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.
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