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Volunteer Network News
Your latest news and updates from the Volunteering & Public Engagement Team
If you've got a volunteering story to share, please get in touch.
Welcome to August's Volunteer Network News
It’s been a warm one lately, so we hope you’ve been keeping cool, staying hydrated, and finding time to relax in the shade.
This month’s VNN is packed with updates, stories, and celebrations from across our volunteer community - from special events and group meetings to highlights of the amazing work you’ve all been doing.
So, grab a cuppa (iced or hot!) and enjoy reading about everything we’ve been up to together.
Your VPE Team,
Helen, Rachel, and Maddy
Please note, Emma Hunt left the ROS on 21 August. While we adjust to this change, we appreciate your patience. If you have any outstanding requests Emma was handling, please let us know and we’ll take care of them. For all enquiries, please use our team email volunteerengagement@theros.org.uk Thank you for your understanding!
Urgent call for people willing to share their story for our FLS campaign and feature in a national newspaper
We are campaigning to give everyone over 50 access to a Fracture Liaison Service (FLS). Your experiences will show the public why we need to end the current postcode lottery for these life-saving services.
We are looking for people with the following experiences:
- Have you lost a loved one in the last 18 months as a result of osteoporosis and/or fragility fractures e.g. after a hip fracture?
- Have you suffered personally in the last 18 months due to late or delayed diagnosis of your osteoporosis?
This is an urgent call to support our campaign. If you can help, please contact Ruth Hughes on Ruth.Hughes@theros.org.uk
October activity for volunteers
Get involved!
World Osteoporosis Day (20 October) is coming up, and this year we’d love your help to do something a little bit different.
We want to spread the word about BoneMed Online - our new support programme for people starting an osteoporosis medicine.
To make this happen, we’re asking our volunteers to visit a local healthcare professional setting, such as your GP, pharmacist, dentist, FLS or community well-being hub. We're just asking you to drop off some information, making them aware of BoneMed Online.
It’s a simple action, but together we can make a big impact!
Why are we asking for your help?
Being prescribed a new medicine can feel daunting. BoneMed Online gives people the information they need about their osteoporosis medicine, when they need it most.
BoneMed Online answers common questions on how the medicine works, how to take it, and possible side effects - helping people feel informed, confident, and supported in continuing their treatment.
This programme has been shaped by people living with osteoporosis and our amazing ROS volunteers. Over 30 volunteers helped us sense-check the content and even appeared in our videos. A huge thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey!
What we’re asking you to do:
- Pop into your local community primary care setting
- Share information about BoneMed Online and how it can support people starting an osteoporosis medicine
You don’t need to do this on World Osteoporosis Day itself — any time in October is perfect. After your visit, let us know the places you visited and left information.
If you can help us spread the word, we’d love to hear from you – you can let us know by expressing an interest in participating. There is no commitment at this stage by expressing an interest (there will be a registration confirmation in due course). We are asking you to complete this now to help us map where we have interest and manage any duplication of potential locations.
We will email everyone who has expressed an interest as we get closer to World Osteoporosis Day.
Support for you
We’ll send all materials and information you need before World Osteoporosis Day. You’ll receive ongoing support from the Volunteering and Public Engagement team.
Involvement for everyone
If you receive VNN by post and don’t use email, you can still take part. Call us on 01761 473112 and we’ll record your interest. We’ll also post you the materials and a paper response form so you can let us know how your visit went.
Brand refresh
Exclusive online session with CEO Craig Jones
Wednesday 17 September, 11am – 12 noon
Join us for this special session to find out more about our brand refresh. This session is specifically for our volunteers as an 'sneak peek' first look, ahead of sharing with our wider ROS membership.
Our CEO, Craig Jones, will introduce our refreshed brand and what it means for you as a valued ROS volunteer.
He'll share details about why and how we did it, and what we hope to achieve, before giving you a sneak peek in advance of the launch to the wider public later this year.
LVA Annette Browne will also share her experience of being an integral member of the project's working group. Please submit your questions in advance as this session will also include a Q&A. Email volunteerengagement@theros.org.uk with any questions you’d like to put to Craig.
Please note, it’s unlikely we'll be able to cover all questions and may group similar questions into themes to avoid repetition. A recording of the presentation will be available if you're not able to attend. Please register for the session via Eventbrite to be sent a copy of the recording after the session. Alternatively, email us to request a copy.
Christmas cards now on sale!
Our 2025 range of Christmas cards are now available. As well as raising vital funds to support everyone with osteoporosis, the cards are a great way to spread the word about our work, as each one has our details on the reverse.
There’s a design for every taste including two new designs, Three Kings and Robin, chosen by our members.
