Volunteers’ Week 2024!
Celebrated at the Newbury Soup Kitchen.
This year, we celebrate Volunteer Week at The Newbury Soup Kitchen by passing on our thanks to the incredible volunteers we have supporting our charity. Without the dedication of these wonderful people, we couldn’t do the work we do and continue to expand our efforts across West Berkshire.
At Newbury Soup Kitchen, we are dedicated to helping those who are marginalised and experiencing poverty in Newbury and West Berkshire. Our mission goes beyond providing a broad spectrum of healthy food; we are committed to addressing the holistic needs of our community members—physically, emotionally, and socially.
Hear from our founder and CEO Meryl Praill on the importance volunteers play at the Soup Kitchen and the benefits volunteering has on an individual:
‘When I started the Soup Kitchen, I thought I was doing it to help people in need, I didn’t consider for one moment how much it would help our volunteers. So many people come onboard for many reasons such as, bereavement, divorce, new to the area, to meet new friends, loneliness and to give something back to the local community.
Volunteering gives an individual focus, to change their lives and make a difference. I have met the most amazing people, with a similar outlook in life, it is the best thing I have ever done’.
Volunteering with us means more than just giving time; it’s about making a meaningful difference. Here’s how our volunteers contribute and the benefits they have on our clients:
🤝 Building Relationships: Our volunteers spend time with people who need support, encouragement, and empathy, fostering trust and building relationships that encourage personal growth and confidence.
🍲 Healthy Food Provision: By providing nutritious meals, our volunteers help improve the physical well-being of those we serve, ensuring everyone has access to healthy food.
💬 Empowerment and Support: Volunteers help our clients find their voice, offering support that empowers them to make better life decisions and improve their future.
💖 Creating a Respectful Environment: Every person is treated with respect, kindness, and equality—values that are often missing in the everyday lives of many of our clients.
Benefits of Volunteering:
- Personal Growth: Volunteering helps develop empathy, compassion, and a sense of community.
- Skill Development: Gain new skills and experiences that can be valuable personally and professionally.
- Connection and Community: Build strong bonds with like-minded individuals and create lasting friendships.
- Positive Impact: Make a tangible difference in someone’s life.
- Well-being: Volunteering has been shown to improve mental and physical health, providing a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
- Improve Skills: Increase skills for your CV and share your expertise with other volunteers.
Join us this Volunteer Week in celebrating the incredible work of our Soup Kitchen volunteers. Your time and effort support those in need across our local community.
Get involved today! Visit our website or contact us to learn how you can make a difference with The Newbury Soup Kitchen.
https://newburysoupkitchen.org.uk
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