Kindness comes back around
Date Posted: May 31, 2026.
Seven volunteers serve around 80 people every week at St Mary Magdalene’s Open House. These volunteers don’t just provide refreshments, they make people’s day and build long-term relationships, tackling isolation and sign-posting to essential support services like the food bank.
Shannon is one of those volunteers. She first encountered the church visiting the food bank herself, and now helps out at activities throughout the week. She makes sure that everyone who comes into the building is acknowledged, made to feel at home and supported, and this reflects the welcome she encountered the first time she bravely set foot in the building.
“It took quite a lot of courage to step foot in here. My heart was going a little bit. There were a lot of people in the room. I came in, and I remember it being overwhelmingly enjoyable. People said, ‘Good morning,’ and ‘How are you?’ It very much felt like all these people noticed me, and they knew who I was.”
Now that Shannon volunteers, she makes that difference for other people.
“I can come here and have a conversation with someone, and just know that I'll make their day. No matter who it is, it always starts with: ‘How are you?’
“Mentally, physically, and emotionally, it’s also done me wonders. It's like a miracle. Because of my disability and being a single mum I’ve found it hard to hold on to a job.
So, for me to be able to volunteer has changed my mentality. I have a purpose and a reason to be here.
"And people look out for me. They know when I'm getting overwhelmed and encourage me to take a five-minute break.
“I always say to my son, ‘We're kind to others, because kindness comes back around. Money doesn't make the world go round, kindness does.”
Why is volunteering necessary?
42% of Shannon’s working age neighbours are struggling financially because they don’t earn enough money.
Relationships are at the heart of everything that goes on at the church. Over 80 volunteers of all ages keep the weekly activities running, with many of the new groups, like a women’s support group, coming out of suggestions from the local community. For some this has included acquiring skills and experience to help towards employment.
31% of Shannon’s neighbours live alone, and 11% of nearby families are headed up by single parents.
Of his volunteers and visitors, Rev Matthew Price says: “We see people move from fear and isolation to confidence and hope.”
What are the benefits of volunteering?
And it’s not just Shannon who’s benefitted.
- 77% of volunteers report that volunteering improves their mental health and wellbeing.
- 53% feel physical health benefits.
- Almost nine in 10 volunteers say they have met new people.
- Young people aged 18–24 (77%) and 25–34 (76%) are the age groups most likely to say their volunteering helped them feel less isolated.
More widely volunteers are acknowledged as contributing huge economic benefits nationally. In just one year:
- Volunteers contributed the equivalent of £24.69 billion to the economy
- Representing an average economic impact of £2,012 per volunteer.
Where can I get help with volunteers?
Find out how you can recruit, manage and support volunteers like Shannon