Old name, new purpose: why we’ve gone back to RNID

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  4. Benefits of volunteering

Benefits of volunteering

Volunteering for RNID is rewarding and enjoyable. It lets you challenge yourself and learn new skills – while making a difference to the 12 million people who are deaf or have hearing loss or tinnitus.

Be part of the community 

Meet new people 

Join a supportive community of people who kindly give up their time to help us make life fully inclusive for deaf people and those with hearing loss and tinnitus. 

Make a real difference to people’s lives 

You can help us make a real difference to people in your community by sharing your skills, experience, energy and enthusiasm. 

In our 2020 volunteer survey, 80% of our volunteers told us they are motivated to continue volunteering by knowing their time makes a difference to people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus. 

87% of our volunteers have an increased feeling of contributing to their local community.

It’s good for your wellbeing 

Stay active and healthy 

Volunteering has a positive effect on our mental health and can help with stress, anxiety and depression. 

When we surveyed our volunteers in 2020, 76% of our volunteers feel volunteering improves their sense of wellbeing. 

Do something you enjoy 

You can choose a volunteer opportunity that suits your interests. Doing things you enjoy can give you a sense of purpose and help you feel more fulfilled and motivated. 

“I’ve been volunteering for over 10 years. I love helping people with their hearing aids and having a chat. People are so grateful for our support.” 

Rosemary, RNID volunteer

Build your confidence 

Doing something useful and productive with your free time is a great confidence booster. 71% of our volunteers say that volunteering with us has increased their personal confidence.

Add to your skills 

Apply your skills and learn new ones 

Volunteering gives you the opportunity to apply what you know about teamwork, communication and taking initiative – and learn new skills as well. These are valuable skills you can use in any workplace or team setting. 

All volunteers have an induction and full training relevant to their role. There are also other courses and learning opportunities that might be relevant to your role. 

Improve your CV 

Volunteering shows your motivation and commitment. This helps your CV stand out when you apply for jobs. 

“I’ve gained the confidence to advocate for people with hearing loss. It’s given me a whole new purpose to my life.”

Linda, RNID volunteer

Find a volunteering opportunity

Our volunteers are vital in helping us make life fully inclusive for the 12 million people in the UK who are deaf or have hearing loss or tinnitus.

We have remote and in-person volunteering opportunities available across the UK.



Investing in Volunteers

We achieved the Investing in Volunteers quality mark in 2023 for the work we do with volunteers across the UK.


Contact us

If you are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus and need free confidential and impartial information and support, contact RNID.

We’re open 8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Page last updated: 1 June 2023

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