We have limited numbers of cards this year so shop now while stocks last. There are some great discounts available too. But when they're gone, they're gone!
Deadline for orders is Friday 12 December 2025.
Upcoming legacy event
SS Great Britain, Bristol
Join us at this stunning venue on 18 September at 11am for an opportunity to hear directly from our CEO, Craig, about how we’re supporting more people with osteoporosis, and affecting long-term change.
Dr Caroline Sangan will also be discussing the fantastic research we’re currently funding, and there will be an opportunity to ask any questions you have.
Our legacy team are planning a roadshow of events in 2026. If you'd like to attend one local to you, please email emily.brown@theros.org.uk to register your interest.
Volunteers' Week highlights
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our Volunteers Week celebrations in June! It was a fabulously busy week with lots of online sessions - volunteers shared their ROS journeys, we heard updates on the amazing work happening across Scotland and Northern Ireland, and we ran a very popular session on nutrition.
We were also thrilled to host our very first Volunteer Celebration Awards, which were a great success. Thank you to everyone who attended, and a big well done to all those who were nominated. You all make a real difference to people living with osteoporosis.
Congratulations again to all our winners, listed below:
- Favourite Support Group Meeting/Get Together (Last 12 Months): Stockport
- Support Group Volunteer: Stan Thompson
- Above and Beyond: Sholto Douglas
- Making a Difference: Suzanne Hewitt
- Supporting Others: Irene Baker
- Raising Awareness: Rehana Ismail
- New Volunteer of the Year: Kathleen Loughlin
- Outstanding Contribution: Philippa Russell
Volunteer Hub News
The ROS Online Volunteer Hub is a dedicated space for accessing ROS support and guidance for your volunteering activities. Whether you need to check a policy, download a template or form — it’s all there. Please check out the ROS Online Volunteer Hub for the information and answers you need.
Hub access
Make sure you’re logging in with your main personal email address - that’s the one linked to your account. If you have access via your ROS account but are still having trouble, try clearing your cache (you can do this in your browser’s history or settings) and then open the hub in a fresh browser window or tab. This usually helps fix any loading or access issues! You can always check out our how to guide.
If you’re still having trouble, please email us at volunteerengagement@theros.org.uk
What's new?
- 'How to order resources' document - This has been updated. There is a new process on how this is done.
Quick Links:
- CAN - Information on the Community Advocate Network and how to get involved.
- Online calendar - We’ve added a handy new link to the online calendar so you can quickly check out what’s happening across the network. From support group meetings to upcoming volunteer events, everything’s in one place. You can also look back at what’s already happened. Just head to the hub and click the calendar link!
Volunteer updates
As part of our reward and recognition approach, we've been very lucky to be able to offer a number of volunteers an invitation to some of this year’s Royal Garden Parties due to the generous continued support of our President, Her Majesty the Queen.
Royal Garden Party at Holyrood Palace
On Tuesday 1 July, volunteers Ann Hallel (of the Galashiels and Scotland Support Groups) and Fiona MacLean had the honour of attending the Royal Garden Party at Holyrood Palace, representing the ROS.
With around 7,000 guests in attendance, the day was full of excitement, elegance, and memorable moments. Fiona turned the visit into a short break with her guest, Anne, enjoying the city sights before arriving at the Palace. She focused on soaking up the atmosphere, noting:
“I didn’t take many photos myself, but just enjoyed the event.”
Live music from two military bands, delicious food, and clever little touches like plastic heel covers for the grass made the day even more special. Fiona also met up with Ann to take photos together before exploring separately. Ann attended with her daughter Rhyannon and described a ‘pinch me’ moment:
“We were incredibly lucky to be standing right next to King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Princess Anne as they began the Royal walkabout.”
She also appreciated the Archers’ presence, calling them “outstanding men!” Meeting Fiona added a personal highlight, and she feels “delighted and honoured to have been nominated by the Royal Osteoporosis Society.” Both Ann and Fiona agreed it was a truly special experience, combining the thrill of a Royal occasion with the joy of shared company and lasting memories. A day to treasure forever.
Norwich Support Group visit Victorian Plantation Garden
On 7 July, 12 Norwich members enjoyed a wonderful afternoon exploring the beautiful Victorian Plantation Garden. The sun was shining, spirits were high, and the atmosphere was full of chatter and laughter.
Roger Connah, who had previously joined the group in June to give a talk about the garden’s history, kindly led the tour alongside his wife, Anne, who also lives with osteoporosis. They shared fascinating stories about its creation in the late 1800s and its stunning features – from Italianate terraces and Gothic details to the striking fountain and peaceful woodland walks.
