In teaching us charity, the Gospel instructs us in the preferential respect due to the poor and the special situation they have in society: the more fortunate should renounce some of their rights so as to place their goods more generously at the service of others. Pope Paul VI, Octogesima Adveniens (1971), n.23.
I started volunteering for Caritas Shrewsbury’s The Well Project 7 months ago.
I volunteer weekly at the Women’s Group which provides a welcoming space for refugees and people seeking asylum to come together for English conversation and a range of activities, such as craft, sewing, knitting, cooking and exercise, as well as providing information and orientation for life in the UK.
Volunteering with Caritas Shrewsbury’s Well Project has been a really positive experience for me – the opportunity to connect over shared interests and activities, to have everyday conversations and enjoy each other’s company, seem like small but significant acts of normality in the unpredictable and stressful situations that many refugees and people seeking asylum are dealing with.
Our sessions are busy and fun; skills, experiences, words, traditions, and beliefs are shared, and we all learn from each other. I know so much more about the countries and cultures of the women who attend the group now, along with some great kitchen hacks! I would like to feel that we are helping to make good Manchester memories for the new lives that the women and their families are building here.
I enjoy being part of the Caritas Team at The Well Project, the other volunteers are amazing; so dedicated, friendly, and supportive of each other. The Caritas worker who manages the sessions is excellent – she makes sure that the voices of the women are heard, and she is enthusiastic and encouraging of the volunteer team.
When I retired, I was keen to do some volunteering in my local community. I am very glad to have found a role with Caritas, I feel that I have the opportunity to put my faith into action at The Well Project; the principles of social justice and Christian love are alive and well in what we are doing and that is important to me.
I joined the Catholic Marriage Advisory Bureau, later to be called Marriage Care, 33 years ago as a Marriage Preparation Facilitator and two years later I became a counsellor. The training, love and care I received during what were some of the most difficult times in my life really helped me to be the person I am today.
I can say we are a family of love all striving for the same goal which is to help couples prepare for Marriage and to nurture them though their own journey if they have any problems.
As one of the Trainers for Marriage Preparation I can say we work together to ensure that new volunteers get the best training possible and that they are well prepared to deliver to the highest standard – ensuring that God is at the centre of all we do.
At the heart of my various roles in Marriage Care is my belief that the vows we undertake on the day of Marriage begin a lifelong journey. After 52 years of Marriage with the loss of my young son aged 16, couples need to understand that the promises they make to each other are not fickle but a light burning brightly, when the light flickers and they cannot resolve differences we – Marriage Care – are there for them, we always welcome them to the family of Marriage Care.
When a couple say thank you for a lovely day it makes me happy, when a couple say they want to be a volunteer because Marriage Care helped and they want to give something back or when I get a letter from a priest saying that the couples are very happy with their marriage preparation day I thank God for giving us the gift of love.
Marriage Care has taught me patience, kindness, tolerance, acceptance and love.
Glenda is one of many volunteers with Marriage Care. To find out more about their work, visit here.
I began volunteering with Caritas Shrewsbury about six months ago, working with The Well Project based at St Aidan’s in Wythenshawe. Having previously volunteered as an English teacher with a range of students, I was looking for a project that not only focused on language learning but also fostered community cohesion and a sense of belonging.
I feel I have found this with the women’s group under the guidance of Lana.
Working with the women’s group has been a truly enriching experience. Through activities like craft, cooking, and sewing, we try to create a welcoming space where women can practice English in a natural and supportive environment.
More than just language skills, these sessions are about connection, confidence, and mutual learning. I’ve gained so much from listening to their stories—insights into different cultures and perspectives on resilience, and the strength of these women in overcoming challenges. I have also improved my cooking skills!
Although I am no longer a person of faith, my mother was a deeply committed and active Catholic. Even after her death several years ago, she remains my moral compass. Helping others was part and parcel of her life, and in many ways, my voluntary work is an unspoken thank you to her—for the love, guidance, and values she instilled in me.
My voluntary experience with Caritas has reinforced the power of compassion, understanding, and human connection. It has shown me that even small acts of kindness—offering time, a listening ear, or a shared moment—can make a profound difference not just to the recipient but also to your own sense of connection.
Helen volunteers with the Well Project which is an initiative of Caritas Shrewsbury. Find out more here.
Why and how did you begin volunteering as a member with the SVP?
I joined SVP back in 1983 to put Catholic Social Teaching into practise and faith into action. I joined a local conference and set up another. Ozanam’s teaching plus St Vincent have been a key inspiration.
What difference does it make to your life?
It has given me a real purpose and focus in my life.
Are there any inspiring stories that will always remain with you?
