We are pleased to present this volunteering case study highlighting the contribution of Ransford Kennedy Gyimah, a Doctorate of Business Administration student at Teesside University. Kennedy has completed a staggering 226 hours of volunteering across a range of community organisations, demonstrating such a commitment to service, social connection, and community wellbeing.
Kennedy is always eager to try new things and embrace challenges. When he is part of a team, everyone values his presence, as he brings positivity, calm, and encouragement to those around him. His approachable nature instantly puts people at ease, and his ability to connect with others helps bring individuals and groups together. Kennedy’s hard work and dedication to volunteering make us incredibly proud. Read on to discover more about his inspiring volunteering journey.
For me, volunteering is about belonging, and belonging is built, not given. I chose to volunteer as a way of weaving myself into the Middlesbrough community through purposeful action and presence. What I offer is not just time, but what I think of as a philanthropy of self: showing up consistently, attentively, and with care.
I have volunteered with several organisations, including the British Heart Foundation, Middlesbrough Community Grocery, Teesside Volun-tees, The Genesis Project, Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Academy, Interlace Creative Prints, and Teesside Hospice. Each space has allowed me to contribute in different ways, from practical retail and food support to creative engagement and community development. Across all of them, my role has been guided by the same intention, to strengthen the connections that hold our community together.
Through my participation in the Community Bridgebuilder course delivered by Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency, I see myself as an active community bridge builder. I use my agency to understand the needs of others and to strengthen, support, and build meaningful connections within the local community.
My role at Middlesbrough Community Grocery includes replenishing stock, engaging with customers, and helping to keep the space welcoming and organised. At British Heart Foundation, I support sales, stock shelves, and assist customers. While these tasks may seem simple, I have come to understand them as essential acts of dignity and care, moments where patience, respect, and human connection really matter.
Through volunteering, I have learned that community is built through small, consistent actions rather than grand gestures. True solidarity, as I’ve experienced it, is not about charity, but about recognising our shared humanity and shared outcomes. I started volunteering to give back, but along the way I found something deeper.
What I enjoy most about volunteering is the sense of purpose it has brought into my life. I began this journey intending to give something back, but I didn’t expect to find my place, my purpose, and a deeper understanding of myself through the work. In serving others, I found alignment, between who I am and how I live.
My advice to future volunteers is to start where you are. The right role is often found in the space between your abilities and a neighbour’s need. Listening is essential and often doesn’t begin with answers, but with understanding the story beneath the surface. Come ready to give but be open to being changed by the experience.
Volunteering has helped me develop skills that go far beyond the roles. I have grown in empathy, learning how to translate care into action. Working within different teams has strengthened my collaborative resilience. These are not just volunteer skills; they are essential abilities for meaningful leadership and genuine human connection.
Looking ahead, I plan to continue weaving together my academic journey, professional development, and service. I intend to remain active in local volunteering while pursuing part-time teaching in business and moving into strategic or social impact roles. My goal is to build a life where my skills, studies, and service align into a purposeful legacy that creates opportunity for others.
Allison Anderson, Manager at The British Heart Foundation added:
Kennedy is an excellent and reliable member of our team here at The British Heart Foundation. He is always eager to learn new skills and is always willing to do more in order to help our charity fund life-saving research. He is a very motivated individual who brings a fantastic and vibrant energy to the team. He also has excellent customer service skills and really contributes to our shop being a friendly and helpful environment.
Chris Caygill, Community Grocery Assistant Manager added:
I had no idea until I read your example case study that Ken was so involved in such a wide range of volunteering opportunities across Middlesbrough, and I think that speaks to his humility. Every one of the roles he has been involved in is sincerely about serving others and not himself, and that has come across so clearly in his interactions with the team here and with our customers. Ken’s cheeriness and positivity are infectious and have really contributed to creating a positive atmosphere here, which is essential to making this a place our service users like to return to. I am genuinely blown away that he has given so much time to serving others whilst studying so intensely — the combination of Ken’s work ethic and humility is so inspiring.
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