Volunteering at the Swiss Church

Volunteering at the Swiss Church is a great way to get involved in some exciting projects, meet new people and give something back to the community in a beautiful part of London. We have many hard working volunteers who are important members of our community and help run our weekly activities.

Volunteers opportunities range from cooking soup and serving breakfast to planning children’s activities and arts events at the church.

Xanthe Hawksley-Walker, 25

 I first heard about the Swiss Church via an advert to volunteer as a chef for Holy  Soup. It seemed like a good thing to do as I enjoy both cooking and talking to  people. I was also keen to do something in the heart of London as I live in  Twickenham.  My role involves cooking the soup from scratch on a Thursday and  serving it from the steps on the Friday. I really enjoy being creative and trying out new recipes. The Swiss Church is a beautiful building and I especially love the kitchen where I have spent a lot of time. