2026: Celebrating the power of volunteering at Afrocats

As we look back on the past year at Afrocats, one word comes to mind: ‘gratitude.’

And with 2026 officially recognised by the United Nations as International Volunteer Year, it feels especially meaningful to pause, reflect, and celebrate the incredible people who give their time, energy and care to help our communities thrive.

This year, seeing our volunteer and placement team grow stronger has brought us immense joy: together, volunteers contributed over 700 hours across Afrocats programmes, and we have been blown away by the kindness, commitment and creativity so freely offered.

Our volunteers supported all things Afrocats by playing vital roles in youth and adult creative sessions, family activities, and joyful days out, and every hour given helped make Afrocats the warm, welcoming and empowering organisation it continues to be.

Volunteers helped facilitate workshops spanning animation, yoga, dance and nutrition, ensuring every space felt safe, inclusive and full of possibility, and their presence allowed participants to feel supported, seen and encouraged to explore new skills and ideas.

Beyond sessions and events, volunteers also helped shape our work at a deeper level, and we were proud to welcome volunteers onto panels supporting symposiums, contributing lived experience, insight and critical thinking.

And they informed projects behind the scenes, helping to guide our direction and strengthen our vision and purpose.

Volunteering with Afrocats isn’t ‘one-size-fits-all,’ and there’s always a way to get involved - and often the opportunity to shape your own path with us.

A brilliant example of this our volunteer project assistant Leona, whose journey with Afrocats highlights how volunteering and placements can grow into meaningful roles that benefit both the individual and the organisation.

Stories like Leona’s remind us that volunteering is not just about giving, it’s also about learning, belonging and building confidence, and and so as we step into the Year of the Volunteer 2026, we are excited to welcome even more people into our community, where volunteers are integral to what we do, helping us share joy, creativity and safety in every Afrocats space.

Whether you want to support sessions, shape projects, or explore your own ideas, there’s a place for you here.

If you’re inspired to make a difference, learn new skills, and be part of a creative, caring community, get in touch with us now to volunteer by supporting communities across Manchester in 2026.