Many inspiring stories both here in England and Wales, and overseas with our twins. The latter has been key in giving the UK a reality check and benchmark on poverty. Having been the SVP country ambassador for our India twins, I have seen many small projects set up, especially for women in India.
Do you see any link between your volunteering and your faith?
Yes, without doing the volunteering through the SVP, where is faith in action?! Practical action inspired by and supported by prayer, Bible study and Mass and other devotions – Mother Teresa examples a constant reminder!
I first discovered Caritas St Joseph’s (CSJ) about 15 years ago, while looking for a day centre for my daughter Natalie. Caritas St Joseph’s was highly recommended by one of Natalie’s former teachers, and I can see why: it’s a unique place centred around core principles of love, care, kindness and commitment, all of which are shown by the wonderful staff who work there. It really feels like a family.
Having seen Natalie blossom as a student at CSJ, I thought it right to contribute to the centre’s work by sharing my own knowledge and experience, so 14 years ago I began volunteering there once a week.
I started by assisting at Reception, which helped me to learn about the students and their lives, forming strong relationships with both them and staff. A year later, I moved into the ‘Stage in Making’ class, helping students to make props, as well as supporting ‘Music Recording’ sessions where students prepared a show to perform at the end of term. I have also learnt British Sign Language, and enjoy practising with Natalie at home.
I have formed many meaningful friendships with students during my years at CSJ. I became very good friends with Francis, the first student I ever met back when I initially came to view the centre. He became a close family friend, sharing my husband and daughter’s interest in football. Francis passed away last year, and we miss him very much.
Volunteering at CSJ is also immensely rewarding. One student I have worked with over the past 10 years used to only be able to use one hand; now, he has made incredible progress and can use both hands. I also bonded with another student, who is a non-verbal wheelchair user; after many months of coming to my music class, he gave me a big smile and put his hand out to say hello. Moments like these are the reason I volunteer at Caritas St Joseph’s.
My faith strengthens me in my volunteering, and enables me to support the students at Caritas St Joseph’s. Helping at the centre is a pleasure, privilege and an honour. I enjoy every minute, from the moment I walk through the front door.
Kay volunteers with Caritas St Joseph’s which is an initiative of Caritas Westminster. Find out more here.
I joined the Catholic Church in 2006 from a lifetime of atheism. I had at that time been volunteering in conservation and countryside management for over 25 years and continued while assuming minor roles in our parish until the onset of covid in 2020. It was at this time that I started working with Liz Wills from Caritas distributing food parcels to needy families in the local area. When we were approached with the idea of operating a Pantry I got involved in setting it up and when it opened I took on the role of meeter/ greeter and refreshment maker.
In contrast to my former years of volunteering I was now working directly with people, most of whom are financially or socially disadvantaged. This experience, particularly meeting refugees and asylum seekers, has led to a much greater awareness and insight into the challenges faced by my ‘neighbours’ in daily life. In these circumstances I can try to fully live the gospel values taught by Jesus eg embracing love of poor and overlooked and accepting the stranger. My faith is strengthened by the knowledge of the good that can be achieved by living these values and by evangelising through good works.
I find the relationship I enjoy with our members and with the wonderful team of volunteers very rewarding and affirming of goodness and grace which is around us. Working with the team rewards me personally with friendship and support in my own life, we are a family. And of course I have found friendship with the people we serve.
We hear some heart wrenching stories, everyone whom we serve faces difficulties in their lives but it is good to know that in some small way we can help by offering a listening ear and sometimes give practical advice and assistance.
It is always good to hear of some positive changes in someone’s life, particularly for example when asylum seekers obtain a visa and a home to move into where they can start the long journey of settling into life in a new country. These are people of great resilience and determination who, despite the challenges ahead of them I’m sure will flourish in their new lives and bring much to our country.
In summary I have found in this work a new sense of purpose and belonging in my retirement years and would say that I receive more than I give.
David volunteers with the Hitchin Pantry, which is an initiative of Caritas Westminster. Find out more here.He has recently won a Caring Award with the ‘North Herts Heroes 2025,’ for his support of isolated individuals over the past three years. Watch a video of David and the rest of the Hitchin Pantry team in action here.
Why and how did you begin volunteering as a member with the SVP?
