Celebrating the people who give their time

In July, we welcomed volunteers from across Alongside to our annual Volunteer Celebration Evening. The event was an opportunity to recognise and thank them for the time, skills and commitment they so generously give throughout the year.

Whether they are welcoming customers in one of our charity shops, supporting clients within our services, or helping at fundraising events, our volunteers make an important contribution to our mission. 

Volunteers and staff at Alongside's Volunteer Celebration Evening.

The evening brought everyone together to enjoy food, drinks and conversation. Volunteers also took part in a free raffle, with prizes generously donated by local organisations and businesses in Bath, as another way of saying thank you for everything they do.

We would like to thank the Theatre Royal Bath, Soul Spa, Bird & Blend Tea Co., Neal’s Yard, Marks & Spencer Bath, Bluebells of Bath, The Good Day Café, BlaaX Coffee, Gail’s Bakery and the Roman Baths for their generous prize donations and support.

One of the highlights of the evening was recognising volunteers who had reached long-service milestones, with certificates presented to volunteers celebrating 5, 10 and 30 years of service.

Among those recognised was Tim, who has supported the charity in a variety of volunteer roles over the past 30 years. Today, he volunteers in the book department at our Walcot Street charity shop.

Tim said: 

" I continue to volunteer because Alongside's purpose is close to my heart and I have skills I can offer. It is very rewarding."

Four volunteers were also recognised through the Room to Reward programme. Lynne Bailey, Mathew Davidson, Jim McMahon and Liz Lewis were each awarded a complimentary short break in recognition of their dedication and commitment. The national initiative gives volunteers the opportunity to rest and spend time with a loved one. It is a small token of thanks for the wonderful commitment and dedication our volunteers show Alongside day in, day out.

We couldn’t deliver our charitable mission without them, and we are always ready to welcome new recruits to the team! 

People volunteer for many different reasons. Some want to support a cause they care about, and others are looking to meet new people, build confidence, develop new skills or gain experience.

Volunteering is also an opportunity to become part of a welcoming community, where people of different ages and backgrounds come together with a shared purpose. Every volunteer helps Alongside support people experiencing homelessness, domestic abuse and social exclusion across the South and West of England.

Helen Bedser, Chief Executive of Alongside, said:

"A huge thank you to all our volunteers for everything you do. You make such a difference, and we need you more than ever."

If you have been thinking about volunteering, we would love to hear from you. Whether you can spare a few hours each week or volunteer more regularly, there are opportunities to suit different interests, skills and availability. Whatever time you can give, you will be joining a welcoming team and helping people rebuild their lives.

Find out more here: Volunteer with us | Alongside Website