Why I Chose to Volunteer with Daybreak
Image: Photograph taken at the “I Spy” installation (Kardi Somerfield, University of Northampton).
Cristina has been a incredible support, volunteering to support our marketing and communications team whilst studying. We are so grateful for her contribution. Here, she shares her experience of volunteering with us.
Introduction: The Search for Purpose
From a young age, I felt that life has deeper meaning when lived in service to others. Yet I’ve also believed that to give your energy, skills, or compassion to the world, you first need to understand yourself and find your own source of purpose.
As I explored what field would allow me to grow personally whilst contributing to society, I realised I was reconnecting with who I had always been: a child who paused at TV adverts, listened carefully, analysed words, and asked my parents what each sentence meant. I enjoyed writing, observing human behaviour, and creatively solving problems. Marketing, ultimately, aligned perfectly with those early passions.
Key takeaway:
Purpose begins with understanding who you are and recognising the skills you naturally gravitate towards.
Rediscovering Myself Through Marketing
My journey took a clear direction when I returned to education and was accepted at the University of Northampton. Studying marketing felt right from the start; it was exciting, creative, and full of meaning. I completed my first year successfully and entered my second year with growing confidence in my future as a marketing specialist.
Although I was working part-time at weekends, I strongly felt I could do more, particularly in marketing with a purpose. I wanted to use my developing skills to support a meaningful cause during the week alongside my studies.
Key takeaway:
Education builds knowledge, but passion grows when you apply it to real-world change.
The Social Issues That Drove Me
Three social issues have always kept me awake at night:
homelessness
the importance of healthy family environments
the well-being of young children
While support systems exist for these issues, so much still depends on personal circumstances, choices, and the presence (or absence) of a supportive network. I wanted to use my compassion and my growing marketing abilities to support an organisation that made a real difference in people’s lives.
Through Reach Volunteering, I discovered Daybreak.
Key takeaway:
Choosing a cause close to your heart ensures long-term commitment and genuine motivation.
Discovering Daybreak Through Reach Volunteering
Daybreak, a charity specialising in delivering Family Group Conferences for children and families facing life challenges, was seeking support in social media and marketing. It felt like a perfect match: a meaningful service and a chance to grow as a marketer whilst contributing to a cause I cared deeply about.
That’s when the universe aligned and brought Jessica Clasby-Monk, Head of Income Generation & Communications and the rest of the Daybreak team and wonderful volunteers, into my journey. Jess became the kind of manager many people only dream of trusting, encouraging, and willing to share her expertise. The Daybreak team as a whole is one of the friendliest and most professional teams I have ever met.
Key takeaway:
The right manager and team can elevate your learning, confidence, and overall volunteering experience.
Learning, Growing, and Making an Impact
At Daybreak, I became involved in a wide range of marketing practices, including:
social media content planning and creation
campaign development
research
storytelling
audience engagement
I had the opportunity to apply everything I had learned at university and see it make an impact in real time. I wasn’t just practising marketing, I was using it for a purpose and receiving thoughtful guidance and encouragement along the way.
If you are looking for a meaningful volunteering experience and Daybreak’s mission speaks to your heart, I highly recommend reaching out to them.
Key takeaway:
Volunteering is most effective when it combines meaningful work with supportive mentorship.
How Daybreak Shaped Me as a Young Marketing Specialist
The University of Northampton taught me marketing - Daybreak allowed me to live it.
Through continuous involvement, feedback, and exposure to real-world practice, I developed the confidence and experience I needed to leave university ready for my first full-time role. Jess shared her approach to marketing, her insights, and her way of thinking, helping me strengthen not only my skills but also my professional mindset.
I began my volunteering journey in March 2024. Nearly two years later, I am still proudly part of the Daybreak community, and I intend to continue supporting them now that I’m a graduate and a full-time employee. Being part of Daybreak brings me immense joy.
Image: Dandelion at sunrise, captured by Cristina Oprea
Key takeaway:
Hands-on experience transforms academic knowledge into absolute professional confidence.
Why Marketing Matters – And Why Daybreak Matters
Marketing is a powerful tool. When used responsibly and creatively, it can raise awareness, inspire action, and ultimately change lives. My time at Daybreak reminded me that no one should walk their journey alone. Bringing people together - families, networks, communities- creates the foundation for happier families, happier childhoods, and brighter futures for everyone involved.
I am grateful for Daybreak, grateful for marketing, and thankful that Reach Volunteering brought us together. I encourage anyone seeking to make a difference to explore how Daybreak supports families or consider volunteering with them.
Key takeaway:
Using professional skills for social good not only transforms others’ lives, it transforms your own.
If you would be interested in supporting our team via volunteering, please get in touch. You can explore opportunities on our Careers page.