‘To love is to serve’ – students volunteer at London Jesus Centre

“THIS place has made us realise that people do need help and that’s why places like this are here. They really help those in need.” Shireen is one of a group of sixth-form students who recently volunteered at the London Jesus Centre.

St. Dominique’s provides volunteering work for its students in the local community, with the opportunity to receive certificates based on their services. The students spent the day learning what day-to-day life is like at the Centre by supporting the Centre’s staff in their duties.

Alisha worked in the drop-in centre giving out food. The drop-in facility offers services for people in particular need, with provision for laundry, food, showers, etc.

Safiya and Thanuja helped out at the drop-in centre by keeping time of the showers, which they explained have 15 minute slots allocated to each person.

Shireen and Joy worked on reception to enable people to pick up their post, which is delivered to the centre, and to book the centre’s users in for time to use the computer facilities.

A teacher at the sixth form college, Carol Woods, who also volunteered her time for the day working in the centre’s kitchen, said she was surprised to see that not everyone using the centre fit the stereotype of ‘homeless’.

“It was a real eye-opener,” she said.

The college lists ‘to serve’ as one of its Chaplaincy activities by quoting Mother Teresa who said “To love is to serve”.

A wide range of volunteering activities are always available at the London Jesus Centre, with a welcoming environment to work in.