Tilly Riisager

I manage and coordinate all volunteers, from recruitment and onboarding through to day-to-day support. I have designed and developed our volunteer onboarding process, ensuring all volunteers are fully vetted, compliant, safe and well-supported. I work closely with volunteers on the ground - coordinating activities, distributing supplies, gathering feedback and building relationships based on individuals’ strengths, interests and development goals.

Alongside volunteer management, I oversee the TimeGivers internal and external communications, contribute to marketing strategy, impact reporting and ensure our branding is reflective of our values. I also lead projects and events on the ground and have contributed at a strategic level to the development of our new tech and CRM systems.

I bring a strong background in frontline social and community work. I am qualified in Low Intensity CBT and previously worked within NHS Talking Therapies, supporting adults experiencing mild to moderate depression, anxiety and panic disorder through evidence-based guided self-help. I also worked as a Support Worker at St Mungo’s, supporting people experiencing homelessness to identify personal goals, access services and navigate complex systems, working closely with a range of partner agencies. Earlier in my career, I worked at The National Archives, reflecting my long-standing interest in community, art and history.

I am deeply passionate about TimeGivers’ focus on prevention and early intervention. I believe meaningful change starts by opening up honest conversations with young people about diversity, adversity and community - and by giving them the tools to make a difference. I am particularly motivated by creating inclusive and accessible volunteering opportunities for young people with SEND and those facing additional barriers.

One of my most meaningful experiences at TimeGivers was working with Garratt Park Secondary School, the first SEND school we partnered with. I coordinated a year-long project where Year 11 students and local volunteers met weekly at the school to learn DIY and woodwork skills, transforming a formerly grey playground into a greener, more welcoming space using virtually all donated and repurposed materials. The project became a space for genuine skills-sharing, emotional support and a powerful example of commitment and collective effort. Saying goodbye as the students moved on was incredibly hard and was made even more special when one student received a Jack Petchey Award for her dedication to the club. It remains one of the most grounding experiences I’ve had since moving to London.