Volunteers’ Week: The People Behind the Numbers

62 tonnes of food isn’t something anyone can carry on their own—and thankfully, that’s never been the idea. Behind every bag packed, every conversation shared, and every life supported, there’s a volunteer showing up and making it all possible.
This Volunteers’ Week, we’re taking a moment to say a simple, heartfelt thank you. Because while reports talk in numbers, the real story is always people.

‍More Than Numbers

In 2025, Revive—Kerith’s Social Justice ministries, was supported by over 157 volunteers across our sites.

That’s 157 people choosing, week after week, to give their time and energy to others.

At Bracknell Foodbank alone, volunteers helped 5,522 clients last year, handling more than 62 tonnes of food. That’s thousands of bags packed, lifted, sorted and shared—but just as important are the conversations along the way - because it’s never just food.

Why We Do This

At Kerith Community Church, our vision is simple: helping people find their way back to God through communities growing in their love for God and love for people.

Revive is one way we live that out. We exist to support people in our local communities who are facing difficult circumstances—offering practical help like food, advice and support, while also helping people take steps towards longer-term stability and security.

Across Bracknell Forest, Farnborough, Windsor and the Isle of Wight, our projects aim to support, encourage and empower. And none of it happens without volunteers.

The Power of Turning Up

Volunteers do something simple and powerful: they turn up.

They turn up early to sort donations. They turn up in the rain to unload deliveries. They turn up when things feel busy—or even a bit chaotic.

They also turn up for people. To listen, to help, to sit alongside someone who needs more than just practical support.

At Farnborough Pantry, which supported over 200 households last year, volunteers aren’t just handing over food. They’re building relationships—remembering names, celebrating progress, creating a place where people feel known.

Walking Alongside

At our CAP Debt Centre, volunteers supported 49 clients last year, with over £65,000 repaid. But the real impact goes far beyond finances.

Volunteers journey with people over time—through challenges, small wins, and everything in between. They bring encouragement, patience and consistency.

Small Spaces, Big Difference

Not every need is obvious.

At evive Café, 40–50 people each week find connection and community. At Meet & Brew, others gather simply to be known and not alone.

These spaces might look small, but they carry real weight. Loneliness is real—and volunteers help lift it, one conversation at a time.

Going the Extra Mile

What stands out most about our volunteers is their willingness to step beyond what’s expected.

That’s looked like supporting families with essentials, building relationships in supported housing, running Food Camp, and helping lead prison visits and Alpha courses reaching around 180 prisoners.

These moments don’t always start as plans—they start with people saying yes.

It’s Not Always Easy

Volunteering can be stretching. It takes time, energy and sometimes emotional resilience.

And yet, people keep showing up.

Not because it’s easy, but because it matters. And that steady presence is what builds trust—the foundation for real change.

A Much Bigger Picture

While we’re celebrating Revive, this spirit runs right across Kerith Community Church.

Every Sunday and throughout the week, volunteers make church happen—welcoming people, serving in kids and youth, helping with car parking, running courses and groups, or supporting cafés and community spaces.

Together, it all reflects that same vision: loving God and loving people in practical, everyday ways.

Want to Get Involved?

There’s a place for you.

Whether it’s serving on a Sunday or midweek, working with kids or behind the scenes, helping in a café or joining a team—there are plenty of ways to get involved.

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to be willing to show up.

Find out more HERE

Thank You

To every volunteer—across Revive and the wider Kerith community—thank you.

Thank you for your time, your kindness and your consistency. Thank you for the small things that add up to something significant.

You’re the reason these numbers matter, AND more importantly, you’re part of the story of lives being supported, hope being restored, and people finding their way forward.

Happy Volunteers’ Week—we’re so grateful for you.