In today’s episode of Busy House Happy Home, I’m joined by the thoughtful and inspiring Camilla Poulton for a conversation about something that matters deeply to both of us: giving our time, using our skills, and stepping beyond the rhythm of our own daily lives to serve others.

Camilla first reached out to me by email, and what struck me straight away was her belief that life is not simply about talking about change, but about quietly and bravely putting it into action. Together, we talk about volunteering, community, purpose, and how helping others can often bring us back to ourselves.

We explore the many forms volunteering can take, from supporting schools and local community projects to listening to children read, helping in food banks, serving in the NHS in non-medical roles, and even working within the prison system. What I loved so much about this conversation is that it reminds us that volunteering does not have to look one particular way. It can begin with what you are naturally good at, what you care about, and where you feel quietly called to help.

We also touch on early childhood, family life, social responsibility, and the way a happy home is often built not only through what happens inside it, but through how fulfilled we feel within ourselves. There is so much wisdom here about purpose, confidence, resilience, and the importance of using whatever gifts we have, however ordinary they may seem.

If you are feeling a little stuck, a little flat, or as though life has become very small and inward-looking, I hope this episode feels like a gentle nudge towards something meaningful and life-giving.

Love, Charlie x

Less formal volunteering opportunities

https://volunteering.oxfam.org.uk/opportunities?cookieconsent=set#cookieconsent=set%3Fdisplay%3Dgrid&s=date_advertised&o=desc&limit=14&include=image&public_search=true&display=grid

https://www.samaritans.org/support-us/volunteer/

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/local-services-volunteer/

https://www.trussell.org.uk/support-us/volunteer

https://www.bookmarkreading.org/volunteer?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=googlead&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20270961095&gbraid=0AAAAACxctG3VT1xsasrdjMPMCroomJ8U5&gclid=CjwKCAiAqprNBhB6EiwAMe3yhp9be420vW3sn1sIqbeml_W-gPjEv9SJuhgEPrVX-IFUgPY8LDpoDRoCL00QAvD_BwE

More formal volunteering opportunities

https://governorsforschools.org.uk/become-a-school-governor/

https://magistrates.judiciary.uk/

https://imb.org.uk/prison-volunteer/prison-volunteer-uk/

Resources Mentioned

• Duke of Edinburgh Award

• School governor opportunities

• Local food banks

• Age UK

• Samaritans

• Community shops and cafés

• NHS patient and public involvement opportunities

• Hello email: [email protected]

Thank you for listening to Busy House, Happy Home - a place for gentle conversations about everyday life at home.

This podcast is shaped by the questions and conversations shared by its listeners, so please do get in touch if there’s something you’d like Charlie to talk about. You can reach her at [email protected].

For more from Charlie, including books, seasonal guides, and her Members Club, as well as lifestyle and homeware, you can visit askcharlie.how.

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