Catching Lives Latest News: May 2026

This is your May update from Catching Lives, and this month, we have exciting news! We are taking part in The Big Give's Small Charity Week campaign in June, meaning all donations made between 22-29 of June will be doubled! Read on to find out how you can get involved and double your impact.

Small Charity Week 2026

As a small charity, it is vital that we can raise funds to be able to continue our serivces, and support people who are homeless 7 days a week. To support small charities like Catching Lives, Global's Make Some Noise set up Big Give to raise the essential funds needed for the important work of local charities to continue.

Small Charity Week runs from 22-29 June and celebrates the work of small charities across the country. This campaign is a chance for funds to go even further, and we have secured £5,000 of match-funding to be unlocked across the week.

If you have been thinking about donating to Catching Lives, or would like to support us to make your donation go even further, please consider donating to the campaign when it opens on Monday 22 June at 12pm. Every penny donated will be matched, meaning £5 becomes £10! Only donations paid onto the campaign page will be eligible for match-funding, so if you are unsure, please contact us.

You can find our page here. The 'donate' button will go live at 12pm on 22nd June.

Secret Postcard Success!

Postcards on display at our event at BoConcept

On Thursday 14th May, we hosted our Secret Postcard fundraising event at BoConcept. We had over 100 postcards for sale, with the artist only revealed when the card was sold.

It was a fantastic evening that celebrated local artists while raising vital funds to support people who are homeless. Thanks to everybody who cam and bought postcards and raffle tickets, we raised £1365!

There are still lots of incredible postcards for sale, which can now be purchased online. If you didn't get a chance to join us on the evening, you can browse and buy your Secret Postcard here.

A huge thank you to all of the artists who made this event possible by taking the time to create amazing postcards. Thank you so much to our hosts BoConcept for providing the perfect venue for the event. Thanks to the local businesses who provided fantastic raffle prizes for our hamper: Canterbury BID, Fudge Kitchen, Bird & Blend and Standing Tree Acupuncture.

We're recruiting Project Workers

We're recruiting for a permanent and fixed term Project Worker to join our friendly team. The role is for Monday-Friday from 8.30am-4.30pm at our Day Centre in Canterbury. Applications close at midday on Monday 1st June so there is still time to apply! Click here to read the full person specification and find out how to apply.

Meet the Volunteer

Catching Lives is lucky to be supported by an incredible team of volunteers both in our kitchen serving meals, and in our second-hand bookshop in the Crooked House on Palace Street. Our 'Meet the Volunteer' segment shines a spotlight on the amazing people who are at the heart of Catching Lives. This month, we hear from Julia who volunteers regularly in the kitchen.

How did you hear about the volunteering opportunity?

I first heard about it from my friend who volunteers at the Catching Lives bookshop. I checked what other volunteering roles were available and I found the perfect match, as I love cooking!

Why did you choose Catching Lives?

I love human interaction, fast-paced environment, and working under pressure. I enjoy solving problems and feel motivated by challenges.

What are some of the joys you have experienced since starting with Catching Lives?

One of the biggest joys has been meeting new people and forming friendships with other volunteers. It is a humbling experience and makes you complain less about your own life. I feel more grounded and generally happier, and enjoy working as part of a team.

What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering with Catching Lives?

I would say, just do it. A lot of people worry that volunteering will take up too much time or they will feel locked into a strict schedule, but it doesn’t work that way. You can commit as much time as you are able to give - some volunteers are regulars, some help once a month or ad hoc. At least try it. It took me a year to make the jump!

Outside of Catching Lives, how do you like to spend your time?

I enjoy reading, gardening, walking my dog in the forest, meeting friends, spending time enjoying cinema and art, and I love travelling. I am crazy about interiors and secretly regret not doing it as my career.

What are your passions and interests?

I am a textile designer, and I feel very lucky that my profession is also my passion. I am also interested in politics and in the welfare of people and animals.

You can read Julia’s full thoughts about volunteering as part of our Volunteers’ Week celebrations here.

If you're feeling inspired and encouraged by Julia's words, we have plenty of volunteering opportunities available in our kitchen! Find out more about volunteering and how to apply to join our team of volunteers here.

Thank you

Thank you to Southeastern Rail's Customer and and Community Improvement Fund for providing funding to support our creative arts activities! You can read more about the projects funded here: Community projects share £200,000 Southeastern fund

We have also received funding from King Charles III Charitable Fund towards catering costs and volunteer support in our day centre kitchen. Thank you to all of our funders who make our work possible!

Thank you and well done to everyone who took part in the Kent Charity Trek to raise money for Catching Lives this month. So far, our walkers have raised over £1,700 for Catching Lives and Kent Search & Rescue, which will make a big difference.

Thank you to the King's School, whose students have been preparing meals for us in their cookery sessions that we can serve to clients on days where volunteer numbers are low. So far, they have made shepherd's pie, chicken curry, lasagne and lots more delicious meals.

Keep in touch

For regular updates, please keep an eye on our website, Facebook and Instagram for more updates until we write to you again in June. If you're not subscribed to our monthly newsletter, you can sign up here.