Volunteer Voices: Darren & the Friendship Group at Brew & You Café

We’re often asked why people decide to volunteer with us. While we could give you lots of reasons, we feel the most powerful voices are those of our volunteers themselves.

For Volunteers’ Week, we’re proud to share another of our Volunteer Voices – real stories, from real people, in their own words, offering a genuine insight into what volunteering with us is really like. This is Darren’s story.

A sense of purpose and connection

“I’ve lived in Millbrook since I was eight years old and I’m proud to call it home.

“I first discovered the Friendship Group at the Brew & You Café in Millbrook when a friend invited me along for a cuppa and a catch-up. The following week, I went back and that’s when I saw the group in action.

“The Friendship Group, which started in mid-2025, supports people in the community who find it difficult to get out and about or who struggle to make friends in social situations.

Taking the step into volunteering

“I decided to volunteer for Communicare because I felt I had something to offer. Many years ago, I worked as a youth worker, so I knew I had skills that could help others in my community.

“Volunteering has given me more than I expected. It’s helped boost my confidence and self-esteem and given me a renewed sense of self-worth – something I had been lacking.

“It’s also helped me get out of my flat more and reconnect with the world around me.

Helping others feel part of the community

“Being part of the Friendship Group means helping people connect, make new friends and feel like they truly belong.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see people grow in confidence and begin to enjoy social situations again. For many, it’s about moving away from loneliness and feeling part of something bigger.

“I also really value the support from the Communicare office team. Having that connection means we can signpost people to the right support when they need it. Strong communication and teamwork make a big difference.

Why volunteering matters

“Volunteering has given me a reason to meet new people and explore new opportunities for social interaction.

“Communicare offers free services for all generations, helping to improve quality of life by connecting people with groups, companionship and practical support. Whether it’s a friendly call, a lift to an appointment or help attending a group, the impact is huge.

“I would highly recommend volunteering to anyone. It not only helps others, but it also builds your own confidence and helps you feel more connected. There are so many different opportunities to get involved – there really is something for everyone.”

How you can get involved

If Darren’s story has inspired you and you’d like to make a difference in your community, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about volunteering here.

Thank you

Photograph taken with thanks by Tim Kenyon Photography.