If you had to pick between paying your rent or buying food, because you couldn’t afford both, what would you do? That’s the choice that our guest and now volunteer Callum faced.
He’d got into debt, and his financial difficulties were building. He wasn’t working and didn’t have enough money to pay for both his flat and his food. He knew he had to keep a roof over his head, so he paid his rent and – thanks to charities like Big Breakfast Plus – he was also able to eat.
“I heard about Big Breakfast Plus when I was at the shelter in Swindon. I started coming here two years ago,” said Callum.
“I came every day, but I sat away from everyone at first. I am not a vocal person when I am in a new place, but I gradually started getting to know people. This really helped my confidence, and I was able to relax here and be myself.”
Callum found the volunteers were particularly helpful in putting him at ease and making him feel welcome.
“They made sure I was OK and that I had everything I needed. So eventually I asked if I could also volunteer here, and I now come in two days a week. I still come down as a guest too.”
Callum has managed to keep his home and is no longer in debt. As a volunteer, he has achieved his level 2 in Food Hygiene, and thanks to the experience he is gaining, he has the confidence to look for café work.
Callum (right) celebrating with volunteer Ben, Big Breakfast Plus’s Kings Award for Voluntary Service. Photo: Steve Grimmett photography
We’re so happy that we were able to help Callum, who is now a valued member of our volunteering team. If you would like to support us in our work, please make a donation here. Thank you.