Be Part of IWN: Your time. Your skills. Your community.
Volunteering at Inspiring Women Network is about being part of a community, sharing what you can and making connections along the way.
Our volunteers bring different experiences, interests and skills. Some first joined IWN through our activities and wanted to become more involved. Others came with something they wanted to offer, or simply a wish to contribute.
Whether you have a little time or a lot, we'd love to explore how you could be part of IWN.
Ways to Get Involved
There are different ways to volunteer with IWN, depending on your interests, experience and the opportunities available.
Community Volunteering
Help bring our activities and events to life. This could include welcoming participants, helping with practical arrangements, supporting community gatherings, assisting with communications or working behind the scenes.
Share Your Skills and Expertise
If you have professional knowledge or particular skills to offer, there may be opportunities to contribute through mentoring, training, creative work, communications, business support or other specialist areas.
Bring Your Ideas
Some of our activities grow from the interests and experiences of women in our community. If there's something you'd like to share, teach or explore with others, we'd love to hear about it.
Hear from Our Volunteers
Michelle
"I joined IWN back about 9/10yrs ago, I loved the group, they helped me so much that I wanted to be a bigger part of it."
Anu
"Volunteering with my professional skills didn't feel like extra effort, I was more happy that I could give back to the community"
Anne
“A welcoming, international, diverse and inclusive group”
Katie
"Even if you don't think you have a skill, joining a session at IWN makes you realise you have multiple skills"
From Participant to Volunteer: Katie's Story
After more than 20 years away from Cornwall, Katie was looking for ways to meet people and reconnect with her community. She was also experiencing anxiety and a loss of confidence during perimenopause. She started attending IWN's craft group, where she found more than a creative activity. She found friendships, a sense of belonging and a welcoming space where she could be herself.
As her confidence grew, Katie decided to get more involved. Today, she volunteers alongside Michelle to help run IWN's weekly craft group, creating the same welcoming environment that meant so much to her when she first joined.
In Katie's own words:
“I wanted to volunteer because I had experienced first-hand how valuable that kind of space can be, and I wanted to help create it for others.”
“I get just as much from volunteering as I hope I give.”
How to Get Involved
Interested in volunteering with IWN? We'd love to hear from you.
1. Tell us about yourself
Complete our volunteer interest form and let us know a little about yourself, your interests and how you'd like to contribute.
2. Let's have a conversation
We'll get in touch to learn more about you, answer any questions and explore opportunities that might be a good fit.
3. Getting started
If we identify a suitable opportunity, we'll talk through the role, any relevant checks or training, and the support you'll receive before you begin.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Community Volunteers: Support, Uplift, and Empower
Community volunteers form the backbone of IWN, supporting our day-to-day operations and fostering a sense of belonging for all women in Cornwall. Whether you have just one hour a week or more time to spare, your help will directly contribute to building a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive community.
As a community volunteer, you may assist with planning and executing inspiring events, managing our vibrant social media presence, providing essential administrative support, and engaging with our community through outreach initiatives. Your contributions will have a direct, positive impact on women in our region, helping us fulfil our mission and make a tangible difference.
Professional Volunteers: Share Your Expertise and Time
We recognise the immense value that skilled professionals can bring to IWN. Whether you have one hour a week or can dedicate more time, we welcome professionals from various fields to volunteer their expertise. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute in ways that directly align with your skills —whether that’s through mentoring, therapy, financial management, marketing, facilitating specialised workshops, or offering other professional services.
Your contributions can make a significant impact, and the flexibility of these roles means you can help on your terms. You’ll help empower women while gaining satisfaction from knowing you’ve directly helped others build the skills and resources they need to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any previous volunteering experience?
Not at all. We welcome people with different backgrounds, skills and experiences. What's important is finding an opportunity that suits you and the needs of IWN.
How much time do I need to commit?
It depends on the role. Some opportunities involve helping at occasional events, while others require a more regular commitment. We'll discuss what's realistic for you before you get started.
Will I receive training and support?
Yes. We'll make sure you understand your role and have appropriate guidance and support. Some roles may also require specific training or safeguarding checks.
Can I volunteer if I'm not sure what I'd like to do?
Absolutely! You don't need to have everything worked out before contacting us. We're happy to have a conversation about your interests and explore where you might fit in.
