Meet the volunteer: Julia
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
Catching Lives is incredibly lucky to be supported by volunteers who run our day centre kitchen, as well as our second-hand bookshop in the Crooked House. This month, we are shining a spotlight on one of our regular kitchen volunteers, Julia.
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 the website to see what other volunteering roles were available and found the perfect match for me, as I love cooking!
Why did you choose Catching Lives?
The truth is, I am angry with the system and can't believe that homelessness still exists in the developed world. I refuse to believe it is impossible to fix.
I like working with people and my own job can be quite lonely. I love human interaction, a fast-paced environment, and working under pressure - “will these potatoes boil in time or not?”… I enjoy solving problems and feel motivated by challenges. Helping others is more of a by-product of my actions - a side effect.
But it does feel more meaningful to know that what you are doing is genuinely needed. Our motivations don’t matter that much in the end… what matters is the outcome. Is there a cooked, delicious meal for around 20 people at lunch time or not?
So, I would say: whatever your motivation is, don’t overthink it - just come and work in this fantastic kitchen.
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. I enjoy coming up with solutions to problems, and also listening to the stories of clients and seeing how quickly life can change for any one of us.
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 the 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!
It’s also excellent work experience for people who want to build confidence and gain practical experience before finishing their studies.
It is an easy process to become a volunteer, and you don't need to commit to weeks of training before you start. It can be a very valuable addition to your CV so if you don't want to commit for an entire year, you can come and volunteer during the holidays or whenever suits you. If you are retired and feel bored at home, come and laugh with us.
You also don't need to be a great cook. You learn so much from others, and you can do some simple jobs like peeling potatoes, chopping or washing up. Maybe you are better at baking or making desserts, or you can make great vegetarian dishes. You have the freedom to be flexible in the kitchen, and offer your speciality if you are particularly skilled at something.
Outside of Catching Lives, how do you like to spend your time?
Outside of volunteering, 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.
In the past, I helped introduce Open Cages to the UK. At one point, I almost left my main career to work with them full time, but my children were very young and I couldn't commit.
I enjoy teamwork and working collaboratively on different projects.
If you're interested in volunteering, find out more about opportunities and how to apply here: Become a Volunteer | Catching Lives
