Catching Lives Latest News: October 2025
- Catching Lives
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Support our Winter Appeal
Winter is an even more challenging time of year for people who are homeless, and we need your help to offer each person the services and support that can end their homelessness.
We have launched our Winter Appeal fundraising page to help people who are homeless this winter. £8 could pay for a hot breakfast and lunch for a week for one person. £20 could fund day centre services & support for a week for one person.
Your donation will ensure that we can continue to give people a warm welcome every morning and to work in partnership to find safe places to live this winter
One client said: “Catching Lives have been a life-saver, and I mean that literally. The support, advice, facilities and simply being there to listen have got me through the shock of becoming homeless and given me hope that it won't always be this way.”
You can help Catching Lives continue to bring people hope by donating this winter. We can only make a difference to people who are homeless in Canterbury and East Kent through the continuing support of people across our community.
A busy month at Catching Lives
Thank you to everyone who brought in donations for Harvest Festival, including
St Andrew's Church, Wickhambreaux Primary School and Chaucer Hospital (pictured). Our pantry is looking good!
This month, we were also able to buy a new washing machine thanks to our match-funded Fresh Clothes, Fresh Start campaign. You can see the new machine in its glory in this video if you use Instagram.
For World Homeless Day on 10 October, we shared 10 ways you can help people who are homeless. On 15 October, we held our first open evening, pictured below, which was a great success. Thanks to everyone who came and volunteers Hajer and Luna for the amazing bakes!
Winter plans at Catching Lives
This winter, Catching Lives will be delivering its 7-day drop-in services to help people who are homeless. In recent years, we extended our services in winter, with the Canterbury Community Shelter providing a communal shelter overnight in different venues across the city for winter 2024-25. However, this year we will focus on maintaining our core day centre services and working in partnership to help people access housing and other support as quickly as possible. Read more here.
Meet the volunteers
Our Meet the volunteers feature celebrates the amazing people at the heart of Catching Lives. Auriole Davis has been volunteering in the Catching Lives Bookshop for more than four years.
How did you hear about the volunteering opportunity?
It was just after lockdown when I was walking the dog and my husband saw a notice in the CL bookshop window appealing for volunteers. I had been working at Laura Ashley until it closed down and I knew I loved retail. I was at a stage in my life when I had a bit of time on my hands and, along with my love of books, it was a no brainer.
Why choose Catching Lives?
I have seen how homelessness has increased over the years, not only nationally, but in Canterbury. I wanted to help a charity which was local where I could make a difference and see a difference being made. I now see first-hand now how well run this charity is and what a difference it is making.
What are some joys you have experienced since starting with Catching Lives?
There are so many. I have met new friends; a lovely camaraderie exists amongst the volunteers. Then there is the joy of meeting all the people who visit the shop. One of the biggest joys is seeing the students who volunteer. We only have them for a limited time but they leave the Catching Lives shop with a new sense of purpose and confidence.
What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering with Catching Lives?
Do it! If you love books, have time on your hands and like to be part of a team, then join the Catching Lives shop and really make a difference. It’s very rewarding.
Outside of Catching Lives, how do you like to spend your time?
I like to spend my time walking the dog and cooking. I also invigilate at the University of Kent. I have just become a grandparent so my spare time might look a little different moving forward!
What is your previous line of work/study?
I spent 29 years working for Kent Police as a Police Officer in Canterbury and then in the Intelligence Department at Dover Police Station.
What are your passions/interests?
My family. And tennis. Feel free to recruit Rafa Nadal as a volunteer!
October Volunteering in numbers
A big thank you to all our volunteers!
Meet fundraiser Dinyar Cooper
Catching Lives's supporter and musician Dinyar Cooper, pictured, has organised a 'scratch' performance at St Mildred's Church, Tenterden at 6.30pm on Sunday 16 November. Flo Peycelon is the conductor and Clare Haythornthwaite the 35-strong orchestra's leader, with choir director Andrew Read.
We spoke to Dinyar ahead of the concert. He said: “I believe happiness starts with a roof over your head, a good meal and some life-stability from which you can try to make choices for the future. I found that Catching Lives gives that opportunity through their essential services and their amazing volunteers.” Read more here.
Co-op Community Fund
Catching Lives has been chosen as a local cause for the Co-Op Community Fund! You can choose us by logging in on the Co-Op app or website. Visit www.coop.co.uk/membership.
Thank you
Thank you to everyone who has supported us this month. And finally, thank you Cranbrook Apple Fayre for continued support of Catching Lives. We have received more than £265 raised from rides on the Bucking Camel!
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 November.
