Meet Lynn, Westbank Volunteer in Starcross

As we round off our celebration of all of our wonderful volunteers at Westbank, we profile Lynn, one of our volunteers in Starcross.

Our staff are supported by an army of volunteers helping us support over 35,000 people across Devon

Lynn volunteers on a Tuesday morning at the weekly Bacon Butty Club in Starcross Pavilion. Having volunteered for Westbank for over 4 years, Lynn was originally based at the Charity Shop in Starcross and now supports at the Pavilion.

Lynn's role involves helping set up/clear away the ‘cafe’, waitressing, making teas and coffees, ensuring all guests are greeted and made to feel welcome, and listening – which is vital as many of the folk are extremely lonely.

Lynn is a friendly face with whom they can have a laugh and a joke with, and Lynn encourages conversations between guests at the cafe.

When asked what Lynn enjoys most about volunteering, she said "The people! Sally (Westbank's Community Support Co-Ordinator) is an inspirational person, who leads by example, is exceptionally hard-working and is committed to supporting the elderly and the vulnerable in the Starcross community. My fellow volunteers. (What an ace team we have become!) And our weekly guests. There are many lovely characters and many folks have interesting stories to share.

Plus, Satisfaction. Volunteering gives me the opportunity to give something to my community. In his final years, my dad - up in Birmingham - was desperately lonely and alone... so, now that I am retired, I have the opportunity to support other folks who are now in his situation. I feel that I am contributing to a much-needed community service and that is important to me."

Our volunteers are the beating heart of our charity 

To find out more about volunteering at Westbank click here.