Volunteer of the Month

Celebrating your volunteering achievements 

We would like to thank everyone who volunteers with St Mungo's. Our volunteers play an important role in supporting our clients and make a huge difference to the range of services we can offer homeless people. 

April 2013  - Ian Gouldbourne, health volunteer

His strengths in communicating with clients with mental health problems, and his calm and polite manner, have helped make Ian (left) April's Volunteer of The Month. At St Mungo's Argyle Street hostel, Ian has also involved himself in contributing to on site health and safety, and IT support. Staff describe him as an "all rounder" who gives 100% to the team. Here, he is pictured receiving his award from John O'Grady (right), Project Manager at Argyle Street.

March 2013  - Malcolm Gill, literacy volunteer

Having volunteered for St Mungo's since late 2012, Malcolm (left) has helped to install new methods of learning for clients wishing to improve their literacy skills. Commended by staff for his ability to work closely with people, including on one occasion giving support to a client who had recently suffered a bereavement, without Malcolm's dedication some of the literacy sessions would not have taken place. 

February 2013  - Kyle Kitchen, services volunteer

This month's winner is Kyle Kitchen (right), who volunteers across a variety of St Mungo's services, including the Pathways to Employment Team, Recovery College, and client group Outside In.  Here, he is photographed receiving his reward from Martin Snowdon (right), St Mungo's Employment Pathways Manager. Rewarded for his versatility, staff describe Kyle as "a man of many talents."

December 2012  - Claudia Cotton, art and music volunteer

Claudia received this month's award for her work at our older people's hostel at Hilldrop Road, where she gave her experience of art and music appreciation to residents. She was presented the award by Jim Doyle (left), St Mungo's Area Manager for Mental Health in Camden, and Iver Morgan (right), Volunteer Services Manager. 

November 2012 - Olga Kobrina, volunteer translator

Olga (right), became our November Volunteer of The Month for her work at our Cromwell Road hostel as part of the Central and Eastern European (CEE), where she donated her time and skills in translation sessions with clients. She was presented the award by Kate Tebbet (left), Project Manager at the hostel.

October 2012 - Francis Renwick, volunteer IT tutor

Francis was named our October Volunteer of The Month for his work helping St Mungo's clients gain IT skills at our hostel in Birkenhead Street, London. He was presented with his certificate by Mike McCall, Executive Director of Operations.

September 2012 - Kay Thompson, sewing volunteer

Kay became our volunteer of the month for September for helping female clients learn how to sew. The award was presented to her by David Evans, St Mungo's Executive Director of Finance. Zara Baile, Activity Worker, said: ‘Kay is a dedicated and thoughtful volunteer who has made a huge difference to the lives of clients and taught them to knit, crochet and cross stitch.'

August 2012 - Dan Matlin, discussion group volunteer and befriender

Dan has been a volunteer at our Endell Street hostel for almost two years, in that time he has set up and run several activities including a newspaper reading and current affairs group. He has also been influential in setting up a befriending scheme. His award was presented to him by Charles Fraser CBE, Chief Executive of St Mungo's. The Endell Street team says: "Dan is an amazing asset to us; we are incredibly lucky and proud to have him as part of our team.'

June 2012 - Pete Hayward, gardener/ trainer volunteer

Pete has been out in all weathers encouraging and supporting our clients, has increased participation levels by 50%, is always reliable, friendly, considerate and helpful with our clients. He is excellent at one to one work with clients, people really trust him. One client said of Pete "he's a really lovely bloke, you could tell him anything"

 May 2012 - Roger Hamilton, Skills and Employment team volunteer

Roger runs a peer to peer IT Learning Club for clients, promoting education, IT development, digital inclusion, social inclusion  as well as creating self esteem and confidence among the individual learners. Roger said: "The most gratifying reward is the inspiration I receive from the clients I work with. Knowing that I am part of a team contributing to the positive changes these clients make in their lives, is what drives me to continue in this role."

April 2012 - Carl Webb, Spring Gardens volunteer

"Carl has had more input into the development of Spring Gardens than any member of staff - he always ensures clients' views are heard. Every single member of staff and client would say that Carl is Volunteer of the Century, not just month!" El, Staff member

March 2012 - Jessica Walsh, cooking volunteer

"I really enjoy spending time with clients and building solid relationships with them once the initial barriers fall. I just love volunteering with St Mungo's and this award was extremely rewarding for me!" Read more about Jessica's volunteering experience

Inspired by our volunteers of the month? Check out our current volunteering opportunities and this could be you!