Without our volunteers, we simply wouldn’t be able to run Big Breakfast Plus. We are blessed with having a fantastic group who, between them, ensure we can open seven-days-a-week for our guests.
Our volunteers span all ages, from teenagers to retired people, including our longest-serving volunteer, Jim. As we have recently marked Volunteers Week, we would like to introduce three of them.
So, meet two of our youngest volunteers – friends Xara, 18, and Izzy, 20. They went to school together and are now at New College, both studying for a Uniformed Protective Services qualification.
Xara has been volunteering since she was 16, and was encouraged to do so by her mum, who thought it would help give Xara confidence. She hopes to join the police, where having confidence and authority is an essential requirement.
Xara was very shy when she joined but was soon chatting away to our guests and her fellow volunteers, saying the experience has been hugely beneficial.
“I had finished secondary school and didn’t really know what to do afterwards and my mum came across Big Breakfast Plus,” said Xara.
“I really wanted to boost my confidence. I wouldn’t talk at all to start with, but this has really, really helped me and I love it. We do cleaning, washing up, serving and making teas and coffees, and chatting to our guests. You have to have a big heart, and I think I have that.”
Izzy, who is considering a career in the RAF, was inspired to volunteer when she saw how much Xara was enjoying being part of our team. She has a family friend who is a rough sleeper and wanted to give something back to the community.
“We have a homeless friend, who is a bit older than me who I have known for a few years now. I don’t like seeing anyone going hungry. I wanted to do something to help, and it is better to give food than money.”
“When I started it was quieter, but we have more people coming in now and it’s really busy.”
And meet Jim, 82, who has been volunteering for several years and is with us every Tuesday. He used to help two or three days a week but has reduced his time to care for his wife, Doreen, who has health issues.
Jim is one of our lead volunteers, so it is his responsibility to appoint different tasks, when he is on shift.
“When I was working, I was in the construction industry running my own business. When I looked at volunteering, I didn’t want to do anything behind a desk or anything that was like my job; I wanted something a bit different. Because I was involved with the church too, Big Breakfast Plus seemed perfect.”
When Jim joined us, we were serving breakfasts for homeless people. Now, now we able to cater for anyone who is hungry in Swindon.
“We do so many more breakfasts now. Yesterday, when I was in, we served 98 and I think they served 102 today!”
Jim says he enjoys getting out and helping people – he also enjoys seeing how the other volunteers progress and learn new skills.
“It gives you a purpose in life – I don’t want to be home all the time. We also make friends and, being an older person, I think I can help some of the younger people.”
Are you interested in volunteering? We are looking for people like Xara, Izzy and Jim who have time to spare, are kind and caring, and willing to muck in. Find out more here.
And if you would like to help us through financial support, why not set up a regular donation? It’s easy to do – find out how here.