LIVED EXPERIENCE

VOLUNTEER

 Use your story to help others recognise sepsis and take life-saving action 

Have you or someone close to you been affected by sepsis?

Would you like to share your experience to help others stay safe and informed? 

As a Lived Experience Volunteer for the UK Sepsis Trust, you’ll play a powerful role in raising awareness by delivering talks in spaces that matter to you, whether that’s your workplace, a local community group, a place of worship, or a public event. 

You’ll use your lived experience, combined with resources and support from UKST, to help people understand what sepsis is, how to recognise the signs, and why acting fast can save lives. 

And you won’t be alone – we’ll support you with full training, guidance, and encouragement every step of the way. 

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More about this role
As a Lived Experience Volunteer, you will: 
  • Take part in UKST-led training to help you feel confident and supported. 
  • Deliver awareness talks using our pre-approved slides – either in person, online, or both, depending on your preference and availability. 
  • Share your personal experience of sepsis in a way that feels right for you. 
  • Signpost people to trusted resources like the UKST website and helpline. 
  • Choose when and where you give talks – this might include:
    • Your workplace or professional networks. 
    • Local leisure or community centres. 
    • Faith-based or religious venues. 
    • SEND and inclusion-focused organisations. 
    • Clubs, interest groups, or local events. 
  • Occasionally be invited to support UKST-organised events – entirely optional. 
What we provide
  • Supportive training with space to ask questions and prepare. 
  • A full presentation kit, including slides and speaker notes. 
  • One-to-one support from our Volunteer Lead. 
  • Reimbursement of pre-approved travel expenses. 
  • Emotional check-ins – we understand this work can be powerful and sometimes personal. 
  • Optional peer connection with other volunteers. 

It’s important to note that we’ll never ask you to give a talk until you feel ready. 

Who this role is for

This role is open to anyone with a personal connection to sepsis, whether you’ve had it yourself, supported someone through it, or sadly lost someone you love. 

For many, becoming a Lived Experience Volunteer is a way to honour that experience or to keep a loved one’s memory alive by helping others understand the signs of sepsis and the importance of acting quickly. 

You might be looking to turn a painful experience into something positive, hoping to raising awareness in your community, or you’re just passionate about helping others stay informed and safe.

You don’t need to have any public speaking experience – just the willingness to share your story in your own way, and a desire to make a difference.

Time commitment

This is a flexible, occasional role. Some volunteers deliver one or two talks a year, others speak more regularly – it’s completely up to you and what fits around your life. 

We’ll sometimes pass on opportunities from third parties (e.g. schools, workplaces, events) – but we’ll always ask first, and you’re free to say yes or no each time. 

The difference you’ll make

Sepsis affects 245,000 people in the UK each year, yet public understanding remains low. Many people still don’t know what it is, how to spot it, or when to act. But your voice has power: your story can save lives. 

By sharing your story and raising awareness, you can: 

  • Help others recognise sepsis sooner and seek urgent care. 
  • Reach people who may never have heard of sepsis before. 
  • Honour your own experience, or that of someone close to you. 
  • Be part of a national movement to save lives and improve outcomes. 
How to get involved

If you feel ready to explore this role, please complete our short form and a member of our team will be in touch to arrange a friendly, informal chat.

If you’d prefer to speak with someone before applying, or if you have any accessibility or emotional support needs, we’re here to help – just contact us at volunteering@sepsistrust.org. 

We’re committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming volunteer environment, and we recognise that people connect with sepsis in many different ways. 

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