As we celebrate International Volunteers Day, we’re delighted to spotlight Marina, a dedicated and talented volunteer at The Maya Centre. Marina brings a rich creative background to our community, holding diplomas in Graphic Design and Textile Design from Central Saint Martins. She is also currently training in Counselling and will begin her MSc in Psychology this January – a journey that reflects her deep passion for wellbeing, healing, and supporting others.

Creativity has always been a grounding force for Marina, especially during challenging or uncertain moments. It’s a space where she can process, unwind, and reconnect with meaning and depth. Drawing on her experience in art and design, Marina facilitated a free arts and crafts Community Wellbeing Workshop for local women in Islington, alongside Beth, our Women’s Engagement and Support Worker.

Today, we’re sharing a short interview with Marina, whose contributions have helped us create more gentle, welcoming spaces where women can relax, explore new skills, build community, and support their emotional wellbeing through creativity and connection.

What inspired you to volunteer your time and skills to run an art and crafts workshop for local women?

“I first came to the Maya Centre as a service user, and that support helped me rebuild my strength. Volunteering felt like a small way to give something back to a place that genuinely held me.”

“Creative work has always helped me process big transitions, and I know how healing it can be. Every time I step into volunteering, I always find it mutually medicinal. For example, Japan “prescribes” community volunteering as a healing practice. Maybe the UK should too?”

How was it working with colleagues at The Maya Centre?

“The team created a calm, steady background that allowed the group to grow in its own way. I felt trusted to hold the sessions while knowing support was close by. That balance made the group feel grounded and collaborative”

What kinds of activities did you explore with the women each week?

“We worked with drawing, collage, colour, and more meditative free-flowing mark-making. Music often helped everyone relax into a shared rhythm. One week, we created a communal mandala. I also encouraged the group to use the beautiful Despard Road art room whenever they wanted, since all the materials are there for anyone to explore.”

Was there a moment or activity that felt especially meaningful for you?

“The mandala was powerful, but the quieter moments mattered just as much, noticing a symbol or shape appearing in someone’s work and gently inviting curiosity about it. Those small sparks of self-awareness stayed with me.”

How did you see the women in the group grow or change over the weeks?

“At first, they were cautious but curious. Over time, they became more relaxed, playful, and willing to explore without judging themselves. You could feel confidence and ease settling into the room.”

In your view, what makes creative spaces like this so powerful for women’s mental health and confidence?

“Creativity lets you express without having to explain. It’s grounding, it’s regulating, and it opens things that talking alone doesn’t reach.”

“Doing this in the company of other women creates a quiet, supportive bond — almost a shared meditation.”

What would you say to someone who’s thinking about volunteering at The Maya Centre?

“If you want to contribute to a space where women can reconnect with themselves in a gentle, real way, this is a good place to offer your time. You don’t need to arrive with a huge expertise. Just bringing steadiness, curiosity and openness. Volunteering tends to return twice as much as it ever takes, in my experience.”

We hope Marina’s story inspires you to get involved and celebrate the power of volunteering in your local community. If you’d like to share your time, skills, or creativity, we’d love to hear from you. Please email admin@mayacentre.org.uk to explore volunteering opportunities.