Giving back

13 Jun

This Volunteers Week, we met with the team at Lighthouse at SAINT Church in East London to see what drives their heart for volunteering and what issues they’re responding to.

Shining a light on East London

With a pool of 65 volunteers, SAINT Church is working hard across multiple sites with Lighthouse, their ministry that provides practical and relational support in East London. Lighthouse is all about creating a space for people to be known, loved, and belong. Their primary focus is building relationships and community with people, empowering them to a hope-filled future, providing hot food and a food pantry. Working across different sites, they even have pop-ups for clothing, money help, and digital support. Whatever Lighthouse isn’t able to do (which isn’t much!), they’re able to signpost to the relevant organisations. Of course, with rising costs across the board, the services are in increasing demand.

“People come in hungry – not just for food, but for community as well as practical support.”

Hannah, Love Your Neighbour Lead at SAINT Lighthouse

On the ground

The work done at Lighthouse is only possible thanks to the volunteers who give endless hours to provide the services to those who need them. Gianna, one of the volunteers as Lighthouse, was walking by the Hub when she saw a sign for volunteers. Wanting to be part of a communal effort for a cause that would have real impact, she decided to sign up – and she hasn’t looked back since. She told us that there’s something for everyone in volunteering. If you’re an extrovert, you can get talking; if you’re an introvert, you can prepare and serve.

Every role, no matter what it is, serves a purpose in the wrap-around care that’s being provided to tackle the causes of poverty, help those in crisis, and give the care to those who need it.

“We’re all just members of a community gathering.”

Gianna, Volunteer at SAINT Lighthouse

Keep going

Of course, volunteering is no different to many other jobs – there are good days and bad days. But the hearts and resilience of volunteers keep them going. People from all walks of life come together with shared values to help the community in any way they can – no matter how small it might seem.

“Come and check it out. There’s no risk to see if it’s for you.”

Gianna

Giving up your time without pay, particularly with a rising cost of living, might be a luxury that some people simply can’t commit to. Although people’s reasons for volunteering might differ, their hearts are the same. One individual we spoke to used to receive the services. Now, he volunteers to return the generosity that was given to him – and he finds it to be his most sociable day of the week.
Some even volunteer outside of their working hours, still finding the determination to give after a full day at work, driven by the help that family members have received. And from what all these volunteers have told us, it’s a really worthwhile and meaningful use of time. The series you’re watching will still be there tomorrow!

“I try to understand that everyone is facing different challenges. It’s really important to meet people where they are.”