From Small Moments to Big Change: John Pockett’s Volunteering Journey
When John Pockett first got involved with The Honeypot Children’s Charity nearly 20 years ago, he never imagined just how many doors it would open - for young carers, for the charity, and for himself.
“I actually got involved with Honeypot about 20 years ago,” John says. “My wife, Patricia, was looking for a charity to work with, and Honeypot just sold itself to us.”
At the time, John had recently retired and was running a small consultancy. Through a volunteer network event, he and his wife were introduced to a number of charities - but one story stood out. A fundraiser from Honeypot spoke about Amy, a young carer who was an only child helping to care for her sick mother.
“That really hit home,” John explains. “I could relate to that. I wasn’t a young carer myself, but as an only child when my mother got older and more infirm, I realised how difficult it would be if anything was to go wrong.”
That moment was the start of a long and varied volunteering journey - one shaped not by job titles or formal roles, but by relationships, conversations, and saying yes when it mattered.
Finding your own way to help
John’s volunteering has taken many forms over the years. In the early days, it meant giving a lot of fundraising presentations in the local community - sometimes one a week - helping people understand what Honeypot does and why it matters.
Later, it became something more informal but just as powerful: talking about Honeypot “to anybody and everybody that I can”.
“I never asked for money,” John says. “I never had to. I could just talk honestly about the charity.”
Those conversations led to lasting impact. One early supporter went on to fund the Art Studio at Honeypot House in Hampshire - a fantastic space which is still used and loved by the young carers today.
“What was really nice,” John recalls, “was when he and his wife visited without announcing it, and the Art Studio was full of happy children using it. That encouraged him to give even more.”
John has also helped bring other volunteers and supporters into Honeypot, people with skills ranging from building and project management to event support and administration.
“I think the most effective thing I’ve probably done is bring other people into the charity.”
More than volunteering - a community
Ask John what he enjoys most about volunteering with Honeypot, and his answer is immediate.
“It’s the camaraderie and the way everybody works together - no politics. We just get on with it. And it’s never about just one person – it’s about all the people. The volunteers at Honeypot are all amazing – it really is a team effort!”
Over the years, those shared experiences have grown into genuine friendships. Volunteers meet outside Honeypot, support one another, and stay connected long after individual projects end.
“Honeypot is the best charity I’ve worked with,” John says. “For thanking and supporting volunteers and donors, and for forming good relationships - it’s really brilliant at that.”
Moments that stay with you
Some of John’s most memorable moments have come from unexpected places: a small breakfast talk that led to a sailing day for young carers; a chance lift home that resulted in a £5,000 grant; a conversation at the House of Commons where he helped raise awareness of young carers as a “hidden group” too often overlooked.
“Sometimes,” he reflects, “one small conversation can lead to something much bigger.”
But it’s listening to young carers themselves that has had the deepest impact.
“I remember a nine-year-old girl saying, ‘My brother’s older than me, but I look after him - so really, I’m the older one.’ That stays with you.”
A message to future volunteers
Today, John volunteers a little differently. His own caring responsibilities at home mean he has less time, but he still gets involved where he feels he can add the most value - dressing up as Father Christmas at community events, supporting fundraising, and quietly encouraging others to step forward.
His advice to anyone thinking about volunteering with Honeypot?
“Do it - and make the most of it,” he says. “Learn new skills, form good relationships, and work in a great team. It really is worth doing.”
For John, volunteering hasn’t been about doing everything - it’s been about doing something, consistently and with heart.
And that’s exactly what makes the difference.
We are always seeking new volunteers, especially skilled volunteers like John. If you are interested in volunteering with us do please visit our volunteering web page to see all the roles we have available and send us your application.
We look forward to hearing from you!