Volunteering with Artlift: Just do it!

We spoke to Milly about her volunteering experience with Artlift, here’s what she told us:

‘‘Artlift is addictive, it definitely is!’’

I first came to Artlift after being referred to do a creative health course in the Forest of Dean. I was anxious and depressed, not sociable and ‘very much in my shell’. The idea of joining a group activity caused nervousness and hesitation. Upon attending the first session, Lisa, an experienced artist and trained facilitator with Artlift, welcomed me in. The sessions were designed to be calm, free from pressure, and welcoming. Lisa’s supportive approach played a crucial role in helping me to feel safe.

Milly recalls:

I didn’t feel forced, was gently guided and kept in the moment through art. From that very first session, something changed. I started to feel hopeful and excited and knew I would keep coming back.

I started volunteering with Artlift two years ago as an artist assistant. Personally, it’s been a mutually supportive and enriching experience. I’m now able to support others who feel like I once did. I can empathise with new participants, and I hope to encourage them.

‘‘Artlift doesn’t feel like a transaction—it’s run by humans, for humans.’’

I’ve learned that I’m stronger and more capable than I ever believed. My own artistic learning has broadened, and I love witnessing how people express and contain their emotions through art. It’s incredibly powerful to see what people create.

Why did you choose to volunteer with Artlift?

Because it truly is a worthwhile and rewarding experience. As an ex-participant of Artlift, I have experienced the good it’s done, and I wanted to be able to help be a part of that. Of course there was the hope that it would help me further my own mental and physical health, but more than that I wanted to be the person that hopefully helped make others shoulders a little lighter and pain a little easier, even if that was just a well-made drink or a smile…it was possibly a smile they may not have had that day otherwise.

Have there been challenges?

No, I was paired with a supportive artist who really understands how to work with me. With that support, I’ve been able to push through any anxiety. However, I can’t stress this enough; whilst volunteering should always take your own wellbeing into account, with something like Artlift the participants are the focus. They are the reason you’re there, and they should be at the heart of why you’re volunteering. Artlift has given me training and ongoing support and guidance, there’s always someone to talk to if I’m worried or need advice about my role.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering?

‘‘If I really had to pick just one thing it would be getting to see so many people from such diverse, yet in some way similar backgrounds come together and talk to each other, they start to form friendships that last…I also weirdly enjoy making tea and coffee!’’

 What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering with Artlift?

‘‘My volunteering experience has genuinely changed me for the better, I’ve learned and gained so much from being part of it. I’m happier and happy to make someone smile…Just do it!’’

To find out more about volunteering with us and how to apply click here