Catching Lives Latest News: May 2025
- Catching Lives
- 20 hours ago
- 4 min read
Catching Lives needs more volunteers
Welcome to your May update from Catching Lives. During Volunteers’ Week (Monday 2 to Sunday 8 June), Catching Lives is appealing for volunteers after a recent decline in applications.
Small charities across the UK have been particularly impacted by volunteering dipping to an all-time low due to people’s work commitments and financial instability, according to the Government’s annual Community Life survey.
We’re incredibly lucky to have kind, dedicated individuals supporting our work and our clients 365 days a year. Catching Lives relies on volunteers to provide breakfast and lunch seven days a week, so consistent volunteer recruitment and retainment is vital. At the moment we especially need Saturday volunteers, with other weekday slots available too.
Volunteering roles at Catching Lives include kitchen shifts from 8.30am to 1.30pm (with flexibility for some shorter hours too). As a small charity, we’re also always looking for passionate volunteers to help with fundraising and events. Our bookshop in Palace Street is run entirely by volunteers. They are responsible for sorting, pricing and selling donated books in the shop, as well as running an eBay shop.
Reach out if you have any questions and would like to talk more about current opportunities. Download an application form here to complete and email: volunteer@catchinglives.org or drop it off at the Centre on Station Road East, CT1 2RB. There is a separate bookshop form to be sent to: bookshop@catchinglives.org
Volunteer Celebration Event
Catching Lives’ volunteers are invited to our celebration event on Wednesday 4 June from 4.30 to 6.30pm at Chatterbox Cafe on Castle Street. Drop in to meet volunteers and staff, and enjoy sweet and savoury snacks as a thank you from us!
Streets Ahead art auction is a success
The grand total raised from our charity art auction with Streets Ahead Collective was nearly £3,000. This brilliant amount will support people experiencing homelessness. Thank you so much to everyone involved, everyone who donated artworks and placed bids, online and in person. Thank you to Anne Molloy for being an amazing auctioneer. Thank you to our sponsor South Canterbury and to Chatterbox Cafe for delicious veggie canapés. Thank you to all the volunteers colleagues and supporters who made this such a great event!
More than £800 raised from the Kent Charity Trek
Team Catching Lives - our CEO Tasmin Maitland, Fundraising Officer Georgia Jefferson and Trustees Jerry Hughes and Phil Astell - took part in the Kent Charity Trek on Saturday 17 May, walking 25km and raising more than £800.
Tasmin said: “It was a beautiful and challenging day's walking with Georgia, Phil and Jerry as Team Catching Lives for the Kent Charity Trek. Big thanks to organisers Kent Search and Rescue, especially the marshalls for being super cheerful and encouraging along the way.” There’s still time to sponsor Team Catching Lives here.
Save the date: the next Kent Charity Trek is on Saturday 16 May 2026.
Donating items to Catching Lives
We're running low on some items and have spotted quite a few gaps in our food store. Can you help?
We need: Baked beans, biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate and chopped tomatoes.
Please bring donations to our Day Centre in Station Road East, any time between 9am and 4pm (to 1.30pm on Wednesdays). There’s a list of items we most need here.
Get on your bike for Catching Lives
This month, we’re looking for fundraisers to take part in the Canterbury Bike Ride. The event takes place on Sunday 27 July and there’s a choice of three routes: 26, 52 and 81 miles long, all leaving from Canterbury Rugby Club. Anyone who wants to sign up for a charity place in order to raise money for Catching Lives can get 10% off with our exclusive code: CLCBR2025.
Upcoming fundraisers
This Sunday 1 June, The Granville pub is hosting its first quiz night in support of Catching Lives. Quizmaster Kristian will be hosting the night, with entry at £5 per person (all proceeds to charity). Teams of up to 6 people can take part, with a prize of £150 in Beach Street Restaurants vouchers up for grabs. There will also be a raffle. Tables must be booked in advance so call The Granville on 01227 700402 or book via their website.
Meanwhile, Benenden Village Fete is once again raising money for Catching Lives in memory of former volunteer and supporter Tracy Claridge. The gate money will be donated to us. Benenden Village Fete takes place on Saturday 14 June.
Meet the volunteers
Our Meet the volunteers feature celebrates the amazing people at the heart of Catching Lives. David Sworder is one of our activity volunteers who runs cookery classes. He started as a Saturday kitchen volunteer in December 2018.
How did you hear about the volunteering opportunity?
Catching Lives website.
Why choose Catching Lives?
It creates a kind and caring environment that inspires clients and volunteers.
What are some joys you have experienced since starting with Catching Lives?
Great camaraderie with clients, staff and volunteers.
What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering with Catching Lives?
You have nothing to lose except your preconceptions.
Outside of Catching Lives, how do you like to spend your time?
Running, looking after grandchildren, theatre.
What is your previous line of work/study?
Restaurateur
What are your passions and interests?
Food, travel and sport.
Volunteering Stats for May
A big thank you to all our volunteers!
Thank you
Thank you to Canterbury Wholefoods for nominating us for Viridian funding. Thank you to everyone who has given their time and everyone who has donated to us this month.
Our bookshop is in need of nearly new romance and crime novels for our Blind Date With A Book scheme. Please drop any donations off at Catching Lives bookshop in Palace Street.
For more regular updates, please do keep an eye on our website, Facebook and Instagram for more updates until we write to you again in June.
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