Salford celebrates Volunteers Week

The Cornerstone Day Centre

Patrick O'Dowd, Director of Caritas Salford writes: Ahead of the start of Volunteers' Week on the 1st June, a Mass of Thanksgiving was held in Salford on Saturday to celebrate and thank volunteers for all their work.

It was also an opportunity to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Cornerstone Day Centre in Manchester, (postponed from last year because of Covid)

Bishop John Arnold, who presided at Mass, was joined by Father Ged Murphy, Episcopal Vicar for Caritas, and Father Michael Deas, parish priest of St Augustine's.

Bishop John thanked all those present for their support of Caritas in upholding the dignity of all those we accompany.

After Mass, many in attendance processed together in the afternoon sunshine back to Cornerstone Day Centre, while a minibus transported everyone else. There was a party atmosphere with bunting, balloons and delicious refreshments, and an opportunity for volunteers to chat and catch up with friends and make new acquaintances, as well as the opportunity to see first-hand, the many improvements which are taking place at Caritas Cornerstone.

One of our new Community Volunteers said: "Volunteering means I'm doing something and not just sitting on my own. You get a good feeling from helping people. The volunteering is my social life now. Cornerstone doesn't exist without volunteers - we are needed - which is also a good feeling and I can give something back for the help I received in the past. We can all help each other."

For more information about how to become a volunteer for Caritas Salford, please email volunteering@caritassalford.org.uk quoting VMmc22.

Wishing Cornerstone a Happy Birthday!

Unfortunately, the cost of living crisis will lead to more individuals and families in poverty, and poverty is inextricably linked to homelessness. The best 30th birthday present you could give today is to consider supporting our service financially if you can. To make a one-off donation or set up a monthly direct debit, please visit: www.caritassalford.org.uk/service-view/cornerstone-donation-page/ or contact our Fundraising Team on 0161 817 2285. Or you can sign up to participate in the Big Sleep Out or sponsor someone else to do it.

Alternatively, we are always grateful to receive donations of toiletries, especially for men. Your support can help us to work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and in our mission to eliminate rough sleeping.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers. Thank you.