So what’s it like to volunteer?
In the section below we have some testimonials and stories from previous volunteers about their experience serving at CCHP.
Miruska
I had a great experience at Crossways. The best time for me was always sitting at the table with the residents for dinner. I was also very happy to see the initiative of one of the volunteers who always prepared the table with cutlery for each seat and that was great. I had the opportunity to meet Keeley and Paddy, both wonderful people who stand out for their kindness and great personality.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to have this experience
Early Evening Host and Mealtime Assistant
Jonny
My name is Jonny and I’ve been living in Cambridge for seven years. I was at university here and returned after I retired from the army. I was interested in volunteering because the army gave me a real sense of service and I missed that a lot. I was at church one day and I heard one of the members of Crossways ask for volunteers and it was just a very opportune moment. It felt like the right thing to do at that time. Volunteering at Crossways is incredibly rich; meeting with a cross section of volunteers is great, but I think it’s afterwards, when we’ve prepared the meals and we can sit down with the residents and have a chance to talk to them and understand their stories – that’s the best bit.
Early Evening Host:
I really enjoyed hosting at Crossways. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly, both the volunteers and the guests.
I learnt a lot both from other volunteers about how to do things at Crossways and the guests too. The guests taught me how easy it is, if circumstances go against you, that you find yourself homeless and sleeping on the streets. Yet, despite their difficult situations they were all polite, welcoming and friendly. On a lighter side, it was fun to play scrabble with one of the guests and finding ways to adapt the Scrabble rules!! I saw TV programmes I do not normally watch and there was tea or coffee available. The security staff were very helpful, which included among their many duties looking up words for Scrabble!
My thanks go to the staff who were always supportive to us volunteers and their presence made Crossways such a happy place to volunteer.
Debbie, Lead Cook:
I was initially daunted by the prospect of cooking for 25 people but with enthusiastic kitchen assistants I really enjoyed every evening that I spent at Crossways. One of my favourite parts was continuing to serve food or make pudding while the kitchen assistants and evening hosts sat, ate and chatted with some of the guests. Listening to the little buzz of shared conversation over a meal, a bit of laughter here and there really lit up the space. I'm really glad that I got to be a small ad-hoc part of Crossways this winter.
Ben
I’m Ben. I’m a first year student at Cambridge doing Maths. One of my friends at college was involved in Just Love Cambridge and she invited me to an event about serving the city where lots of charities were advertising volunteering roles. Crossways seemed to be the most flexible and was the most interesting to me. I really love making connections with the guests and just speaking to them while eating the meals. It’s been a great experience.
Teya, Lead Cook:
Volunteering as a cook at Crossways for the past six months has been a humbling and fulfilling experience. Being part of a team providing meals to those in need has been a reminder of the importance of basic necessities and the impact of a warm meal on someone's day. It's been a journey of compassion and community where I’ve met a good deal of lovely people, both other volunteers and shelter visitors. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and support those facing adversity and would be happy to return next year.
Anne, Lead Cook & Mealtime Assistant:
A really worthwhile project and a great place to volunteer. I felt supported and appreciated, and it's great that you can give as much or as little time as you are able.
Clare, Ank and Jo
My name is Ank. It’s a funny name because I grew up in Holland until I was 24! I’ve been here ever since. I’ve just retired from my full time job and I don’t like it! I like being busy which is partly why I enjoy volunteering at Crossways. I don’t cook because I burn everything but I just help with whatever the lead cook is doing. Every time I go there are nice volunteers, always. A lovely range of people – and young people which is lovely. It’s just great to be able to sit and eat together. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Rachel, Lead Cook:
Although I didn't manage to help as much as I would have liked this winter, it was a real encouragement to be involved with CCHP this year. The food we cooked seemed to be appreciated and I met some really interesting people in the house and on the kitchen team. It really felt like a happy family atmosphere.