Meet volunteers who work for Arc

Selfless people help Arc with an array of services, including working in the kitchen, helping deliver donated food, and tutoring clients.

Professional services are also offered including therapeutic counselling, beauty therapy and meditation.

The charity currently has around 35 people lending a helping hand.

Without this help - Arc would not be able to run as successfully as it does.

Justin Roxburgh, CEO, said: “Volunteers are an integral part of our work here at Arc and we could not manage to do many of the activities and learning that benefit our clients without them.

“We benefit form literally thousands of volunteer hours every year. I thank them all for the support and warm hearted generosity.

“We could not achieve all we do with out our volunteers.”

Two of the charity’s volunteers are Annie and Paul Trolley. The pair wanted to volunteer after reaching retirement.

Mrs Trolley said: “I stopped in Taunton to talk to a homeless man and asked him what life was like for him and how he had reached this point.

“I admit that normally I would have walked past and not given a second thought, but after half an hour talking to David, I realised that it could happen to anyone. Something goes wrong in your life and for some reason there is a downward spiral. I knew I wanted to help.”

At the same time, Mr Trolley spotted an article in the County Gazette asking for volunteers to help Arc (Then TAH). One phone call later and they were doing two weekly pickups from Morrisons, which has now increased to three.

Mr Trolley said: “Once it was three whole boxes of bananas. Annie didn’t want them going to waste so offered to bake banana loaves.”

The charity is holding a volunteer celebration and welcome day on Saturday, September 15 from 10am until 2pm at the Quaker Meeting House, Bath Place. People are welcome to attend to find out more about volunteering for the charity.

Altneratively, get in touch with the volunteer coordinator Steve Atkinson by emailing satkinson@arcinspire.co.uk or call 07849 804540.

Hear from more volunteers about why they wanted to help:

Jody Robertson: “I FIRST discovered Arc while working for Claims Consortium Group as this is one of the local charities our business supports regularly in any way we can. The first time I got involved with Arc was on the shoe box appeal. This hit home for me - the reality of what people go through, how little they have and even the small things make a difference.

“Another event was The Big Sleep Out, although you are sleeping in a safer place than most homeless people have, it certainly gives you a lot to think about.

“I could relate to this after going through very similar tough times myself losing everything and not even knowing if I was going to have a roof over my head or how I was going to afford to eat.  “Volunteering with Arc is deeply important to me personally, along with encouraging my colleagues and friends to join in. I would encourage anyone to get involved. There are so many of us that just assume we know why we see those people on the streets, but until you join Arc I can honestly say you don’t know enough.”

Paul Youde: “I VOLUNTEER for Arc by teaching simple bread-making without all the mystique and mystery that prevents people from making their own bread.  “I volunteer my time and efforts for several reasons - I feel I’m very fortunate and want to help those less so. Anyone can end up homeless and they just need a leg up.

“I chose to pass on my skills because here’s a group that can benefit immediately from my passion. Arc is all about getting people back on their feet, and I can pass on some techniques that will help them on a limited budget.”

“My time at Arc has benefited me enormously. I’ve learned a lot about teaching simply cookery techniques but also about people, I’ve learned never to judge by appearances.

Steve Atkinson: “I RETIRED about five years ago and was looking to do something useful for the community. 

“During my teens I spend a few night sleeping rough so I know first hand how difficult it can be. Later in life I was a manager responsible for a team which supported the homeless. I have an affinity with homelessness and believe in a civilised country such as ours it should not exist. 

“I saw an advert for the Big Sleep Out so I took part and raised hundreds of pounds. Since the Sleep Out I’ve helped develop a community garden in Taunton and have helped collect Christmas shoeboxes. 

“I now work as the volunteer coordinator at Arc looking after current volunteers and recruiting new ones.”

The County Gazette has launched a £40,000 campaign to keep funding Outreach for another year - so the team can continue helping those in need, whatever the weather.

To support the vital work Outreach does helping the most vulnerable in the community, visit justgiving.com/campaign/SaveOutreach.

Donations can also be made to Arc through cheques to TAH, cash donations bank transfers.

Contact Rosie Hather on rhather@arcinspire.co.uk or 01823 271326.