To all volunteers, thank you for giving your time to help others, whether that’s an hour, a day, a week.
You’re the everyday heroes who befriend an isolated neighbour, help children with autism and learning disabilities take part in sports activities, sort donations at a homeless shelter, protect our green spaces, cook nourishing food for those who need it, run support groups at GP surgeries, mentor refugee children.
When we come together, we fight poverty, reduce isolation, improve education, improve health, and empower each other.
We’re taking this opportunity to highlight a few of Hackney’s heroes and share a bit about the difference they make through volunteering.
Celestine, Community Befriender
Celestine is part of our incredible team of Community Befrienders. Every week, Celestine and lots of other trained volunteers give an hour of their time to connect with someone in the community who is lonely or isolated. They spend time with their befriendee over the phone or in person – enjoying playing card games, going for walks, playing pool and much more.
Thanks to our volunteer Befrienders, we were able to provide 6,500+ hours of free 1-1 support for vulnerable membersof the community in 2023. We hugely appreciate you all!
Thank you Celestine! Joining us from a Social Care background, Celestine has been enjoying visiting her befriendees, playing games and reminiscing with them. Her sunshine smile makes us all feel better!
Hackney Food Pantry Volunteers
Anne-Marie and Kate set up Hackney Food Pantry in September 2023 to provide food for people in Hackney who need it every week during term time. It’s now a vibrant community group run entirely by volunteers, who are all parent carers of children with SEN. They get training and support from VCH’s Our Place service, and collect food via the Felix project, Neighbourly, and FareShare.
What we do is important – so many people need help due to the cost-of-living crisis. We reach so many people who have had bad experiences, who really need support. There are no questions asked here.
Lewis, volunteer at four different charities
Last year, Lewis came to our Step Up service for support getting into volunteering. He has a learning disability, doesn’t read, write, or use a mobile phone, and has been out of work for five years. Volunteering has been a way for Lewis to improve his mood, have more social interaction, and use his skills.
He’s now volunteering at Little Village baby bank, Second Chance Café, St Mary’s Living and Giving Shop, and two weekly lunch clubs!
Working with Lewis has been really great… He’s become an important member of the team.
Christina, coffee morning volunteer
Christina has volunteered with our Together Better service for years now, helping run coffee mornings at two GP surgeries in Hackney. She’s one of many fantastic volunteers who help us reduce wait times, support NHS staff, and bring people together to improve their wellbeing.
With the help of volunteers like Christina, we’ve been able to provideover 1,800 hours of free activities at GP surgeries across City and Hackney, empowering people to support their wellbeing.
Christina always goes above and beyond to make sure everyone feels welcome and has a good time. The participants consider her as someone they can deeply trust.
VCH office volunteers
Huge thank you to our office volunteers, Tim, Ryk, Valda, and Oz, for supporting us with admin and helping us support more volunteers to make a difference in their community, gain skills, and build connections.
Building a better Hackney
As individuals, you make the world of difference. Together, we make a better Hackney.
We are always looking for more volunteers – there are so many causes that need support, and so many ways to give back to the community.
