At Caritas Care we are proud to be part of Volunteers’ Week 2025, a national celebration running from 2 to 8 June that recognises the incredible impact volunteers have across the UK. This week gives us a special opportunity to shine a light on the people who give their time, energy, and compassion to help others.
Volunteers are an important part of the work we do as a charity, but in particular at Plungington Community Centre and Vincent House, where they help create welcoming spaces, support local people, and bring our communities together. Their time and dedication make a real difference every day.
This year, we want to share some of their stories. People like Chris, who volunteers at our Plungington Community Centre’s Café and Food Club. Chris’s journey reminds us just how powerful volunteering can be, not only for the people we support, but for the volunteers themselves.
Chris started volunteering three years ago, after coming out of rehab and moving into supported housing here in Preston.
“I had no direction,” he told us. “I needed something to do with my time. When you’ve been in addiction and get clean, you do feel like you should be giving something back.”
Now, Chris gives his time twice a week in the café and helps to run our Friday Food Club. His presence, positivity, and commitment are felt by everyone who walks through the doors and he has become a well known character at the centre.
“It’s not just about food,” he said. “It’s about giving people a chance, just like I was given. Volunteering gave me an anchor. I’ve made friends here. It’s given me a connection to the community.”
Through volunteering, Chris has rebuilt his confidence and found his purpose.
“I used to struggle with being around people, but now I’ve got a routine, I feel useful and I enjoy helping others especially new volunteers who are finding their feet like I did.”
If you’re thinking about volunteering, here’s what Chris had to say, “Just go for it. You’ve got nothing to lose. If it works out, it can give you purpose, routine, and community. And you’ll meet great people along the way.”
Ben Clayton, our Community Manager at Plungington, shared what Chris means to the team, “Volunteers like Chris bring heart, hope, and community spirit to everything we do. They don’t just support others, they often transform their own lives too. Volunteers’ Week is our chance to say thank you and let them know how much they’re valued.”
To every volunteer who gives their time to Caritas Care…we see you, we appreciate you, and we couldn’t do this without you!
If Chris’s story has inspired you, why not find out more about volunteering with us? It could be the start of something life-changing.
To read more Volunteer stories, click HERE
