So, what led Clair becoming one of our chefs, regularly cooking more than 100 breakfasts for our guests?
“I had been working in a good job as a shop manager, but I had a son with special needs and when I became a single parent, I just wasn’t able to carry that on. I had four children at that point, and have had two more since, and while I wanted to go back to work the cost of childcare meant I couldn’t afford to.
“But now my youngest is eight and oldest is 28, I really wanted to do some volunteering and do something for me.”
Clair put out a call on Facebook for ideas and landed at Big Breakfast Plus.
Initially volunteering, Clair then applied to be one of our floater chefs, covering holidays, and took her NVQ training. When one of our chefs left, Clair took over and now shares the week with our other fantastic cook, Becky.
“I love the cooking, but I still wanted to volunteer,” said Clair. “That’s why I come in three other days to help out and be with the guests. It has worked so well, I really love it, and I have formed such close bonds with people. It is so much more than breakfast, it’s a community.”
If you would like to volunteer, Clair, or make a donation, please get in touch. You can find out more about volunteering here.