Celebrating our volunteers!

Volunteers' Week

Monday 2nd – Sunday 8th June

Volunteers’ Week is the annual UK-wide campaign held from the first Monday in June to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers.

Launched in 1984, this initiative has been running for over 40 years, providing organisations and communities a platform to thank current and past volunteers for their invaluable efforts.

The campaign highlights the diversity and unity of volunteer work across the UK.

As proud recipients of the Queens Voluntary Service Award, as well as cooking, helping people navigate the complexities of housing and other support services, our team of over 40 volunteers help with food runs, admin support, wrap-around care, and lend a listening ear, quietly supporting people with their life challenges, giving reassurance, keeping them connected and engaged, and reducing the risk of mental health relapse.

Huge thank you to all our volunteers!

Here, some of our volunteers share their thoughts and experiences about volunteering with us.

Pippa’s thoughts:

Q: How long have you been volunteering with The Ark?

Pippa: I’ve been volunteering for three years now. I’ve always had a strong sense of empathy for people experiencing homelessness, so The Ark felt like the right place to offer my time.

Q: What was it like when you first started?

Pippa: Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. I started on reception, but I soon found my way into the kitchen – I’m a keen cook and that’s where I felt I could really contribute.

Q: Tell us about cooking at The Ark!

Pippa: We work with whatever’s in the fridge or cupboard, nothing goes to waste! I get the ingredients on the day and just go with it. It’s usually pasta or potatoes, loosely based on traditional recipes. Sometimes it’s a hit, sometimes not to everyone’s taste—but it’s always made with care.

Q: What keeps you coming back each week?

Pippa: The team at The Ark is incredible. It’s a joy to be even a small part of it. There’s a real sense of purpose and community.

Q: You’ve also supported The Ark outside of the day centre, right?

Pippa: Yes! I’ve worked in events, so I organised a fundraiser. With help from my friends Chris and Lucy Key, who work with Cameron Mackintosh, we put on a West End concert for The Ark. It was amazing, people were dancing in the aisles!

Julie’s thoughts:

Q: How long have you been volunteering at The Ark, and what brought you here?

Julie: I've been volunteering at The Ark for six years now. I had retired from being a GP about a year before I started. One day, I was walking past The Ark, and I saw people outside—it made me feel really saddened. I thought, I could talk to people, maybe prepare food... I was happy to do anything that might help.

Q: What changes have you seen over the years?

Julie: Oh, quite a few! When we moved to the new building, I thought it was fantastic to have more space. The volunteers really played a big part in fixing up the new place, which was great. But one thing I noticed was that the new kitchen counter created a physical barrier we didn’t have before. In the old space, that lack of separation meant our interaction with clients was different—more open, really. A counter can be intimidating for some people.

Q: What was the atmosphere like in the old building?

Julie: It was definitely livelier. We’d have 30 or 40 people in at times. It was more like an open house, and although that came with challenges—like the occasional fight—it served a different kind of purpose. The new setup is much safer and the rules are better, but that sense of openness has changed a bit.

Q: How do you spend your time when volunteering now?

Julie: It varies. Often, I'm asked to sort clothes and toiletries, or I’ll clean the fridges and take care of the washing machines. But one of the things I really enjoy is chatting with the clients. People will sometimes ask me for medical advice, and I’m happy to help—whether it’s guiding them to see a GP or suggesting over-the-counter treatments.

Q: What keeps you coming back?

Julie: I feel useful. It's rewarding to have those one-on-one chats and to feel that I’m making a difference in someone's day, even in small ways. The atmosphere here has always been warm and welcoming—that's something that hasn’t changed.

Tom and Katie, two of our volunteers from our Tuesday team

“It melts my heart.”

Tom joined us three years ago after retiring as a solicitor, wanting to keep making a difference in the world using his expertise. Katie has been with us for seven months, moved by seeing people on the streets and feeling the call to help.

"I wanted to help people. It's good for my mental health too," says Katie.

"Volunteering gives you another purpose in life," Tom adds. "Everyone needs support."

They were both shocked by how many people came through The Ark’s doors — each with their own story. "Some have faced unbelievable bad luck. Others are battling mental health issues. It humbles you," Tom reflects. "I love chatting with clients and getting to know them as individuals," Katie shares.

On an average Tuesday the pair help in a variety of ways. They cook meals, lend a listening ear, and support The Ark with practical things like building shelving and organising systems.

"We try to remove the stigma," Tom says. "Nobody knows where they might end up. It feels amazing to help someone move forward."

Why I Choose The Ark, by Paul

What made you volunteer?

Paul: I’ve known about The Ark for years, and giving back felt right. It’s also helped me grow—improving my communication, problem-solving, and understanding of homelessness.

How often do you volunteer?

Paul: As often as I can—usually once a week or more!

What kind of things have you done as a volunteer?

Paul: A bit of everything! I’ve supported clients with phone calls, washing up, trips to the tip, and even helped with paperwork. I also draw on my experience as a former social worker wherever I can.

What keeps you coming back?

Paul: The positive atmosphere, the amazing team, and the chance to make a difference—even in small ways. Everyone deserves to feel valued.

From Jonathan Davies, Trustee.

My role at The Ark

Jonathan: I’m a Trustee, with a particular focus on building issues and facilities.

Why I started volunteering with The Ark

Jonathan: I was invited to join the board of trustees and I was also asked if I could volunteer to better understand how The Ark operates. My first day volunteering turned out to be the last day before lockdown changed everything for months, but it gave me enough insight to appreciate the real value The Ark brings to its clients. I was glad to accept the role.

How long I’ve volunteered

Jonathan: Since January 2020.

What I enjoy most about supporting The Ark

Jonathan: It’s the feeling that, in a small way, I’m helping our clients take steps to help themselves.

These are just some of the quiet heroes who remind us that compassion changes everything.

Join us. Volunteer. Change lives — maybe even your own!

If you are looking for a volunteer role, please get in touch.

Everything we do to support vulnerable people in our community is because of your generosity – huge thank you!

We never charge for our services, and your contributions, whether through donations or volunteering, can help us continue our mission of providing support for those in need.

Please make a donation directly into our CAF bank account here.

And please do spread the word - us a shout out and follow us on social media: we’re active on X (formally known as Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TicToc.

Together, we can create a brighter future for everyone in our community.