Group trustee Simon Back was particularly taken with the unusual flint walls, decorated with bricks and glass. Member Mary Carr agreed the gardens were full of treasures, adding:
“Just to see that huge copper beech tree made the visit worthwhile!”
After navigating the kinder slopes and steps, the group rounded off the afternoon with tea in the nearby Roman Catholic Cathedral.
“It was lovely to see so many people enjoying the space, from friends chatting on benches to readers tucked under shady trees. The £2 entrance fee was the best investment I’ve made all year.”
High Wycombe’s annual fundraiser
On 30 June, members gathered at Harewood Downs Golf Club for the group’s annual fundraising event. Despite the hot weather, 25 people came along to enjoy an afternoon of friendship, fascinating stories, and a delicious tea.
The club provided a stunning setting, with far-reaching views across the Chiltern Hills - a perfect backdrop for the day.
Guests were captivated by speaker Jo Laurie, who shared the remarkable story of her mother’s adventures as a nurse in the 1930s. She travelled alone to Shanghai, where she faced challenging conditions including outbreaks of cholera and rabies, and even lived through a Japanese attack on the city. Jo went on to describe how her mother later worked in West Africa, before returning to England to raise a family.
Her talk was warmly received and sparked plenty of conversation among the group. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed a traditional afternoon tea, complete with cakes and plenty of chatter. The afternoon ended with a raffle, adding to the lively atmosphere.
We'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who attended on the day. The vital funds raised will help to support people live well with osteoporosis.
Cheltenham Support Group launch
The Cheltenham Support Group had a fantastic start with its very first meeting in August, welcoming 24 attendees - a wonderful turnout that set a positive tone for the new group.
The session was lively and engaging, with members sharing their experiences around diagnosis and treatment, while praising the support offered by the ROS and the Helpline. The first meeting was a resounding success, leaving everyone feeling connected, supported, and excited for future gatherings.
“It was so valuable to meet and talk with people who are diagnosed with osteoporosis, to hear of their personal journeys and any support they are receiving.”
“I travelled a 40-minute drive from Droitwich to be there, and I am so pleased that I made the effort.“
Join the new ROS Men's Network
Osteoporosis is often thought to be a condition that only affects women but, as we know, this isn't the case. 1 in 5 men over 50 will also break a bone due to osteoporosis.
Men have told us they can sometimes feel uncomfortable in existing peer support groups, as they're often the only man in the room. That's why we've created our new Men’s Network.
Over the past few months, a dedicated group of men living with osteoporosis have worked together to bring this idea to life.
Meeting regularly with ROS staff, they’ve shared their experiences and ideas and, step by step, built something completely new. Men will have the opportunity to share their experiences of living with the condition, have honest conversations, and learn from others in the welcoming online sessions. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, or further along your osteoporosis journey, we’d love you to join us.
“It’s an opportunity to talk with men also suffering with osteoporosis, exchanging ideas about daily life and exercise. A very relaxed and informal get together, which I have found so valuable,” says Dave, ROS Member and Men’s Network Volunteer.
Supporting us, supporting you
The Great British Bone Check
We're excited to share that on World Osteoporosis Day (20 October), we will be launching The Great British Bone Check.
The campaign has been developed to help us promote our risk checker to a much wider audience. This means thousands more people will understand their personal risk factors and be able to take action to prevent osteoporosis or receive early diagnosis. We have a new microsite launching and the commitment of some high-profile partners (to be revealed nearer the time).
We would value introductions to companies who can promote the Great British Bone Check to their colleagues or customers. Perhaps your own employer, or that of friends and family? It’s easy for companies to take part – we provide them with all the materials they need, and it’s free to get involved. We will keep you updated on the campaign and share a link to the microsite nearer the time for you to share with your networks.
If you have any companies you’d like us to approach, please email sasha.kamenetski@theros.org.uk
Volunteer discount scheme
As a thank you for the amazing work you do, you’re eligible for exclusive deals through the Charity Worker Discounts programme. Volunteers can register for free to access savings on shopping, food, travel, and much more.
Join the Community Advocate Network
Be part of our expanding team of community advocates (CAN) and help drive our campaign work at the ROS. It's totally flexible, all backgrounds are welcome and you don't need any particular skills or experience to take part.
Help us capture stories for VNN
We'd love to see photos from your recent support group meetings or events! If you have any to share, please send them to us at volunteerengagement@theros.org.uk
Check out the ROS Online Volunteer Hub to get the latest photo permission information for your event/support group attendees.
Your photos
Thank you for all you do! We love being able to celebrate and share the wonderful moments from your meetings and events.
Thank you for reading VNN.
If you’ve got a story to share or would like to see something featured, please get in touch.
