Yesterday, we gathered at Nightingales Café, Birkenhead to honour the 29 incredible individuals who bring life, light, and lasting change to Wirral Ways through volunteering. This wasn’t just a celebration—it was a reflection of the strength, resilience, and humanity that runs through everything we do.
Volunteers from across our projects shared their stories, laughed, cried, and reminded us all why community matters. Whether they’re supporting others, building new skills, or rediscovering structure after addiction, each person brings something powerful to the table.
📣 “Our volunteers don’t just give their time—they give their hearts,” said Jacob Jones, Volunteer & Communications Lead.
“For many, this work is part of their recovery, part of finding themselves again. It’s beautiful to witness, and we are beyond proud. It’s truly a privilege to be able to watch them grow, develop and flourish. I learn so much from them all and they inspire me daily with their innovation, compassion and ideas.”
The Power of Lived Experience
A remarkable 69% of our volunteers have lived experience of substance use. Many are now using that experience to uplift others. As Jason shared:
🗣️ “Being a volunteer is part of my recovery and helps me by helping others. I’ve learnt to appreciate what we have and to look after each other. Addiction can be a lonely place, but in recovery it’s a new world of happiness.”
Sharon added:
🗣️ “I volunteer with CGL because I am passionate about giving back. Talking about addiction and recovery is powerful and should not be stigmatised.”
And for Babs, who’s been with us for over a decade:
🗣️ “I have been a volunteer for Wirral Ways over 10 years—I absolutely LOVE WHAT I DO. I’ve gained so much knowledge supporting others.”
Incredible Impact by the Numbers
Our volunteers don’t just create emotional impact—they’re making a measurable difference too.
📊 In 2024 alone, they donated 18,526 hours of their time—the equivalent of nine full-time members of staff.
🧠 They attended 171 internal training sessions, gaining skills and knowledge to make their impact even greater.
🚀 11 volunteers moved into employment last year, six of them within Wirral Ways itself.
📈 Already in 2025, two more have gained jobs—one within our service and one with our valued partners at Recovery Works.
Volunteering That Changes Lives
Gerry Pangalis, Service Manager, praised the volunteers’ dedication:
“Volunteering at Wirral Ways is about more than giving back—it’s about rebuilding, redefining and realising potential. Our volunteers inspire hope every single day, not just for the people they support, but for everyone around them. We are incredibly lucky to have them.”
Thank You
To our current 29 volunteers—and the three more currently onboarding—we say this: thank you. 💛
Your stories, your time, and your courage are changing lives across the Wirral and beyond. You are the heartbeat of Wirral Ways.
