Volunteer at Mast Cell Action
If you are interested in supporting Mast Cell Action through volunteering, we have opportunities in communications, our patient support programmes, medical research/liaison, our events team, resource team, stories team, peer support service, parent/carer support service and operations management.
Some of our volunteers have a vested interest in the disease (i.e. they or they know someone who suffers from the syndrome), others just want to provide their expertise and skills to the charity in order to give back to the community.
Why volunteer?
Volunteering can help you develop new skills and gain valuable experience. By volunteering, you can gain hands-on experience in a variety of areas, such as event planning, marketing, and leadership.
These skills can be valuable in both personal and professional settings and can help you to stand out in the job market. Additionally, volunteering can provide opportunities for personal growth, such as improving your communication skills or developing your empathy and compassion.
Volunteering can help you build relationships and expand your network, allowing you to meet new people who share similar interests and values.
It can also provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment. By helping others, you can make a positive impact on your community and contribute to a cause that you are passionate about. This can help to improve your overall well-being.
You can view our current vacancies here. Please contact us for further information or to have a chat about how you would like to work with Mast Cell Action.
We are always open to welcoming new people with different skills who would like to support those affected by Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. If you are interested in volunteering for Mast Cell Action, please get in touch.
Upcoming vacancies will be posted on the following websites -
We would love to hear from you if you are interested in any of our current vacancies or if you have something else in mind!
Katrin, a Mast Cell Action volunteer, shares her volunteering story:
"I joined the Mast Cell Action team at the end of 2021. With my children getting older, I found myself with a little more time on my hands and a desire to learn some new skills as well as to put my existing experience and skills to a good cause. I have a PhD in cell and molecular biology, and so am intrinsically interested in MCAS, but my daughter also shows some of the signs and symptoms (thankfully not severe) of MCAS, so I also have a vested interest in finding out more about this disease.
My background is in science editing and writing, but I am keen to extend my communication skillset to include pictures as well as words! In my role as Communications and Marketing Volunteer for Mast Cell Action, I help to develop graphics for the charity’s social media sites and any campaigns it embarks upon.
Although I was familiar with creating simple graphics for use on social media through another voluntary role at my daughter’s football club, Joy has helped me to cement these existing skills as well as teaching me (enthusiastically and very patiently!) new ones and involving me in other aspects of the charity’s work. Even though I spend only a few hours per week working for Mast Cell Action, I feel that this work is valued and that I am making a worthwhile contribution to the charity. In the meantime, I’ve gained confidence, new skills, and more knowledge about MCAS!".
I found Mast Cell Action through researching my own symptoms and it was the first time I read someone’s story and thought ‘that sounds like me’. I love to write and find it a great way of coping with life. I started posting little comments and poems on the Mast Cell Action Facebook pages. Joy (Head of Communications and Operations) got in touch with me to ask if they would be able to share some of my writing as it helps other people to understand ‘how MCAS feels’. From there, I’ve written various pieces and also developed the ‘MCAS Moments’ campaign where we share moments of everyday life and how different they are when you have MCAS.
I really want people to feel like they have support, that there are others who understand what they’re going through and to try and ‘give a voice to how it feels’ to have this condition so that other people understand.
Katya has a background of several years in the film production industry as a project manager and editor with a specific focus on charity campaign films.
Whilst managing MCAS symptoms herself, she’s created her own accessible business from home to avoid triggers, as a food photographer and videographer and recipe developer specifically for elimination / restrictive diets.
She also shares her strategies for managing life and travelling with several chronic illnesses across @positivelychronictravels instagram and website with several free resources and advocacy.
To continue her advocacy and raise more awareness and help generate change in the community for MCAS, Katya is also now our Community Champion volunteer.
When my brother became ill with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (following tick bites which caused alpha-gal allergy and anaphylaxis), it quickly became clear that awareness and understanding of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome are in short supply. Unfortunately, the NHS was unable to diagnose or treat my brother and, time and again, doctors refused to entertain the notion of MCAS - preferring to dismiss his severe allergy-type symptoms as anxiety.
