Volunteers needed at Newbury charity Loose Ends

A charity that supports the town’s homeless, lonely, vulnerable and those struggling to make ends meet, is appealing for more volunteers to help keep its vital services running, writes Imogen Uwins.

Loose Ends drop-in centre said it needs more volunteers to assist at its Northcroft Kitchen.

In April, the charity opened a new venture in Northcroft Kitchen, where struggling families are welcome to enjoy a hot meal and a safe, warm place to go.

And it is not just a kitchen; the charity helps in many other ways too.

Particularly in the winter time, it offers a warm and friendly place, as well as meals and toiletries.

Representatives from West Berkshire Homeless also visit, so if there are any particular issues, such as with housing, there is someone people can talk to.

Volunteer Alison Martin said: “It’s somewhere for people to come in and relax and feel safe.”

Everyone involved in the charity is a volunteer, so more people signing up is important to the longevity of the service, she added.

The drop-in centre is open for breakfast Wednesday and Friday – 9.30am-11.00am – and for lunch Monday, Tuesday and Sunday – 12.30pm-1.30pm.

Loose Ends doesn’t run on Thursdays or Saturdays however, the charity said, the Newbury Soup Kitchen is open on those days for similar needs and would direct people there if they need support on those days.

Most volunteers would be assisting with the day-to-day running of the meals, cleaning and helping with kitchen duties.

Prior experience, however, is not necessary as two training sessions will be provided before volunteers start, as well as online food hygiene training.

Loose Ends is also looking for a volunteer to take up the role of secretary, since the previous one moved.

There are also opportunities to be a trustee and take on more responsibility with governance, decision making and the running of the charity.

If you have an interest in helping out at Loose Ends, you can get in touch by either following the link to volunteering on the website or email recruitment@looseendsnewbury.org

Volunteers can sign up via a rota at whatever time works best and there is no commitment to certain times or days. Sundays, however, are in particular need of volunteers, the charity said.