In the heart of Sheffield, a student is making a difference not just in her own life, but in the lives of many others. Her name is Poppy Haynes, and whether she’s helping people dance under club lights or sending comforting messages in the middle of the night, her mission is simple but profound: help people feel like they belong.

A psychology student at the University of Sheffield, Poppy Haynes balances her academic life with a powerful commitment to volunteering. Her work with two groundbreaking initiatives, Clubbing Crew and Shout, has made her a quiet force for social inclusion and mental health support.

Opening doors to the dancefloor

Clubbing Crew is a unique, student-led project hosted by the Sheffield Students’ Union. It transforms the SU nightclub into a fully accessible, inclusive venue for adults with learning disabilities, a chance to enjoy something many others take for granted: a night out.

“Clubbing Crew provides adults with learning disabilities the opportunity to go clubbing at the Sheffield Students’ Union,” says Poppy. “Volunteering for this project is important because it provides adults with learning disabilities the space to enjoy clubbing, which many of us take for granted.”

This matters more than many people realise. According to Mencap, 1 in 3 people with a learning disability spends less than an hour outside their home on a typical Saturday, often due to inaccessible venues, lack of support, or fear of stigma. Over 1.5 million people in the UK live with a learning disability, and social isolation is standard.

“It also creates a safe and inclusive environment where these adults can socialise and feel part of a community,” Poppy explains.

By volunteering with Clubbing Crew, students like Poppy help to create safe, vibrant environments where joy and belonging take centre stage. It’s not just about nightlife, it’s about dignity, equality, and participation.

Shout: stopping and listening.

While Clubbing Crew brings people together in celebration, Poppy’s second volunteering role tackles something more urgent and often invisible. She is a crisis volunteer for Shout 85258, the UK’s first 24/7 mental health text support service.

“Volunteering for Shout provides a safe space for people to talk and work through their emotions,” she explains. “I volunteer for Shout as well because I want to help people in a crisis and de-escalate them to a calm space.”

Mental health support has never been more urgent. In 2023, the NHS reported record-high waiting lists for therapy services, while nearly 1 in 5 young people aged 7–16 had a probable mental health disorder. Shout, run by Mental Health Innovations, offers vital, accessible help.

Shout has supported over 950,000 individuals and conducted over 3 million conversations. Around 43% of people who contact Shout are reaching out for the first time, and the service provides a lifeline at any hour of the day or night, something traditional services often can’t match.

“Helping these people feel supported and listened to through such a difficult and distressing moment can positively impact that person’s life and help them feel more in control,” says Poppy. “It is also an advantageous role.”

For more stories like this, see the story about a volunteer group supporting men’s mental health here.

From volunteer to future mental health professional

Poppy’s volunteering has helped shape her skills and her long-term ambitions.

“It has reinforced my decision to work in mental health for children and adults,” she says. “So yeah, in September, I’ll be working in a CAMHS unit as part of my placement year.”

Volunteering, especially in emotionally demanding roles, develops emotional intelligence, resilience, and empathy – qualities that will serve Poppy well in her future career in mental health. According to the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), over 75% of volunteers say their experience helped improve their mental well-being while boosting skills like communication and problem-solving.

A dual mission with real impact

Poppy’s story reflects a dual mission, building inclusive communities and supporting people in crisis, which are increasingly vital today.

Inclusion for people with learning disabilities remains a significant challenge. Even as awareness grows, accessible social spaces remain scarce, and stigma persists. Meanwhile, a mental health crisis continues to affect millions, particularly young people who often feel overwhelmed, isolated, and unsupported.

Yet through both projects, Poppy quietly changes lives, creating joyful moments on the dancefloor and offering calm, grounded support during a crisis. These aren’t flashy interventions, but they’re deeply human ones.

Want to get involved?

Whether you’re a student looking to give back, someone interested in mental health, or just inspired by Poppy’s story, there are many ways to get involved:

• Learn more about Clubbing Crew at the Sheffield Students’ Union website.
  
• Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 for free, confidential mental health support 24/7.
  
• Volunteer with Shout: www.giveusashout.org
  

Support inclusion initiatives through Mencap or Scope.

Co-authored by Eloise Cox