Thanks to Mast Cell Action and the caring community of people who share their knowledge and experiences of MCAS, my brother is finding ways to navigate this complex condition. I'm grateful for the validation, understanding, solidarity, support and hope offered by this community. I'm determined to keep learning about MCAS and raising awareness of its effects, so sufferers can get the support they need to regain their health and lives.
As part of my volunteer role, I'll be supporting Mast Cell Action's Thursday evening Zoom sessions.
Hi my name is Alice. I love to draw and write poetry, they have always been my go-to, through lifes joys and heartbreaks. I am married, my husband's name is Chris and I have five amazing children and two step children aged between 29 and 12.
My MCAS journey started aged 3, not that anyone knew what was going on with me. I spent years being told "we don't know what is wrong with you." I had stays in hospital being treated for anaphylaxis. Then this year I finally got a diagnosis aged 51. I am hoping that one day treatment with begin far quicker.
Please come along to the Creatives with MCAS events and share your story and your 'art'.
Hi, I’m Anna - an English Language and Communications graduate with a passion for creativity and caring for others. Experienced in customer service and education,
I also write voluntarily for an online platform crafting engaging content on a variety of topics such as lifestyle, film, theatre and music. My previous adventures took me to Australia, where I immersed myself in various volunteer roles across the country, having only recently returned to the UK.
Each experience deepened my passion for making a difference and ignited a desire to channel my skills towards meaningful causes. Now back home and eager to continue contributing to important initiatives and kickstart a career in communications, I am thrilled at joining Mast Cell Action as a Volunteer Communications Officer.
I am excited to leverage my academic background and passion for storytelling to raise awareness, inspire action, and support the invaluable work of Mast Cell Action in empowering individuals affected by mast cell disorders.
Hello! My name is Krish Mehta and I have recently joined the team of Mast Cell Action as a volunteer project coordinator. I came to the UK in 2022 to pursue my masters in MSc in project Management.
I am currently a Team Leader at H&M and work in the retail sector. I came across this organization when I was scrolling through volunteering work to gain some invaluable exposure in my field. Scrolling through the responsibilities at the offer pinged me and then it made me certain to apply to MCAS for its mission, movement and community that has been built and a place where through my support they can make a difference in the lives of the people, moreover, a better place to live for the people who are affected.
Before these roles, have worked as a Project Coordinator at the University of Westminster, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless project delivery and alignment with CSR objectives. I also have experience as a Project Support at We Naturalists in Mumbai, India, whereby demonstrated commitment to data integrity, optimized data management processes, and mentored new colleagues.
My job role here would be working closely with the Project Manager and project teams to ensure smooth project operations, timely completion of tasks, and effective communication among team members. This position requires strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with diverse groups of volunteers. Which in a nutshell, comes down to project support, communication, collaboration, task and Resource Management, plus Reporting and Documentation to make it a successful project. Through my efforts, I would love to bring a positive change and an impact for the organization.
I’m Anuoluwapo, a passionate individual with a diverse professional background. I hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s in project management, demonstrating my dedication to turning ideas into reality. My experience ranges from managing payrolls to conducting internal audits, but I find my true calling at the intersection of projects and people.
As a Project Support Officer, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about meeting deadlines—it’s about nurturing collaboration and sparking innovation. I’m excited to volunteer as a Project Coordinator with Mast Cell Action, where I can broaden my horizons and deepen my dedication to driving positive change within communities.
Outside of my professional life, I’m committed to giving back to the community. I’m particularly drawn to projects in IT, healthcare, finance, and sustainable banking—areas where I can align my expertise with my values of innovation and compassion. Volunteering allows me to use my skills for initiatives that uplift communities. Together, let’s make a difference!
Megan is an animation student studying at University of the Arts London with a passion for visual arts and storytelling.
She has had an intense interest in character design for a long time, however she only discovered her love for animation while studying for her foundation diploma.
Lisa Barnard, a graduate of the De Montfort University, Leicester, has a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design and an MA in Design Innovation.
