Heather - Session Volunteer

Four years ago, I stumbled upon a Facebook page featuring various volunteering opportunities. At the time, I was already juggling work, caring for my children, and looking after my elderly parents. I didn’t think I would find anything that could fit into my hectic schedule. But then, I discovered the Newbury Soup Kitchen. They offered a flexible range of short outreach sessions with no expectations other than to hand out food. It seemed like a perfect match for my busy life.

Volunteering with the Newbury Soup Kitchen has been an incredible experience—both rewarding and humbling. The charity itself is ambitious, driven, enterprising, and passionate about supporting the homeless and vulnerable within the town. The guests we serve deal with a wide range of plights, problems, and situations. While I rarely know their full backstory, I am always struck by their gratitude for a warm meal, a hot drink, and a friendly hello.

Over the past four years, I have witnessed this chapter of their lives being just that—a chapter. For some, it is temporary, and they move on to better times, while sadly for others, it remains a longer struggle. The volunteers are a fantastic group of people, all united by a common interest in caring for others. As part of the outreach team, I make tea, serve hot food, and distribute sandwiches. At a session, we give out around 40 meals. There are three outreach sessions a week. I only sign up for one session every other week, and volunteer more when they are short and I have time.

Beyond the outreach sessions, I’ve also become involved in fundraising efforts, such as bucket shaking outside Sainsbury’s, Dragon Den-style breakfast meetings, and helping at black-tie gala events.

Reflecting on my time with the Newbury Soup Kitchen, I realise it has given me so much. I’ve gained a wonderful group of friends among the volunteers, a deep sense of gratitude for what I have, and an appreciation for the simple things I often take for granted. Interestingly, I also feel a sense of security within the town, knowing that our guests recognise and respect me just as I do them. We have built a system of mutual respect, and it’s a truly special feeling.