volunteer Archives - Bonny Downs Community Association

Meet Eric & Naomi – from our Befriending Scheme

Naomi & Eric’s story: ‘I can talk with him in a way that I cannot with family members.”

Our Volunteer Befriending Scheme is going from strength to strength providing weekly contact, comfort, and support for isolated elders – and a valuable volunteer role that supports local people’s wellbeing and sense of connection. This is thanks to the amazing volunteers donating their time and to The Mercers Company for funding the project.

One example of the enduring friendship and improving wellbeing arising from this project is the story of Eric and Naomi.

Meet Maruf

Maruf’s story: “You treated me with compassion and now I’m giving something back!”

Maruf lives near our Community Centre. His family, including a wife and two young children, are from overseas, have lived in London for more than ten years, and have a legal right to remain in the UK.

Our Crisis Response Story

In the words of our Volunteers!

When the Coronavirus struck in Newham, we knew that demand for our foodbank, which has been running weekly since 2013, would rise. We also realised that the most vulnerable in our community were going to need extra help. So we quickly set up a hub to enable us to get emergency relief packs of food and essentials to people stuck at home through illness or shielding.