Volunteers are part of every corner of life at The Joshua Tree.
Some give their time every week. Some support a few events each year. Some volunteer through their workplace, while others quietly help behind the scenes. Some share professional skills, while others simply want to help however they can.
Every volunteer plays a role in The Joshua Tree, helping children and families affected by childhood cancers get the support they need in a place they feel supported, welcomed and less alone.
As part of Volunteers’ Week 1-7 June 2026, we’re celebrating the many different faces of volunteering across The Joshua Tree.
Supporting Families Every Week
Many of our volunteers help create the warm and welcoming environment families experience at The Joshua Tree every day.
From making cups of tea and welcoming families, to helping run weekly sessions and activities, their kindness and consistency help make our centres feel like a community.
Helping Behind the Scenes
Some volunteers support us through practical help and maintenance around our centres.
Whether it’s gardening, cleaning, building, fixing or improving spaces, their support helps us continue creating safe and welcoming environments for families. Volunteers like Chris, Roger and our amazing gardening team regularly give their time to help keep things running behind the scenes.
We are also incredibly grateful to tradespeople who volunteer their skills and resources to support important projects across our sites.
Businesses Making a Difference
Corporate volunteering is an important part of The Joshua Tree’s success.
Businesses support us in many ways, from providing volunteers at events and undertaking practical projects, to sharing specialist skills, services and resources that help strengthen our work and maximise our impact.
Recently, volunteers from Butcher & Barlow supported our Family Fun Day, demonstrating how businesses can make a real difference through volunteering.
The People Who Say Yes
Some of our volunteers don’t fit neatly into a particular role. They’re simply the people who say “yes” when help is needed.
Whether it’s helping at a fundraising event, taking photographs, supporting an awareness campaign, sharing professional skills, answering enquiries, or lending a hand at short notice, these volunteers are always willing to step forward.
One of the most powerful examples of this was the response to DIY SOS for Children in Need. Hundreds of people came forward wanting to volunteer their time, skills and resources to help transform The Joshua Tree’s Cheshire Support Centre. The response from individuals, businesses and tradespeople was overwhelming and demonstrated the incredible community that exists around our charity.
Throughout the year, that same spirit continues. Volunteers give up evenings, weekends and valuable time to help support events and activities.
They may not always be centre stage, but their willingness to say “yes” when support is needed has a lasting impact on The Joshua Tree and the families we support.
People Giving Back
Some of the most inspiring volunteers at The Joshua Tree are those who choose to give back their time to support others.
From university students spending their breaks volunteering with families and bringing energy and enthusiasm to our sessions, to beneficiaries and their families wanting to give back to the charity that supported them.
A wonderful example is Grace and her family, who recently volunteered their time to represent The Joshua Tree at Krazy Races, helping raise awareness and support for the charity.
Thank You
There is no single “type” of volunteer at The Joshua Tree, but every single one makes a difference.
As we celebrate Volunteers’ Week during our 20th anniversary year, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who gives their time, skills, energy and compassion to support families affected by childhood cancers.
If you would like to volunteer with The Joshua Tree, support an event, share professional skills or find out more about getting involved, we would love to hear from you.
Visit our website or contact the team at fundraising@thejoshuatree.org.uk to find out more about volunteering opportunities.
