Winton Salvation Army Celebrates 100 Volunteers Who Keep Vital Community Services Running
By Charities Correspondent
More than 100 volunteers who help support vulnerable people across Winton were honoured at a special dinner this week as part of Volunteers Week celebrations.
The event, hosted by The Salvation Army at its Latimer Road community centre, recognised the contribution of volunteers who dedicate thousands of hours each year to supporting local residents facing loneliness, homelessness, financial hardship and other challenges.
From serving hot meals and offering companionship to running youth activities and community groups, volunteers are at the heart of services relied upon by hundreds of people across the area.
The Winton centre currently supports a wide range of initiatives including homelessness outreach, footcare services, friendship groups, recovery programmes, children's activities, youth work, sensory groups and support for families.
Community Centre Manager Tina Shave said volunteers are the driving force behind everything the charity achieves locally.
She said: “The founder of The Salvation Army, William Booth, was once asked what to do about human need. He simply replied, ‘Do something!’
“Our volunteers are our ‘Do Something’ — because every single one of you here does something in the name of this community centre, in the name of The Salvation Army. And we want to thank you for that. Thank you to each and every one of you!”
Among those recognised was Sue, a retired office manager who has volunteered at the centre for nearly three years.
Using skills developed throughout her career, she helps coordinate the centre's extensive volunteer operation and keeps track of the logistics required to manage dozens of community groups and activities.
“I love admin work and organising things,” she said.
“I come here on Mondays and lend my professional skills. In a place that has over 100 volunteers and staff, you can imagine the effort and logistics that is needed here.
“One of my tasks is managing the volunteers register. Everyone has to be documented, we need to know which groups are doing what on what day, do we have space, what can we shift around and are there people making donations. I feel like I am still at my office desk.”
Another long-serving volunteer is 91-year-old Glenda, who has dedicated more than 30 years to helping others through The Salvation Army.
She currently co-leads Activate, a weekly group supporting people facing physical, mental and social challenges. The sessions provide activities, conversation and friendship for people who may otherwise spend days without seeing or speaking to anyone.
Glenda said: “I get home sometimes absolutely shattered and think, why am I doing this?
“But then I remember we're giving people who haven't spoken to anyone in days a place to belong — and that work, helping others, is what's kept me alive all these years.
“Putting a smile on someone's face helps you stay young!”
For Patrick, volunteering has become a way of giving back after receiving support himself.
The volunteer has spent the past three years helping set up community programmes, maintaining the centre and assisting wherever needed.
“I look forward to going to Winton Salvation Army every day,” he said.
“I let go of all the negative things from my head when I get there and I feel relaxed when I help others.
“I see that I am not the only one worried. I try to help and in addition I feel very good in the whole Salvation Army team.
“This centre, these people — they are my family and I trust them totally. I love them all very much.”
Volunteers Week runs from June 1 to 6 and celebrates the contribution of millions of volunteers across the UK.
Anyone interested in supporting The Salvation Army's work in Winton can find out more through the local community centre.
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