Audrey has been a warm and familiar face at Plungington Community Centre for over six years.

She first got involved after noticing the centre café needed volunteers. “I’ve always lived in this area,” she says, “and I think I just turned up one day, found out they needed help, and offered.”

Since then, she’s been a regular volunteer, mainly helping out in the community café on Fridays, but often much more than that. From cooking and cleaning to washing up and chatting with visitors, Audrey does whatever is needed. “I do a bit of everything, really,” she says with a smile. “Not so much cooking these days, but if it’s needed, I’ll do it.”

For Audrey, volunteering at Plungington is about more than just keeping things, it’s about connection. “I live on my own, so it’s nice to have the company,” she explains. “Everyone’s smashing, and there’s always something going on, like the food bank and bowling on Fridays. You see a lot of people.”

She also supports other community initiatives at the centre, like the monthly Cake and Company sessions and Messy Church, which are ruin by Emmanuel Church. “There used to be four of us helping with Cake and Company,” Audrey recalls. “Now there’s just two – sadly one passed away, and another has dementia. But we keep it going.”

When asked what volunteering gives her, Audrey is clear: “Company. I’m quite happy in my own space, I’ve got my cat, but it’s lovely to have a reason to get out, see people, and feel useful.”

And what would she say to someone thinking about volunteering? “You meet people, you have a laugh – give it a go.”

Audrey’s story shows how even a small commitment of time can have a lasting impact. Her warmth, resilience, and sense of humour help create the friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere that makes Plungington Community Centre feel like home to so many.