Catching Lives Latest News: October 2026
This is your October update from Catching Lives. We have been overwhelmed by the wonderful donations we have received from Harvest Festivals this month! Your kindness and generosity have stocked up our pantry for many months to come, ensuring people who are homeless have access to fresh food and hot drinks through the winter. Thank you so much to everyone who has organised collections and donated to Catching Lives.
We're hosting a book-themed quiz!
On Thursday 26 November, we are hosting The Big Book Quiz at St Paul's Church Hall in Canterbury to raise money for Catching Lives.
Join us for an evening of bookish fun and put your knowledge to the test in an evening of fun for a good cause. Doors will open at 17:30 and the quiz will begin at 18:00. Come along with friends, family or colleagues (teams of up to 6 people). We hope to see you there!
You can find out more about the quiz, and book your space here.
We're hiring: Project Worker (Mon-Fri)
Join our amazing team as a Project Worker and help people who are homeless!
We're recruiting for a member of our weekday team, working Monday-Friday 8.30am-4.30pm at our Day Centre in Canterbury. The role includes practical tasks alongside one-to-one support work with clients. Project Workers coordinate with colleagues, volunteers and external partners to deliver a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment in which people can get the help that they need to make positive changes and move on in their lives.
The closing date is Friday 13 November (all day), with interviews likely to take place 26-27 November. You're welcome to arrange a visit to the day centre before applying.
Click here to get the job back and details on how to apply.
Meet the Volunteer: Sue
Our 'Meet the Volunteer' segment shines a spotlight on the amazing people at the heart of Catching Lives. This month, we meet Sue, who regularly volunteers in our kitchen.
How long have you been volunteering with us for?
4 years
Why did you choose Catching Lives?
On my retirement, I wanted to use my time to put something back into society, particularly to help people without a job or a home and struggling to make ends meet.
What are some of the highlights you have experienced since volunteering?
I have really enjoyed meeting all the staff, but particularly meeting all the clients - realising that they all have something to offer, but need help to do so.
What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?
It's a really practical way to help others.
Outside of Catching Lives, how do you like to spend your time?
I love my family and grandchildren, especially gardening and cooking with them. I enjoy flower arranging and trying to grow my own cut flowers.
Is there anything you've learned since volunteering at Catching Lives?
I have learned how important it is to be patient and calm and that everyone deserves to be given a chance.
What are 3 words that sum up your volunteering experience?
Fun, friendship, education.
If you're interested in volunteering, you can find out more on our website. Applications are now open for Christmas volunteering opportunities, so if you would like to apply to help out in our kitchen over the Christmas period, click here.
Advertise your business on our building
Did you know we have up to 3 banner spaces available on our building for businesses wanting some visibility, or promoting a special event. Banners face onto Pin Hill, viewed by thousands of people every day, in cars and walking along the city wall.
Our banners offer a unique opportunity to provide essential visibility for businesses while supporting a local charity. If you're interested in finding out more about renting a banner, you can read more and complete an enquiry form here.
Get your tickets for Handel's Messiah Community Performance
The Community Messiah workshop and performance is back this year after a huge success in 2025, and happening in just a few weeks!
Last year's scratch performance, organised by Dinyar Cooper, raised over £5,000 for Catching Lives! The event returns this year on Sunday 15 November to a new venue - St Dunstan's Church in Cranbrook. Tickets are available to buy online now at £10, and will be available on the door for £12.
You can purchase your tickets to this fantastic community event here.
Thank you!
Thank you to the schools, churches and community groups that have planned collections for us and donated as part of their Harvest Festival. We have received so many fantastic donations from: Boughton Parish Church, Barham Primary School and Church, Harbledown Church, Herne Bay Spiritualist Church, Herne Junior School, Kent College Junior School, St Andrew's Church Wickhambreaux, St Dunstan's Church Canterbury, St Edmund's School, St John's Hospital, St Martin's Church Herne, St Mary's Church Wingham, St Mildred's Church Canterbury, Sturry Church, St Paul's Church Canterbury, St Peter's Anglican Church, St Thomas Catholic Church, Stowting Primary School and The Light Root Hub. We are so grateful for all of your donations. Our pantry is now full to the brim!
An extra special thank you to the King's School in Canterbury who chose us as their Charity of the Term back in the summer, putting on different events to fundraise for us. We are thrilled to announce that they raised an incredible £10,592!
Thank you to everyone who selected Catching Lives as their chosen cause on the Co-op app over the past year. Your votes raised a total of £2,366 to fund cookery classes for people at our day centre.
Thank you to everyone who attended our Open Evening this month. Keep an eye on our social media and website for upcoming events!
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 November.
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