Kelly and Vicky Volunteer at Trinity House

At PayStream we are committed to making a difference in our local community, which is why we have launched a volunteering programme which gives our team members the opportunity to get involved with local charities. This not only provides the charities with much needed help and support but it also helps to broaden our employees’ horizons and perspectives.

We’re very excited to have partnered with Benefacto, an organisation that works with small charities across Manchester which benefit from having one off, professional volunteers come along to help out with sessions during working hours. Two members of our accounts team were recently given the opportunity to spend the day in Rusholme volunteering at the Trinity House Community Resource Centre. The charity provides a safe space for children, young people, parents and carers, offering education, recreational activities, training and personal development. Kelly Robinson and Vicky Knight volunteered at their ‘Lunch Club’. Here’s what they got up to…

Their day began by meeting the kind individuals who help manage the Lunch Club. Once members of the local community began to arrive, the pair introduced themselves to the guests, made them a hot drink and had a quick chat before lunch was served. Vicky and Kelly helped dish out the food then tidy up once everything was eaten. Afterward, the girls sat down for another catch up and giggle with members of the local community.

There were some very interesting people at the Lunch Club. Kelly spent time speaking with a lady named Lola, who was originally from the Caribbean. Lola shared with Kelly all of the traditional meals that she makes for her family at home, which sounded delicious! Another attendee of the Lunch Club, Cath had recently celebrated her 102nd birthday, how amazing!

Here's what Kelly had to say about her time at Trinity House...

“I really enjoyed volunteering and would not hesitate to do it again, it made me feel good putting a smile on people’s faces even if it was just for a few hours. It also made me realise that a lot of people rely on charities like Trinity House as a means of getting out of the house for a few hours and meeting new friends.”

Over the coming months, even more PayStream employees will have the opportunity to volunteer through Benefacto and we’re excited to share their experiences with you on our blog. Watch this space for more stories from our staff as they share their experiences!