Last week, Down Town proudly marked Volunteers’ Week with a special celebration dedicated to the incredible individuals who give their time, energy and compassion to support others in our community.
To mark the week of celebration, Down Town hosted a celebratory event where volunteers enjoyed a buffet, sweet treats and, most importantly, time to connect and reflect on the difference they make every day.
One of the highlights was a simple but powerful activity where volunteers wrote messages on love hearts about what volunteering at Down Town means to them. Messages touched on building confidence, helping with anxiety, making friends, and making a real difference to the community and people’s lives.
Volunteers play a huge role across every part of Down Town. At the Community Grocery, 15 active volunteers give an average of 40 hours each week supporting deliveries, stocking shelves, helping customers and providing a friendly welcome. Many volunteers have come through local churches, while others have previously received support from Down Town and now volunteer as a way of giving back to the community.
Pauline has been volunteering with the bistro at Down Town for close to three years and spoke about the importance of communication and social connection. She said: “I love meeting people and I love the feeling and pleasure I get out of making someone happy and making their day.
“Even if it’s only saying hello to them or good morning and just having a little bit of a natter with them. I think it makes a lot of difference.
“It makes me get out of bed in a morning, it gives me something to aim for and to look forward to.”
The Community Kitchen and café is supported by six regular volunteers, with four having been there since it opened three years ago. Volunteers help with everything from washing up and keeping the kitchen tidy to serving customers and taking orders.
For James, who has volunteered at Down Town since it first opened, supporting others is what keeps him coming back.
“When I started, I did a bit of everything really to gain some experience,” he said.
“My thing is to help people with disabilities and those that are less fortunate than myself, I like supporting them.
“That’s the joy I get out of it every day, that makes me want to come back. I’m not here to make up the numbers, I’m here to make a difference. That’s what I do.”
Across other services, volunteers continue to make a significant impact. BFC in the Community is supported by two long-standing volunteers helping with food parcels, warehouse duties and deliveries, while Calico’s four active volunteers contribute around 50 hours each week supporting customers, stocking the ReLove shop and helping maintain a welcoming environment.
Alongside volunteering opportunities, Down Town also supports students from local schools, colleges and universities through work experience placements and works closely with Project SEARCH to help individuals develop valuable workplace skills and confidence.
If you’re interested in making a difference like Pauline, James and every single volunteer at Down Town, get in touch today by calling 01282 686402, emailing contact@burnleytogether.org.uk or simply nipping in for a chat.
