Join the Canterbury Community Shelter team
This is your October update from Catching Lives. Since we last wrote to you, we’ve officially announced the Canterbury Community Shelter, providing overnight accommodation for up to 15 people who would otherwise be sleeping rough, will go ahead this year.
The shelter is run by Catching Lives in partnership with local churches and community partners. This winter, Canterbury Cathedral, St Paul's, Canterbury Baptist Church, St Peter's Methodist, St Dunstan's, St Thomas of Canterbury, St Mary Bredin and Canterbury Umbrella are taking part. Read more here.
There are just a few more days left to apply to join the Canterbury Community Shelter team. We’re recruiting for multiple flexible roles; Evening Project Workers (fixed term), Waking Night Shelter Workers (fixed term) and Locum Project Workers (daytime, zero hours).
These roles offer an excellent opportunity to gain some initial experience working for a charity, as well as making an immediate difference to the lives of people who are homeless. The closing date is midday on Monday, November 4. Please share with anyone who might be interested.
Rosie is doing 150 days of movement for Catching Lives
Catching Lives’s Volunteer Coordinator Rosie Bartlett is undertaking 150 days of movement to raise money for us. She started in September and has so far completed runs, swims and bike rides. The fundraiser will culminate with the Barcelona Half Marathon in February 2025. You can sponsor Rosie via JustGiving and follow her daily progress via her Instagram.
Rosie said: “It would mean a lot to know there are silent supporters out there both for this fitness challenge and for Catching Lives itself. It will definitely help me to keep going in the colder, darker months.”
You can read more about her challenge here.
Meet the volunteers
Our Meet the volunteers feature celebrates the amazing people at the heart of Catching Lives. Joyce has been volunteering in our kitchen for two years.
How did you hear about the volunteering opportunity?
From Linh the volunteer who stays with me in St. Anne’s convent.
Why choose Catching Lives?
Because I was new to the country, and did not know any other organisation.
What are some joys you have experienced since starting with Catching Lives?
The staff are very cordial, the volunteers share same views they appreciate working with me, great learning new recipes. It’s a joy to cook a meal and happy to see the clients enjoying a hot meal.
What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering with Catching Lives?
I will surely encourage them to try volunteering in Catching Lives. They will experience the joy of doing something in a little way that’s bring happiness to self and others
Outside of Catching Lives, how do you like to spend your time?
I am religious Nun so I have my own chores in the convent. I wanted to do something different so I volunteered once a week.
What is your previous line of work/study?
My work is teaching in school and being a Nun. We should be ready to learn and do any sort of work where there is a need. All my work is voluntary.
What are your passions and interests?
My passion is to serve people in whatever way I can. My interests are to teach, organise and facilitate sessions.
Volunteering Stats for October
Thank you to all our volunteers who have helped this month.
‘7 for 70’ Calendar 2025
Denise Smith, who has been fundraising for Catching Lives to celebrate her 70th birthday this year, is selling 2025 calendars to raise more money. The calendars feature beautiful photos from Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable photographic clubs and can be purchased for £7 plus p+p from Denise. Her email is denise.smith167[at]btinternet[dot]com. Find out more about Denise’s ‘7 for 70’ fundraiser via her JustGiving page.
A couple of dates for your diaries; there will be a Christmas Market to raise funds for Catching Lives at Canterbury Academy on Friday, November 29, from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. Tickets are also now on sale for Canterbury Chamber Choir’s Christmas concert on Saturday, December 21. There will be a collection for Catching Lives.
Thank you!
Thank you to everyone who generously supported us this Harvest Festival season, including St Bartholomew's Church, Waltham, St Leonard's Church, Badlesmere, St Giles Church, Kingston, St Michael & All Angels Church, Harbledown, St Mildred's Church, Kent College Junior School, St Mary's Church Stodmarsh, Herne Hill Church, St Mary's Church, Wingham, St Martin & St Paul, The Light Root Waldorf Hub CIC, St Peter & St Paul Church, Boughton under Blean, St Edmund's School, Stowting C.o.E Primary School, St Mary’s Church, Bishopsbourne, All Saints Church Graveney, St Martin's Church + Schools in Herne, Chaucer Hospital, Canterbury, St Thomas of Canterbury and Challock Methodist Church.
As ever, thank you to everyone who has donated money, items or time. If you’d like to support our Winter Fundraising Appeal, please do so via JustGiving.
If you’d like 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.
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