Volunteers Share Lived Experiences in New Campaign
Roses in the Ocean is celebrating National Volunteer Week 2026 with a storytelling series that showcases the impactful work of volunteers across Australia. The theme ‘Your Year to Volunteer’ encourages Australians to engage in meaningful volunteer work to strengthen communities between 18th and 24th May.
The campaign highlights personal experiences of volunteers who use their experiences with suicide prevention to provide peer-based support and contribute to community initiatives. These stories demonstrate the significant impact of volunteering on both the volunteers and those they assist.
Amy, Head of Communications at Roses in the Ocean, stated, "These are not just volunteer stories. They are stories of courage, of giving back, and of people choosing to use their lived experience to walk alongside others in some of life’s most difficult moments."
Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering often leads to personal growth, skill development, and increased confidence. Many volunteers find a sense of purpose and belonging through their work, which is central to Roses in the Ocean’s peer-led approach. The organisation supports volunteers to safely share their experiences and provide compassionate support, recognising the unique connection they can offer.
Through blogs and video interviews, the campaign aims to inspire others to consider volunteering. It highlights that every contribution, no matter how small, is valuable in creating safer, more compassionate communities.
From 18th to 24th May 2026, National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering. It recognises the millions of people who dedicate their time and skills to support others. Roses in the Ocean uses this opportunity to amplify voices of lived experience and demonstrate the real impact of volunteering.
Explaining further, Amy expressed, "At a time when many people are looking for connection and purpose, volunteering offers both. It’s about showing up, being human, and walking alongside someone else."
Roses in the Ocean encourages reflection on potential contributions and aims to inspire more Australians, showing that even small steps into volunteering can create lasting change. The organisation emphasises that personal experiences are powerful tools in supporting others through difficult times.
