Chris's Volunteering Story

Chris has always called the South Bank home. As a child, he used to visit Coin Street, but it wasn’t until more recently, through a neighbour, that he discovered our range of volunteering opportunities.

He first began by attending our Gentle Gardening sessions, but soon that grew into something more. Over the past year and a half, Chris has become a familiar face at our Coffee Mornings and Feel-Good Saturday sessions. 

For him, each activity brings something different. But whether he’s outdoors connecting with nature or chatting over a hot drink, he values the opportunity to grow and serve his local community.

Volunteering has also brought Chris unexpected joys. Chris has made new friends through the sessions, many of them are people he would’ve once passed in the street without a second thought. 

In our Coffee Morning sessions on Thursdays, he even managed to reconnect with a former schoolteacher, a moment that made him recognise the importance of preserving local communities.

Chris’s favourite thing about Coin Street is simple but powerful: “They've supported me.” He speaks about how the experience of being involved has helped him grow, making him feel more comfortable engaging with others and helping him develop social skills and confidence along the way. He now sees volunteering and community work as an integral part of his future.

To anyone considering getting involved with volunteering, Chris encourages you to dive in. He praises the strong support system for new members and the dedication of the community to foster an environment where everyone can feel happy, comfortable, and genuinely welcomed.