CAPITAL Volunteer Spotlight: Tabitha's Story

As part of Volunteers’ Week, we’re celebrating the incredible volunteers who help make CAPITAL Project Trust a welcoming, supportive and empowering community.

Tabitha has been part of CAPITAL for almost ten years, first as a member and now as a dedicated volunteer, group facilitator, Patient Viewpoint volunteer and mentor to others. Her story highlights how volunteering can build confidence, create opportunities and make a lasting difference to both individuals and communities.

We’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to Tabitha for the time, care and commitment she brings to CAPITAL every week.

Finding a Safe Space

“Hi, my name is Tabitha and I volunteer at CAPITAL. I have been a member for almost 10 years.

I was the quiet one in the corner keeping my head down, barely speaking to anyone. But I felt safe there. After I left my job and after starting my ‘Stable’ journey, I volunteered at CAPITAL’s first stall at Chi Pride ’23. I had so much fun. I got to talk to people about CAPITAL and about my mental health. This was when I decided I wanted to do more.”

Taking the First Step into Volunteering

“In August 2023, just a couple of months later, I got that chance. I was asked if I could help run the art group in Bognor, I jumped at the chance. I was asked if I could run the art group the next week. Of course, I said yes.

We started off with four very quiet members; they reminded me of myself. After a couple of months, we had extended the group from 2 hours to 3 hours on a Monday and then shortly after starting a second group on a Thursday for 2 hours.”

Supporting Change Through Patient Viewpoint

“I have also volunteered doing PVP (Patient Viewpoint) at Oaklands Mental health Hospital. CAPITAL starting this many, many years ago. I learnt so much from so many people and have helped make things better and safer on the ward.”

Continuing to Grow

“So, now in 2026, I still run the Monday Arts and Crafts Group (3 hours a week) and CAPITAL Connections (3 hours a week on a Thursday). I volunteer at events in Chichester, Bognor, and Worthing. We now ‘sell’ crafts that we make in the groups to help fund what we do in the groups. I have also helped train other volunteers and am happy to support them.

I love what I do with CAPITAL. I have grown so much with them and have made many close friends.”

A Message for Future Volunteers

“If you’re thinking about volunteering anywhere, go and ask to talk to someone in the organisation you want to work for. You can change your mind, it’s ok. You can always try somewhere else. But when you find the right place, it’s amazing and truly life changing!

Thank you for reading my story, so far.”

Thank You, Tabitha

From attending groups as a member to facilitating weekly sessions, supporting PVP, representing CAPITAL at community events and helping train new volunteers, Tabitha has made a remarkable contribution to CAPITAL and the people we support.

Her story is a reminder that volunteering is not only about giving back—it can also be an opportunity to discover new strengths, build lasting friendships and create positive change for others.

Thank you Tabitha, for everything you do for CAPITAL and our community.