I joined the SVP in 1977 after I met a Civil Service psychologist during a promotion selection board at work. He asked me if I got involved in any of the social welfare activities of the Catholic Church. I had to admit that I didn’t (A bit like Frederic Ozanam being challenged by the students at the Sorbonne University to “show us your works”, perhaps?). Anyway, I wondered afterwards what I could – and should – do about this? I thought of the old gentleman who I used to see when I was a little kid, standing quietly in our Church porch after Mass every Sunday, holding out an SVP collection box. I thought of the collections we used to have in school for the SVP a couple of times a year, for which Mum and Dad made sure I had some money in my glove when I went off to school that morning. I thought of all the “Jack-the-lads” I knew in the 6th form at school who enjoyed the camaraderie of the school rugby team and various youthful escapades and also something I only found out years later, because they never spoke about it – the fact that (unlike me) many of them were also members of the school’s SVP Conference. They were giving up their Saturday mornings to visit elderly and lonely people in the local area, to bring them a little happiness and companionship . . . and I had the answer to my question . . .
What difference does it make to your life?
A lot! It has given me:
a greater sense of purpose in life
the opportunity to offer my abilities for the service of people less fortunate than myself, and to develop as a servant leader.
the privilege of meeting so many wonderful people, both within our Society and among the people we serve.
the great joy of knowing that I am part of a loving and world-wide family of like-minded people, united in a common vocation of loving service to Our Blessed Lord and His friends in need.
Are there any inspiring stories that will always remain with you?
I remember the final day of our SVP National Meeting in 1984, which that year took place in the Villa Marina in Douglas, I.O.M. Archbishop Derek Worlock of Liverpool was the Principal Celebrant at our National Sunday Mass. I will never forget his homily that day. That this was the year of the national miners’ strike. Many mining communities up and down the country were suffering real hardship and were, in many cases, dependent on their families and local charities – the SVP prominent among them – for food, fuel, and other household essentials. The Archbishop spoke of the labourers in the vineyard who the landowner hired at the eleventh hour, as no-one else had given them any work that day. By then they must have been desperately worried that they would have no money with which to buy their families anything to eat. The landowner took pity on them without humiliating them. He treated them as the equals of those who had worked for him all day. He restored their self-respect, and he made sure that their and their families’ needs were met. The Archbishop described the landowner as “an apostle of the eleventh hour”. He went on to say that that this was exactly what the members of the SVP Conferences and all those at Mass in the Villa Marina in those mining communities were as well. We are here to help anyone in need regardless of who they are or what they are, our help is offered freely to anyone without judging them, and we are here for anyone in need at any time – even when they may think that all other hope is gone. An Apostle of the Eleventh Hour – what a wonderful way to describe a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society!
Do you see any link between your volunteering and your faith?
Most certainly. Quite simply, Our Blessed Lord Himself has said: “Whatever you do for these, the least of My sisters and brothers in need, you do it for Me.” (Matt. 25:40). That sums up everything that our shared Vincentian vocation is all about.
Volunteering was always something I knew I would do following retirement. Having worked with CAFOD for over 15 years, I was drawn to working with disadvantaged, marginalised and vulnerable groups.
The first place I looked was my local Windsor Christian Action in 2006 – operated by Churches Together in Windsor. There was an opportunity to work with homeless people, serving hot dinners once a week to begin with, and later helping with various ‘odd jobs’ where necessary.
In 2011, I joined RENATE (Religious in Europe Networking Against Trafficking and Exploitation). I knew that Caritas Westminster had opened Caritas Bakhita House – a safe house for survivors of trafficking – in 2015, so I contacted them to offer my services. I met with Karen and Anna for an initial chat, offering to help in whatever way was best for their guests – perhaps teaching English, Computing or simply accompanying the women to their appointments.
Volunteering at Caritas Bakhita House has made a huge difference to my life. Working there, I interact with women from different countries, cultures, customs and faith traditions. This is both humbling and inspiring. Humbling, because their stories of abuse, trauma and overcoming difficulties are what I can only begin to imagine, and have made me realise just how much my own experience growing up in rural Ireland was one of privilege, safety and love. And inspiring, because I am frequently in awe of the resilient women who overcome incredible suffering through the care and love shown to them at Bakhita House, and go on to live life the full.
The stories that I hear from women who have escaped abuse and exploitation – often from childhood – are always heartbreaking. One can but listen, offer hope, comfort and walk alongside them with a compassionate heart. Not being able to ‘solve’ the problem or take away another’s pain is not just a challenge, but a sadness for me. However, I believe in the power of prayer and the response it evokes from a loving, compassionate God. To quote Alfred Tennyson, ‘More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of,’ and I find reassurance when I pray for those who struggle to find hope, peace or fulfilment in their lives.
Faith is so much a part of my daily life, especially as a religious. It shapes why and how I do volunteer work. My inspiration comes from the example of Jesus and his radical message of inclusion, particularly inclusion of those whom society rejects or fails to support. The principles of Catholic Social Teaching also inform my life, from the dignity of every human person to solidarity and the common good. We have a beautiful world, a world of goodness created by God, and it is incumbent on us to promote and share its beauty and goodness. That reinforces my faith, and it is also nourished by my volunteering work.
