Turning your passion into volunteering

Introduction

In the final part of our volunteering series, we're sharing one more story and a list of volunteering organisations that are perfect for retiring or retired medics.

Penny spent 21 years working in the NHS. When it was time to retire, she combined her passion for horses and her desire to help others, becoming a volunteer for Riding for the Disabled:

"Like many people, I had often considered volunteering but wasn't sure where I would fit in. I wanted something practical and meaningful, something that involved genuine connection rather than sitting behind a desk.

"When I first heard about Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), it immediately struck a chord. The opportunity to help people with physical and developmental challenges experience the freedom, movement and joy of horse riding felt incredibly powerful."

Making a real difference

"One of the most moving aspects of volunteering is witnessing the transformation that can take place when a rider gets into the saddle. A person who may struggle with communication or confidence can suddenly light up with joy and self-belief. Those moments stay with you."

The benefits of volunteering

"Volunteering pushed me beyond my comfort zone, taught me patience and helped me develop new skills. Whether learning different ways to support riders with varying needs, working as part of a dedicated team or simply seeing situations from a new perspective, every session brought fresh experiences.

"Perhaps one of the most unexpected gifts of volunteering with RDA has been the sense of community. From coaches and fellow volunteers at Dovecote Farm RDA, to riders and their families, everyone shares a common purpose. There is a warmth and camaraderie that makes you feel welcome from day one."

Final thoughts and words of wisdom

"Of course, volunteering is not always easy. There are early mornings, unpredictable weather and physical demands. Yet every ounce of effort is repaid many times over in fulfilment, joy and the knowledge that you have helped make a little difference.

"For anyone considering volunteering, I can wholeheartedly recommend taking that first step. It may begin with a desire to make a difference in someone else's life, but you may discover that it changes your own as well."

Find your next volunteering role

Doctor-focused & medical support charities

• Royal Medical Benevolent Fund (RMBF)

Roles: casework support, visiting beneficiaries, mentoring, fundraising.

• Doctors in Distress

Roles: peer support facilitation, advocacy, awareness campaigns.

• Medical Protection Society (MPS)

Roles: mentoring, advisory contributions (opportunities vary)

International & humanitarian work

• Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) UK

Roles: fundraising, outreach, mentoring prospective field staff.

• Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP)

Roles: training, advocacy, education.

• UK-Med

Roles: emergency deployments, training, mentoring.

• Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO)

Roles: remote advisory, teaching, health system support.

UK health & community care

• St John Ambulance

Roles: training, mentoring, clinical governance support.

• British Red Cross

Roles: emergency response, refugee health support.

• Age UK

Roles: wellbeing calls, health advice.

• Macmillan Cancer Support

Roles: patient support, helpline roles.

• Marie Curie

Roles: end-of-life support, companionship.

• Sue Ryder

Roles: hospice and bereavement support.

Mental health & wellbeing

• Mind (UK)

Roles: support groups, awareness, advisory input.

• Samaritans

Roles: listening support, governance roles.

• NHS Volunteer Responders

Roles: wellbeing calls, community support.

Education, mentoring & workforce support

• British Medical Association (BMA)

Roles: mentoring junior doctors.

• Royal Colleges (e.g., RCP and RCGP)

Roles: education, exams, mentoring.

• The King’s Fund

Roles: advisory groups, policy input.

Local & community-based opportunities

• Local Hospices (via Hospice UK)

Roles: patient care support, advisory roles.

• Community Health Services (e.g. Pathway – homeless healthcare)

Tips for getting started

• Start by registering via the organisation’s volunteer page.
• Highlight your clinical experience, leadership, and mentoring skills.
• Check whether GMC registration is required for clinical roles.
• Find an in-person, remote or flexible opportunity to suit you.