the flexible nature of volunteering. I’ve been able to contribute at times that work best for me and around my own health needs. For example, tasks such as writing and scheduling social media posts can be things you do later at night – for me, that’s when I have a bit more energy, or even while resting in bed, using a tablet.

This flexibility has meant I’ve been able to continue to make a meaningful contribution without the pressure of fixed hours or a traditional volunteering environment. Volunteering with FTWW has fit around my requirements, rather than requiring me to fit into a formal structure.

Being part of FTWW has given me opportunities to try new things, meet new people, and connect with others who have had similar or different lived experiences. I’ve made many new friends through FTWW, some of whom I now see and speak to more than anyone else! This has helped to reduce feelings of isolation for me and given me the chance to talk with people I know I may not otherwise have met.

I have always felt able to advocate for myself and my own health needs, but contributing to FTWW’s work, whether through focus group discussions or research activities, has strengthened this confidence. I’ve found it empowering to share my proactive approach with others and to encourage people to feel more confident in advocating for themselves. Being part of FTWW has supported my belief in my own voice, that I can make a difference and have a positive impact on women’s health in Wales.

I continue to be an active member and volunteer with FTWW. I remain committed to raising awareness, supporting campaigns and helping to spread the word about the organisation’s work, whether that’s handing out leaflets and awareness-raising resources, talking to healthcare professionals and the public about the charity, or simply being a good friend to other members who might be struggling with their health.

For me personally, some of the positive outcomes of being part of FTWW have involved my growing confidence in my technical abilities and skills, gaining experience in event coordination and charity governance, all things I’ve been able to do through flexible and accessible volunteering. Crucially though, being part of FTWW has reduced my feelings of isolation by connecting with others with lived experience. I continue to contribute to awareness raising and campaign activity, because I want others to have this too.

For me, my journey with FTWW shows how people can make a meaningful contribution to the things that matter to them in ways that work around their individual circumstances.