HAPPY VOLUNTEERS WEEK!
This week is Volunteers Week, and to celebrate we've compiled some stories from a few of our volunteers here at HARP.
We want to say a massive THANK YOU to everyone who gives their time and energy by volunteering at HARP. Whether you help in our frontline services, in our charity shops or occasionally at our events, we couldn’t help so many local people affected by homelessness without your support.
MEET MAGGIE
"I volunteer because I enjoy it, and it's nice to give something back!"
Maggie volunteers in the kitchen in our supported accommodation, providing lovely nutritious meals for residents, and at one of our charity shops, and has been an active volunteer for over six years. Without people like Maggie, we would fall short in a lot of areas. Your commitment to HARP and our residents is phenomenal, so thank you!
MEET KIRSTY
"I volunteer because I believe that everyone deserves to have a little bit of help!"
Kirsty volunteers at one of our charity shops and has been with us since 2021. Our charity shops not only sell goods to raise money for our services, the donations we receive also provide clothing for our residents and furniture for their new homes when they move on to live independently.
Without people like Kirsty, we would be short on both funds and resources to help people that come to us in need, so thank you!
"I volunteer because I believe that everyone deserves to have a little bit of help!"
I volunteer at one of HARP's charity shops. When I am at the shop, I mostly serve customers on the tills and make sure the shop floor looks good.
I have been volunteering at HARP since 2021, and so far, I am really enjoying it. I chose to come to HARP to volunteer because I really believe that homelessness is a big problem, and because of this, it could easily happen to any of us at any point.
I believe that everyone deserves to have a little bit of help when they need it, and I want to be that person to help. I am so glad I walked through those doors and now get to be.
MEET IAN
"I volunteer because I hate seeing people homeless. It has to be one of the worst things that can happen to a person!"
Ian volunteers at one of our supported housing properties. He has been volunteering at HARP for over five years. Without people like Ian, our services would not be able to offer the support that people experiencing homelessness with complex needs require, so thank you!
MEET CHER
"I always enjoyed not only helping out in HARP but the conversations that I used to have with the residents."
Cher now works for HARP as a Housing Income Assistant, but she started her HARP journey as a volunteer at our Bradbury Day Centre. Our Bradbury day centre is the hub of our services. Here we offer a safe space for anyone experiencing or at risk of homelessness to come and receive specialist advice for their situation. We also offer hot meals, clothing, wash facilities and much more for people in need to use.
Without people like Cher, we would not be able to provide this level of support to people in need, so thank you!
"I always enjoyed not only helping out in HARP, but the conversations that I used to have with the residents and the fact that they seemed to feel comfortable in chatting with me!"
I now work for HARP as a Housing Income Assistant, but before this I used to volunteer at HARP. I used to volunteer at the Bradbury Day Centre in the clothing shed on Monday mornings and at HARP's Supported accomodation in the kitchen on Wednesday mornings.
I chose to volunteer at HARP as I had previously volunteered at Crisis homeless shelter in London over a Christmas period and always remembered how humbling it was to contribute to that charitable organisation, especially at Christmas.
I love volunteering and the work that I do now. I love that the work I do is a contributing factor to the amazing work that HARP does for vulnerable people.
To become a HARP Volunteer, click >>> www.harpsouthend.org.uk/volunteer
To read more about Volunteers Week, click >>> www.volunteersweek.org/
