“As a volunteer, there is the opportunity of witnessing at the chapel service, yet in many respects I feel that I have learnt more about life from the clients than they could have learnt from me. There is a realism, an immediacy and a directness in the Crypt that one does not often find elsewhere.”
Brian Eaton
“Working as a volunteer at the Crypt is exciting and challenging, and offers variety that could not be found in other organisations. The voluntary worker is able to play a vital role in providing some stability and continuity in the lives of clients. I would like to think that this, in some way, gives the staff the opportunity to carry out their many arduous and difficult duties with confidence. In this way staff and volunteers may work together to provide the optimum service for those who so desperately need our care.”
Pat Bradley
“In May of 2001 I was confirmed and received a blessing of the church of England at St Mark's Church, Harrogate. This provided me with the opportunity to serve God and to let Jesus Christ be at the centre of my life! In a previous service at St Mark's I had briefly heard about St George's Crypt and the wonderful work that is carried out there, with refugees, disadvantaged families and the homeless. God was definitely pulling me in that direction, so I contacted St George's Crypt immediately and became a volunteer a couple of weeks later. My first night came as quite a shock, because of the sheer number of people that required help and nourishment. I can only describe it as a ‘Sea of Despair' that came before my eyes, just ordinary people, and all ages, who were hungry, damaged, lost and very lonely. I now work at St George's Crypt one night a week serving in the kitchen area. To say that I am very humbled by this work and extremely privileged to serve the hard in this way is greatly understated.”
Church of England (Mike Barley)
“A great pleasure I am privileged to enjoy is playing the piano at the worship service held each night. These services are a must, even though attendance can be low, yet the love shared between those who attend is unique and something to be treasured.”
Richard Bradley
“My motivation for joining the Crypt volunteer team was partly based on a desire to find some worthwhile work experience to put on my CV. I certainly wasn't expecting to enjoy the time that I spend there as much as I do... The Crypt has given me the opportunity to get out of the student environment and enabled me to meet many people of different ages and backgrounds. The fact that I often now see a familiar face as I'm walking around town makes Leeds feel much more like home.”
Kate Bell.
“We are here to show practical Christian care however imperfect we may be, and not judge if a person deserves it or not. We are all equal in God's sight. There have been changes over the years...however, the Crypt is still seen as a Christian haven offering warmth and safety, comradeship and non-judgemental advice.”
Jim Cairns
“I've been a volunteer at St George's Crypt for five years now, working mostly in the Family Centre. When I first came I wondered how I would be able to help and I began by serving refreshments and getting to know people. Food and friendship play a big part in the work of the crypt and over the years fellowship lunches, coffee mornings, Christmas parties, seaside outings and big celebrations have given me opportunities to care for those around me.
The Fellowship Group on Thursday meets first for a time of worship and sharing and here staff, volunteers and clients have time and space to think about the Christian faith that underpins this special work of the Crypt. Along with others I have been able to help in leading some of the Fellowship meetings and have also received so much myself from being part of that group.
Collecting clothes and household goods from the people in my own community and delivering them to the Crypt has been another way in which my role has developed. Sometimes it may only be a couple of carriers, but often it is a car load which once delivered is sorted and distributed through the Crypt shop or other outlets, providing much needed resources for the Crypt clients.
As I've got to know more about the work of the Crypt, I've also been able to speak as this theme to various groups which has led to others volunteering, new financial and practical giving, a deeper understanding of the needs and the facilities offered and an extension of the prayer support so vital for the ongoing work of sharing the caring love of Jesus to those who come in need.”
Sheena
< Back