In September 2022, Genesis Trust started Life Connect, a project that presently consists of three different home-cooked meals throughout the week in different locations where vulnerable people can not only get a healthy meal but connect with others in conversation. The hope is that these conversations will lead to further support.
One of the meals is Thursday lunchtime and held at St John’s the Evangelist Church on South Parade Road in Bath city centre. So many volunteers come together to support this meal: whether it’s food preparation, serving tea and coffee, cleaning or spending time chatting with the guests.
Helen Richardson has been volunteering at the lunch since the very beginning and serves the guests food and spends time talking with them. I interviewed Helen.
How did you become involved with volunteering at the lunch?
“I have known about Genesis for many years, done quite a bit of fundraising for them and I was approached by Robert (our outreach worker and deacon at St John’s) to consider being involved in the Genesis lunch.”
Why did you choose to help?
“I didn’t hesitate in my decision to help. I have a heart for loving folk in whatever place they find themselves. I have been in an extremely dark place myself in the past and truly appreciate the people that were involved in my recovery. I have always loved gathering people together and since moving to the city am involved in a fair bit of outreach for all parts of the local community.”
What is your role and what is your favourite part of it?
“My role is listening to individuals, serving food and generally trying to lift spirits. It has been creating a family atmosphere of love, kindness and trust. I thoroughly enjoy being with our guests and volunteers and always look forward to the Genesis lunch. It’s the highlight of my week.
Recently I was able to spend time with a guest who had recently lost a dear friend, listening to his hurts, and offering words of comfort and hope. Also, one of the guests has come with me to a couple of services at St John’s and seems to be reconnecting with her faith.”
A massive thank you to all the volunteers from St John’s Church!
Helen has faithfully served the guests and encouraged them which is so valuable. But it also needs to be said that there are so many volunteers from St John’s Church who cook some amazing home-cooked meals, and young men from the University of Bath Rugby team who help clean up. All these volunteers are critical to this meal being possible so thank you.