Sr Mary Patricia volunteers with Caritas Bakhita House which is an initiative of Caritas Westminster. Find out more here.
How long have you volunteered with Caritas and why did you decide to get involved?
I started with Caritas in May 2023. I decided to get involved in Caritas, because I knew a little about Caritas International’s humanitarian work in my country El Salvador and in Spain as well. Now that I have been here as a volunteer for a while, I have learned more about the commitment and work that Caritas Salford does in Greater Manchester and Lancashire. That gives me more encouragement to continue contributing my time.
What’s the best thing about volunteering?
The best thing about volunteering is gaining work experience and developing new skills. At the same time, it makes a difference in the community by helping those in need.
What’s the best thing about your particular volunteering role?
At the food pantry, I enjoy talking to the other volunteers and people who come to the centre for help and giving them a warm smile. In the garden, I like to plant and watch the plants grow. It is wonderful!
Caritas is a charity. What is it like volunteering with a charitable organisation?
Volunteering at a charity can be an incredibly rewarding job. It offers opportunities to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. In addition, it contributes to the acquisition of new skills and personal and professional growth.
How would you sum up the difference your volunteering makes in a sentence?
To dedicate my free time to supporting the organisation and helping people in need, making my volunteer work tangible, creating a positive impact on people’s lives.
What would you say to other people think of starting to volunteer?
As a personal experience, I can say volunteering is a perfect way to develop and acquire skills. It has helped me connect with people in a rewarding way. If you are new to the UK like me, volunteering can also be a great way to improve your English skills. I encourage you to do it and leave your fears aside, because it is worth it!
Since 1946 Marriage Care has been tending to the needs of couples, both those preparing for marriage and those who have reached a tricky point in their relationship and are struggling with the hardship relationship poverty brings to family life.
All our work is carried out by dedicated volunteers such as Teresa Weeks who has been counselling three couples a week, forty five weeks of the year, for over twenty-five years. As a deeply committed Catholic who has undertaken the thirty-day Ignatian spiritual exercises, Teresa’s spirituality and counsellor training has helped her to discern what couples may need to hear, and to grow in the knowledge and love of God.
Teresa became a counsellor when she’d been married for about 25 years. As so often happens as people enter middle age and children grow up, she and her husband had got stuck as a couple. But they knew it was really important that they try to make their marriage work and not just let it go. They went for counselling and found the counselling so helpful that Teresa decided to volunteer. There was a rigorous selection process, involving counsellors and psychologists, so Teresa was pleased when she was accepted. She had worried that the problems she experienced in her own marriage might make her unsuitable. She was pleased to find that the opposite was true as her own relationship journey helped her to understand better what others might be going through.
Volunteering for Marriage Care has become part of her life. She has supervision once a month and access to regular training to ensure professional standards are maintained in keeping with Marriage Care’s commitment to the ethical framework; a requirement of its membership of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists. For her, the volunteering is a marvellous part of her life and has fulfilled that desire to understand better how relationships work, how each of us develops as a human being made in God’s image and likeness and also to understand herself better.
The benefit to society of maintaining healthy, loving, and enduring relationships is huge because it reduces people’s stress and anxiety and it promotes peace and flourishing, especially for children. Nearly 50% of all 16-year-olds are not with both parents, which has a profound effect on them, so it’s not surprising that in 2022, 15-year-olds in the UK reported having the lowest life satisfaction in Europe compared with others in their age group. Children need a secure base and a good model of what a healthy relationship is.
Many couples on the verge of divorce say they would take a way back if they could find it, but they feel they’ve reached the end of the road. With help it is often possible to find a new way and get back to a loving relationship. Given a safe space where they can explore their issues and de-escalate the tension, they can start to listen and undo the negative patterns that they’ve got into.
Marriage Care’s counselling service is open to any individual or couple who needs support with relationships issues – Catholic or not, married or not. And the norm for couples attending our Marriage Preparation courses, which are designed for those marrying in the Catholic Church, is for one person to be Catholic, or from a Catholic background and the other not and as a result the courses offer an evangelisation process that builds bridges to faith through welcome and acceptance. Teresa believes that God is in all things and especially in the creation of loving relationships, therefore if we are working and supporting people in developing their relationships to be more loving that is of God.
As our work is undertaken by volunteers, we provide the lowest cost relationship counselling service, and we never turn anyone away if they can’t afford to pay.
Marriage Care needs more funds to recruit, train and support volunteer counsellors and supervisors so that couples get the help they need to find a way forward from their difficulties. As for Teresa, she says she will volunteer as long as she possibly can.
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