From volunteering to founder: Chloe's story

At a networking event last year, Chloe had one goal for 2026: give something back to her community. Something separate from her day job in marketing. A chance conversation with Emma from Voluntary Norfolk pointed her towards Get InVOLved Norfolk - and from there, things moved fast.

Watch Chloe tell her story in her own words:

Spotting a way to use her skills

Browsing the platform, Chloe was struck by the range of roles on offer - including several in marketing, the field she already worked in.

"I really thought, hold on, I can use my actual skills here for something. I can give my time, but also my skills, which can help local charities and hopefully make an impact in the community."

Rather than picking one project, she applied for three.

Chloe was accepted onto all three:

• A place on the project team for a charity celebrating its 60th anniversary, helping shape a multi-campaign strategy and events programme.
• Supporting Norwich Samaritans with social media for their newly opened third retail store in the city.
• A third role that has since turned into paid work.

Finding the confidence to do it alone

"Those three opportunities have given me a huge amount of confidence and belief in myself and my skills, and propelled me to where I am here, just a few months later."

A few months on, Chloe handed in her notice at the marketing agency where she'd spent several happy years, and launched her own business: Pink Lemonaid.

"Pink Lemonaid has been born to help support with marketing, events, public-facing, community-facing strategy, social media management, but also looking to help really explore what programmes and initiatives can be supported that make a real difference and link up with other businesses who are looking for corporate social responsibility programmes."

A life-changing moment

Looking back, Chloe describes the impact as far bigger than she expected when she first opened the website.

"It's given me the confidence, the connections, the prospects. It's been quite life-changing already in such a short amount of time, and potentially changed my trajectory, my path, for my future career."

Thinking about volunteering?

If Chloe's story sounds like the opportunity you've been looking for, take a look at the roles currently available. Whatever skills you bring, there may be a local charity that needs exactly that.