Bridlington volunteer team honoured for supporting vulnerable

A team of Salvation Army volunteers have been recognised for the work they do to support vulnerable people in Bridlington. 

Bridlington Salvation Army’s One Stop Shop, which is held every Monday morning between 9am and 11am, offers breakfast, food parcels, signposting and a listening ear to people who are experiencing homelessness, struggling financially or facing isolation. 

Seeing around 60 people through the doors each Monday, and offering around 40 food parcels, it has become a lifeline for many in the town, especially for those who are sleeping rough or are in insecure housing. They can access food, wash their clothes, have a warm shower and get advice from various agencies based in the hall on Wellington Road. 

One Stop Shop volunteers were recently shortlisted for a Time2Volunteer award. Set up by HEY Smile Foundation, the awards, which took place at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Hull earlier this month, aim to celebrate volunteer journeys and achievements. 

One volunteer who attended was Annalisa, 28, who recently took part in the church and charity’s cooking on a budget course, the Victory Programme, and is now mentoring other participants. 

Annalisa said: “It was a really good day representing The Salvation Army. The atmosphere was just amazing. We got a meal to say thank you for all the hard work we've done over the last year. 

“When I first started the Victory Programme, I was shaking because I was lacking in confidence so much, but towards the end my confidence kept growing. It’s made me really come out of my shell. It just makes me so happy to know I’ve built up the confidence to go on to mentor and help others.” 

Bridlington Salvation Army has 30 volunteers helping in various roles from setting up the hall to cooking, making hot drinks, sorting food parcels and providing a listening ear.

Community Support Worker Jane Dickinson nominated the team. She said: “I felt that they needed to be recognised for all the hard work they do and the hours that they put in. 

“I try and find something to suit everybody’s skills because volunteering is good for self-esteem. I love to see them grow in confidence then go on and do different things. 

“Without volunteers we wouldn’t be able to run this service, and that was brought home to me at the awards event. There were 350 people there, all volunteers, but that’s only a tiny proportion of the people who give up their time across our region to help others. Without them, everything would close.” 

The impact the church and charity is having on the guests who attend on a Monday morning is clear. 

Kenneth, 66, who has been homeless on and off for most of his life, regularly attends for breakfast and as he is dyslexic, help with his letters. 

He also volunteers, helping to set up and shut down the hall at events during the week. He said: “It’s something to keep me occupied instead of being sat about doing nothing. If I just sit about now my mental health just goes down. 

“Without The Salvation Army, I’d be out there on the seafront, trying to keep out of the rain. This is somewhere where it’s dry and warm and where there’s people that will help you. There's no judgment or anything like that, there's just a warm welcome.” 

Leon, who is currently rough sleeping, comes each Monday to get a shower and clean his clothes. He will also get breakfast and pick up a food parcel every other week.

He said: “They keep me living basically. Without them, I’d be lost. I’d be starving.” 

As well as practical support, they have space for agencies to offer advice, including My Dentist to help with oral hygiene and accessing NHS dental appointments, Let’s Tech, helping people to get online, and social prescribers who register people with GPs. The team has close links with East Riding Homelessness Services who get people into long term accommodation, with The Salvation Army able to provide small kitchen and household items, bedding and towels for those who are ready to move into their new homes. 

Max Lunn, Community Support Worker, said: “We know the people who come in value what we offer, and we've made it a part of our central tenant that we don't judge anybody. We aim to help where we can. It's always a case of ask, and if we can't help, we’ll try and find someone who can.” 

You can find out more about Bridlington Salvation Army’s weekly activities or donate to their food bank here 

For 160 years, The Salvation Army has been here in the hardest moments. We’re here in Yorkshire with warmth, welcome and urgent practical support. To find your local Salvation Army visit. Find your nearest Salvation Army | The Salvation Army