Salvation Army gives thanks to army of volunteers

Salvation Army gives thanks to army of volunteers this Volunteers Week

Salvation Army churches and centres throughout UK are giving thanks this Volunteers Week (1-6 June) to its army of volunteers who help the church and charity provide vital services to local communities.

From serving hot meals to people who are forced to live on the streets, providing a warm welcome and listening ear to people who are isolated or lonely, to wrapping Christmas gifts for families who would otherwise go without, The Salvation Army relies on thousands of brilliant volunteers who give their time and love to help others. 

Lyddia Kibaara, The Salvation Army’s Volunteering Manager said: “We’re incredibly privileged to have the support of so many dedicated, kind people who keep our community services running. Time is the only non-renewable resource we have, and our volunteers give it generously. Their time transforms the communities we serve. 

“We have families who have volunteered with us through the generations, students who are looking for their first volunteering experiences, people who can cook for a crowd, help others with debt advice, or share their digital skills to make sure others aren’t left behind.”

Some of the Salvation Army’s larger churches will work alongside a hundred or more volunteers.  Ilford in east London currently relies on 120 volunteers to provide meals for the homeless community, run parent and toddler groups, manage a community wardrobe and give people experience at their bicycle repair shop. Winton Salvation Army in Bournemouth boasts 100 volunteers, which along with serving the homeless community also run craft workshops and singing classes for people who have dementia. 

For Diane, a retired teacher who is a volunteer at Ilford Salvation Army, volunteering gives her structure and friendships. She said: 

“I wanted to do something when I retired so I started volunteering, it gives me structure to my week. I’m at Ilford Salvation Army at least twice a week and I help the families who come in for Practical Assistance support. I absolutely love volunteering at the Community Brunch; it’s my favourite thing to do. I help out there serving the food. We get new people every week, and it’s also lovely to see the friendships that have developed between people who come in regularly. 

“I’ve made so many new friends at Ilford Salvation Army, everyone is so kind. I feel that I get much more back than I give.”

Patrick who has been a volunteer at Winton Salvation Army for three years was helped by The Salvation Army and now volunteers for companionship and by way of giving back. He said: 

“I look forward to going to Winton Salvation Army every day. I set up for all the community programmes, clean where needed, tidy the centre and do whatever they need me to do. Why do I go there? I let go of all the negative things from my head when I get there and I feel relaxed when I help others. I see that I am not the only one worried, I try to help and in addition I feel very good in the whole Salvation Army team. This centre, these people - they are my family and I trust them totally. I love them all very much.”

Lydia Kibaara concluded:

“Volunteering can be really beneficial, giving people purpose, a reason to get out of the house and interact with the community. We always have lots of opportunities to suit all types of people, whatever their background. We’re currently recruiting for first responders, drivers and mentors for our anti trafficking and modern slavery work, vital roles that support specialist staff and help some of society’s most vulnerable people. 

“And I know while we are in the middle of a heatwave, people won’t be thinking about Christmas volunteering, but because it does take time to train people, now is exactly the right time to make an enquiry.” 

For more information about volunteering for The Salvation Army, visit: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/volunteer