The Brick, hosted a special celebration event this week to celebrate its 71 volunteers to mark this year’s National Volunteers Week.
The volunteer celebration event was held at The Brickworks and was attended by volunteers and staff. The volunteers were presented with awards and heard speeches from staff members including CEO Keely Dalfen, who let each and every volunteer know how they are appreciated, and how they all make such a difference to the charity, and the people the charity works with.
Volunteer Roy said: “I decided to volunteer as I had spare time after my wife passed away. I had been her carer, full time for 5 years, and I felt that working in the community would be beneficial to both me and The Brick. My role involves general duties in the shop, and at the Food Community. Volunteering has had a very positive impact on my life, it makes me feel useful and I enjoy the social interaction with colleagues, customers and supporters.
Keely Dalfen said: “We really couldn’t do what we do at The Brick without the ongoing commitment and support of our volunteers. We have 71 volunteers who all give up their spare time to work at The Brick across all our services, from working at our night shelters, helping out at our food community, through to working in our shops, and of course our board of trustees are all volunteers too. This year’s volunteer celebration event, was our way to say thank you to every volunteer.”
Volunteer Teigan Gleave said: “I started volunteering at The Brick in September 2022, spending an hour during my dinner break from college helping out where I could, then I would come again after college. Now I try to do a full day on my college day off. I enjoy seeing all the people we work with, and I feel proud that we are there to help and give advice.
“For anyone wanting to volunteer I would say that even giving an hour of your time could help lots of families and individuals in our borough.”
Volunteer Andrew said: “Volunteering gives me a sense of purpose, to help people who are struggling. When I was younger someone helped me, and I will never forget them. I volunteer at the Food Community, managing the donations and the deliveries and I ensure there is a safe working environment.”
When asked what he enjoys most about volunteering, Andrew added: “I started suffering with anxiety and volunteering at The Brick has helped me with this. I have made new friends and we socialise and help each other. We are one happy family!
“My only regret is that I should have started volunteering sooner. My advice for anyone considering volunteering is don’t wait, join up now!”
The Volunteer Celebration event included a presentation to the volunteer of the month, refreshments, speeches by The Brick’s CEO Keely Dalfen, and other staff members, and the event culminated in fun games for all.
If you would like to volunteer at The Brick, you can email Volunteer Coordinator Emma Shaw at emma_s@thebrick.org.uk
