Helen
How long have you volunteered with the Booth Centre?
I began volunteering at the centre in early 2019.
What do you normally do when you volunteer?
I work in the kitchen one morning a week. This involves duties such as preparing ingredients, helping assemble the food, serving food, cleaning up etc. I love food and have always enjoyed cooking so the role suits me perfectly. I feel happy seeing people in the Centre enjoying eating things we have made, and knowing that they have eaten a home cooked healthy meal in sociable surroundings. I enjoy meeting new people in the kitchen, including corporate volunteers, people on work placements, and students. We have a lot of fun while we are working!
What's your favourite thing about volunteering at the Booth Centre?
I enjoy volunteering at the Booth Centre because I feel I am contributing in a small way to a very worthwhile cause and an issue I feel strongly about.
Have any of your perceptions around homelessness changed since volunteering at the Booth Centre?
I have learned a lot about homelessness while volunteering, both from talking to people in the centre, and from attending training sessions which have been very informative and interesting. I have felt very encouraged to see such constructive things being done to help people move forward with their lives.
Any hobbies or interests that you'd like to share?
My hobbies include cooking and eating, photography particularly in the City Centre, walking miles every day, and open water swimming. I also sang in a choir before Covid and hope to return to it. I spend a lot of time in the City Centre and am very interested in all that Manchester has to offer.
Do you have any advice or encouragement for anyone thinking of volunteering at the Booth Centre?
I would encourage anyone to volunteer at the Booth Centre. Although the environment can be challenging at times, you will find it interesting, and worthwhile, and you will be made very welcome. The atmosphere is positive and spending time in the Centre is rewarding. It’s always good to meet such a wide range of people too, from all backgrounds.
I began volunteering at the centre in early 2019.
What do you normally do when you volunteer?
I work in the kitchen one morning a week. This involves duties such as preparing ingredients, helping assemble the food, serving food, cleaning up etc. I love food and have always enjoyed cooking so the role suits me perfectly. I feel happy seeing people in the Centre enjoying eating things we have made, and knowing that they have eaten a home cooked healthy meal in sociable surroundings. I enjoy meeting new people in the kitchen, including corporate volunteers, people on work placements, and students. We have a lot of fun while we are working!
What's your favourite thing about volunteering at the Booth Centre?
I enjoy volunteering at the Booth Centre because I feel I am contributing in a small way to a very worthwhile cause and an issue I feel strongly about.
Have any of your perceptions around homelessness changed since volunteering at the Booth Centre?
I have learned a lot about homelessness while volunteering, both from talking to people in the centre, and from attending training sessions which have been very informative and interesting. I have felt very encouraged to see such constructive things being done to help people move forward with their lives.
Any hobbies or interests that you'd like to share?
My hobbies include cooking and eating, photography particularly in the City Centre, walking miles every day, and open water swimming. I also sang in a choir before Covid and hope to return to it. I spend a lot of time in the City Centre and am very interested in all that Manchester has to offer.
Do you have any advice or encouragement for anyone thinking of volunteering at the Booth Centre?
I would encourage anyone to volunteer at the Booth Centre. Although the environment can be challenging at times, you will find it interesting, and worthwhile, and you will be made very welcome. The atmosphere is positive and spending time in the Centre is rewarding. It’s always good to meet such a wide range of people too, from all backgrounds.