Nigel tells us why he volunteers his time
Every Wednesday companion Nigel (a resident at Emmaus Bristol) can be found behind the counter at the Loaves & Fishes Project in St Pauls, kettle on and sandwiches at the ready. Making tea, pouring coffee and serving food, Nigel plays a key role in creating a warm and welcoming space for people who need it most – and for him, it means much more than just a few hours of volunteering.
Run by the Sisters of the Church, the organisation opens three days a week to support people in need. The café offers hot drinks and sandwiches, the market provides fresh fruit, vegetables and bread, and the Emily Wing allows visitors to collect food parcels filled with essentials like tinned food, pasta, cereals and rice. It’s a place of welcome, dignity, and no questions asked. Nigel explains:
I’ve been volunteering for a few months now. My support worker told us we could take some solidarity time and asked how I’d like to spend it to improve my wellbeing. I’d been chatting to a guy at my church, and he just happened to mention that the Sisters of the Church were looking for volunteers to help run
this food bank. So I decided that I would spend a few hours a week volunteering here. We’re open 10–12:30, but I stay to clear up afterwards. I like helping people. Emmaus helped me when I needed it
– now I’m giving something back.
For Nigel, volunteering isn’t just about serving food – it’s about connection.
There’s no questions asked here, I like that. I really enjoy getting out and doing something different. You can have a good rapport with some people, have a joke.
Nigel’s empathy comes from lived experience.
Before I came to Emmaus I spent time on the streets, and some people that visit us here are sleeping rough. I understand what somewhere like this means to those people.
That understanding shapes the way he volunteers – with warmth, humour, and respect. For Nigel, the few hours he gives each week are about more than volunteering – they’re about solidarity, community, and paying forward the support he once received.
I’ll be here for as long as they need me.
