Volunteers’ Week 2026 At Carpenters Group
Volunteers’ Week is a chance to recognise the people who give their time to support others, often quietly and without expectation.
At Carpenters Group, that commitment is part of who we are, with all colleagues given two volunteering days each year to support causes that matter to them. For Donna Ellis Connell, Chartered Legal Executive in our Serious Injury team, volunteering has become a natural extension of the work she does every day.
Donna volunteers with Headway Sefton, a community founded by our Head of Serious Injury, Carol Hopwood, for people living with brain injuries, as well as their families and carers. It provides a safe, welcoming space where members can build confidence, connect with others, relax in a safe environment and feel understood.
Her involvement came from a desire to go beyond the legal work and better understand the realities people face.
“I see the impact of brain injuries every day, but I wanted to understand more about what life looks like beyond a claim, especially for people who might not have access to wider support.”
At Headway Sefton, Donna plays a hands-on role in supporting both the sessions and the people who attend them. She regularly attends training provided by Headway UK to ensure compliance with their policies. She helps out with practical tasks where she can, such as collecting lunch for Headway members, and she readily makes herself available and approachable to members who may need signposting or additional support.
Donna’s time with members often centres around the monthly drop-in sessions.
“For many who attend, those sessions are more than just a meeting. In the early stages of recovery, it can be one of the only times someone leaves the house. Over time, it becomes something people genuinely look forward to - a place where they can relax, spend time with others and feel completely themselves.”
The sessions offer a mix of informal support and practical guidance, giving members the opportunity to spend time with others who understand their experiences, take part in a range of different activities and have access to specialist assistance when they need it.
Through this, Donna has developed a deeper understanding of the day-to-day challenges faced by those living with a brain injury, particularly when those challenges aren’t immediately visible to others.
“Brain injuries aren’t always visible, and that can lead to misunderstanding. I’ve spoken to people who’ve been assumed to be drunk because of speech difficulties, which really shows how quickly people can jump to conclusions.”
That insight has deepened Donna’s understanding of the people she supports in her role at Carpenters Group, particularly when it comes to long-term recovery.
“You see people at all stages of their journey, not just in the immediate aftermath. It gives you a clearer picture of both the progress that can be made and the challenges that don’t simply disappear. That real-life insight is invaluable in the work we do.”
Alongside her work with Headway Sefton, Donna is also preparing to become a mentor with The Girls’ Network, supporting young women from less advantaged communities to build confidence and explore their future.
For Donna, it’s about offering the kind of guidance she didn’t have early in her own career:
“I had ambitions, but I didn’t always know how to turn them into something real. If I can help someone feel more confident in themselves and what they’re capable of, that’s something I really value.”
It’s a role she’s looking forward to stepping into, continuing her commitment to supporting others. For Donna, volunteering comes down to something simple.
“Even the smallest contribution can have a real impact. You give your time, but you gain just as much in return.”
Through colleagues like Donna, Volunteers’ Week is a reminder of the impact that giving your time can have. It shows how simply being there for others and taking the time to understand their experiences can make a real difference.
If this cause strikes a chord with you, why not join us at the Headway Sefton Ball on 3rd July 2026 at the Crowne Plaza in Liverpool. To get your tickets, email events@carpentersgroup.co.uk
