
At Wandsworth Care Alliance, we’re proud to celebrate the inspiring journeys of people who dedicate their time and heart to their communities. One such individual is Samreen Mulji, whose path from volunteering as a children’s reading supporter to now being appointed a trustee at WCA is nothing short of remarkable.
How it all began
Samreen first got involved with Learn 2 Love 2 Read a local charity supporting children with their reading. Having moved from India to the UK, Samreen was new to the community and initially connected with the charity as a parent. Her daughter received reading support through Learn 2 Love 2 Read. Grateful for the help her family received, Samreen was inspired to give something back.
Encouraged by another parent at her daughter’s school, she applied to volunteer with the organisation. What started as a personal thank you turned into a life-changing experience.
Over the course of two years, Samreen volunteered both in person and online with Learn 2 Love 2 Read. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she continued to support children’s reading remotely, adapting to the challenges with resilience and compassion.
Samreen shared that volunteering helped her not only learn new skills such as communication, patience, and understanding the cultural nuances of the UK, but also gave her a deep sense of purpose. One of the highlights for her was the joy she saw in children’s faces when she came to collect them for reading sessions.
“It boosted my confidence just as much as it boosted theirs,” she said.
The power of giving back
Samreen describes volunteering as a way to combat loneliness, connect with others, and feel part of a community. Having previously volunteered with an Islamic food drive charity during the pandemic, delivering food to immigration centres and vulnerable families, Samreen was no stranger to helping others. But it was through Learn 2 Love 2 Read that she found a consistent, structured way to make a lasting difference.
“Volunteering gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling,” she says. “It’s the kind of happiness you can’t buy. You’re doing your bit to keep humanity going.”
Becoming a Trustee
Volunteering eventually led to working as a member of staff at Learn 2 Love 2 Read, and now to a new chapter as a trustee at Wandsworth Care Alliance. Samreen’s journey shows how giving your time, even just a little, can open unexpected doors and build confidence, connections, and community.
We asked Samreen what advice she would give to individuals considering volunteering, she said:
“Be fearless. No one is judging you. If one role isn’t right for you, try another. Just give your time, it makes a difference.” We’re proud to have Samreen as part of the WCA team and thank her for her continued dedication to strengthening the Voluntary and Community Sector in Wandsworth.
If you’re interested in volunteering, have a look on our volunteering platform where we have a range of roles available to suit your needs. Click here.
For more information contact our volunteering team at volunteering@wandcareall.org.uk.