Social models in leg care: understanding Lindsay Leg Club volunteering

Background: This qualitative exploratory research was the first study to explore Leg Club volunteering through focusing specifically on volunteers’ narratives. Aims : The aim was to understand volunteers’ motivations and experiences and to outline the crucial steps for maintaining volunteers’ positive trajectory towards providing social support. Methods : A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with volunteers from UK Leg Clubs was undertaken. Interview transcripts were analysed using a constructivist reflexive thematic analysis. Results : I recruited 16 volunteers from three UK Leg Clubs. The study explained the motivations for volunteering (started as members or companions; retired individuals with a strong sense of purpose; emotional, social and mental health reasons), experiences of volunteering (satisfaction from helping; meaningful social connections; personal growth) and volunteers’ objectives (desire to recruit more volunteers; concerns about long-term capacity to return to pre-pandemic activities). Conclusions : The study outlines the conditions necessary for Leg Club volunteers’ continued success in the social dimension of leg care. Declaration of Interest : Dr Anna Galazka is a volunteer project consultant for the Lindsay Leg Club Foundation. The research was funded by Cardiff Business School Research and Scholarship Seedcorn Funding Scheme.