She has five years of experience in graphics (illustration, packaging, typography, brand names/logos, and advertising), and media (animation, video, website design and digital marketing), serving as a graphic designer.
She has been working with Graffwerk Associated Arts Projects for an internship. She has also been working placements at Next, Ladybird, Sainsbury, and Arch Creative (Advertising agency).
Lisa has recently joined the team of Mast Cell Action as a volunteer Graphic Artist. She loves to draw and paint and is passionate about her illustrations for the children’s books and greeting cards.
Ting has joined the Mast Cell Action team as a volunteer Events Coordinator. Ting came to England in 2023 to pursue her double masters in AI Computer Science at the University of Nottingham, after working in Shanghai for six years.
Ting describes herself as a laid back person with a Zen mindset and loves anything that creates a sense of freedom, such as surfing, dancing and cycling.
When not volunteering for Mast Cell Action, Ting works as a project engineer.
Whilst Ting doesn't have MCAS herself, she has a strong empathy for people who are living with it or caring for those that are.
Lev Fielding has joined Mast Cell Action as a Volunteer Illustrator. Lev works as a freelance illustrator and comic artist and is currently based in Cornwall.
Lev graduated from Falmouth University with a first-class Master's degree in Illustration: Authorial Practice.
As part of their day job, Lev produces work that is inspired by research into the intersection that lies between creativity and healthcare, often through narrative-driven projects.
As a volunteer at Mast Cell Action, Lev is dedicated to using creativity as a tool for positive change and to empower those living with MCAS.
Andre has recently joined Mast Cell Action as a Volunteer Legal Advisor. Andre decided to volunteer for us because of his strong personal commitment to charitable causes and a belief in supporting people facing complex health conditions.
Andre began his legal career training as a barrister in England and later qualified as a Barrister and Solicitor at the High Court of Fiji. Andre is registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority to practice in England and Wales. With a professional background in law, including an LLB, a Doctor of Laws, and a Professional Diploma in Legal Practice, Andre's extensive legal expertise is particularly highlighted by his specialization in medical law. He is Fellow Member of the Royal Society of Medicine, one the UK's leading learned societies for healthcare professionals.
As a Volunteer Legal Advisor, Andre will provide guidance on legal matters to ensure the charity’s operations are in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Eden is from Belfast and has offered to volunteer as a Peer Supporter due to her personal experience with various health conditions. Having lived with these conditions, Eden understands the impact they can have on people's lives and is passionate about using her own experiences to support others. She hopes to help individuals feel less alone in their journeys and offer meaningful support to those facing similar challenges.
With a wealth of experience in volunteering, Eden has worked as a befriender for several charities, including Deafblind UK, Epilepsy Action, and Macmillan. She is also deeply involved in youth social action and champions youth voice and volunteering across the UK. In addition, Eden is a member of the Long Covid Kids annual panel and volunteers with Long Covid Support and Allergy UK. Eden is no stranger to keeping herself busy.
Eden is the proud owner of three kittens and holds a black belt in taekwondo.
Anna is a third-year Human Sciences student at the University of Oxford, with a strong passion for healthcare research that she plans to pursue more actively after graduation. She joined Mast Cell Action because of her interest in conditions like MCAS, which are often misunderstood and where there is still much to learn. Anna is particularly drawn to Mast Cell Action’s mission to bridge this knowledge gap and drive innovation in research, seeing it as the perfect opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Outside of her studies and volunteering, Anna has a passion for playing the piano, which provides a great creative outlet for her. A fun fact about her is that she also holds a qualification in wine tasting—one of the most unexpected skills she’s picked up over the years. Anna feels privileged to be part of the supportive and inspiring community at Mast Cell Action and is proud to contribute to a cause that is making a real difference in people's lives. Anna will be volunteering as a Bibliography Coordinator.
Aisosa Christabel Eweka was motivated to volunteer with Mast Cell Action due to our dedication to uplifting communities and creating meaningful change.
With a strong background in project management and customer service, Aisosa brings expertise in organisation, communication, and problem-solving. Outside of volunteering, she enjoys painting, traveling, and exploring creative hobbies that keep her inspired. A fun fact about her is her love for cartoons and artwork, which always remind her of the value of resilience.
