How volunteering with Commonwealth War Graves can change your life

Becoming a Commonwealth War Graves volunteer brings some brilliant benefits. Here’s how it can change your life.

Why you should volunteer with Commonwealth War Graves

Boost your physical and mental wellbeing

These days, people of all walks of life are taking more time to improve their physical and mental health. You may not realise it, but did you know volunteering can help do just that?

Research from the Mayo Clinic has shown that volunteer activities keep moving and thinking, stimulating mind and body, especially in those aged 60 and over.

According to the Mayo Clinic, volunteers report better physical health than non-volunteers. What’s more, research suggests volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety, especially in people 65 and above.

Volunteering releases dopamine, which helps people relax and feel good, improving positivity, and reducing stress.

Reduced stress further lowers the risk of some mental and physical conditions, including heart disease, stroke, depression, and anxiety.

Enjoy an improved sense of purpose

“I volunteer as it is helping everyone to remember the fallen. It’s keeping their memory alive for their family and for generations to come.” – Rob Bradshaw, Eyes On, Hands On volunteer

Commonwealth War Graves volunteers help us share the work of the Foundation and the Commission.

Keeping the memories and stories of the Commonwealth’s war dead is at the core of what we do. 

When you volunteer with Commonwealth War Graves, whether as a volunteer speaker, a tour guide, a student volunteer, or an Eyes On, Hands On team member, you’re helping us do exactly.

Not only will you be helping us keep alive the memories of 1.7 million casualties of the World Wars, but you’ll be enjoying the health benefits of having a renewed sense of purpose too.

Our volunteers make a real impact. Take the Eyes On, Hands On project for instance.

In 2022, over 94,000 war graves and headstones across the UK were inspected. Flash forward to 2024 and, thanks to our EOHO volunteers, nearly 130,000 inspections had taken place and over 16,000 site reports filed.

Through the EOHO volunteers’ efforts, scattered, isolated, and local war graves across the country have been inspected and spruced up, caring for the final resting places of those men and women commemorated at home.

Make new friends and grow your social circle

Are you a social butterfly? Maybe you’re a bit more of a wallflower and looking to put yourself out a bit more? Perhaps you’re just looking to meet like-minded people with a passion for local and World War history.

Whatever your social preferences, volunteering is a great way to get out and about and meet new people.

You’ll meet people from all walks of life, helping you forge new friendships and connections from people you may never have met before. Maybe you’ll find a new best friend, a potential new business partner, or strike up a potentially life-changing conversation.

You won’t know unless you volunteer.

Support a cause you believe in

“There is nothing more satisfying than giving a tour, standing next to the grave of a person who died in either the First or Second World Wars and being able to tell people who these men and women were and what they did for us.” – Rocky Salmon, Commonwealth War Graves volunteer

We are all history lovers at Commonwealth War Graves. Our volunteers are too. Each and every one helps us with our mission: to tell the stories of the men and women we commemorate.

If you’re a history lover with a passion for uncovering new facts and tales from your local area, come and explore your options with us.

Why I volunteer for Commonwealth War Graves: Adrian’s story

Adrian Hughes was one of the first to join our Eyes On, Hands On volunteering project. Since joining us, his patch has grown to cover 200 war graves in Conwy and Gwynedd, Wales.

“For the last twenty years, I have been researching the fallen on my local war memorial. I decided that I would like to visit all their graves and the memorials that they are commemorated on regardless of where that is in the world. 

“To do this I have visited CWGC sites across Asia, Africa and Europe and have always been in awe of the work that a small, dedicated team does to look after the graves of the fallen in perpetuity. 

“When the prospect arose to volunteer for the Commission in my local area, I jumped at the chance and the opportunity to do ‘my bit’.”

“I have enjoyed researching the fallen who I talk about, and it is these backstories that bring home to the public the sacrifices that previous generations made. I am passionate about telling people about the work of Commonwealth War Graves and those that they commemorate.

“Volunteering for the CWGC, especially giving talks and walks, has made me more confident especially when talking to larger groups.”

How to Volunteer with Commonwealth War Graves

We always want to hear from anyone interested in volunteering with us!

Head to the Volunteer page to discover the latest opportunities and ways you can get involved.

How to support the Commonwealth War Graves volunteers

Here’s how your help and generosity supports our volunteer programmes:

• £10 could buy three hi-visibility vests to help keep our Eyes On Hands On volunteers safe
• £25 could provide for a welcome pack for one of our Eyes On Hands On volunteers to get them started in their role
• £40 could enable us to send one of our volunteer speakers to deliver an inspiring talk to a school or youth group

The best way to support our work is to become a CWGF Member.

For just £3 a month, not only do you get to support our volunteering, education, and outreach projects, but CWGF Members also enjoy:

• Access to CWGF Chats: a series of special online talks about the work of the Commission, as told by CWGC staff, as well as specialist subjects from renowned historians
• Priority access to our brilliant events
• A regular newsletter keeping you up to date with all the latest CWGF news 
• A yearly impact report detailing our projects so you can really measure the effects your donations and support have on our work
• Your subscription to the Foundation Chronicle: our magazine detailing events, more Foundation insights, and interesting snippets of World War history
• A free CWGF calendar

Become a Member today and help us keep the memories of the Commonwealth’s war dead alive forever.

Don’t want to become a Member? Making a one-off donation is quick and easy. All of your donations go towards supporting CWGF projects. Please consider supporting us today.