One of Aisosa’s most memorable moments was witnessing the transformative impact of a campaign she supported, which highlighted the power of collective effort. Aisosa will be volunteering as a Project Coordinator.
Tania is a doctor with over 20 years of experience who joined Mast Cell Action to deepen her understanding of Mastocytosis and MCAS, aiming to better support her patients. Through her work, Tania has witnessed the significant challenges individuals face in being heard, connecting their symptoms, and obtaining accurate diagnoses. These experiences inspired her to contribute to Mast Cell Action’s mission of improving knowledge and understanding of these conditions and ensuring better support for those affected.
Throughout her medical career, Tania has held a variety of roles, including serving as a rehabilitation consultant in hospitals and working as a GP in primary care, out-of-hours services, and online settings.
As a volunteer at Mast Cell Action, Tania focuses on enhancing the charity’s resources by reviewing and improving the bibliography. Her work ensures that both healthcare practitioners and patients have access to accurate and up-to-date information.
Helen is thrilled to join Mast Cell Action as a volunteer. She was motivated to get involved by the great work the charity does to support people and raise awareness of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). Recognising that MCAS is not a well-known condition affecting many individuals, Helen believes the charity’s work is incredibly important. She is passionate about contributing to the cause and helping others in any way she can.
With a strong interest in health science and research, Helen felt drawn to the role of Volunteer Bibliography Coordinator. Her academic background includes a BSc in Health Sciences and a recently completed MSc in Mental Health Science. Alongside her studies, she has also gained experience through volunteering in various capacities.
In her role as Volunteer Bibliography Coordinator, Helen is responsible for finding the latest papers and studies on MCAS and contributing to the ongoing updates of the charity’s website.
Vikki began her volunteering journey with Mast Cell Action in 2024, driven by a passion to give back to the MCAS community. After experiencing significant improvements in her own health, she felt inspired to support others. Having fallen ill in late 2019 with a range of unexplained symptoms, Vikki spent three years fighting for a diagnosis.
In 2022, she was fortunate to receive an MCAS diagnosis. With the introduction of various medications, supplements, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes, her health steadily improved. She has gone from being 90% housebound—and at times wheelchair-bound—to returning to part-time work and enjoying an active lifestyle once again.
Vikki believes strongly in the importance of Mast Cell Action’s work and feels privileged to contribute to the organisation as a Volunteer Peer Support worker, offering emotional support and understanding to individuals in the earlier stages of their MCAS journey.
Mast Cell Action volunteer, Jasmine, shares her volunteering story:
"Hello! My name is Jasmine Maria Cutajar, a recent addition to the social media department at Mast Cell Action. Apart from my role here at Mast Cell Action, I am also a full-time Master’s student at Cardiff University where I am finishing my studies in media and politics. Moving away from my native country of Malta during the pandemic has been quite challenging with lockdowns and restrictions. Last October I found myself alone and in a new city unsure of what to do next alongside my studies and away from university life. I have never been one to shy away from a challenge, however, the pandemic added a layer of uncertainty in my plans of socialisation in my new home.
As a final year student, I felt unsure on what comes next for me and decided that volunteering would be a great way of discovering what I want to do next when it came to my career. Whilst my role in the social media department is something new to me, I am grateful for the trust entrusted in me by both Joy and Claire. My prior knowledge in social media came from spending hours reading, watching YouTube videos and growing up in an era filled with social media. I also run my own personal account which is something I’ve grown over the past 6 years and have learnt a lot of tricks that I now use in this role. With Joy’s supervision I have been able to learn new techniques and methods in creating new content which is now being posted on all of MCAS social media platforms. Whilst this is my second time volunteering, I believe that it would be a missed opportunity for anyone to not offer their knowledge to organisations such as Mast Cell Action and help bring awareness to a worthwhile cause. Volunteering for Mast Cell Action has taught me skills which I am hoping will help me figure out what is the best career for me to follow once I am done with my studies."
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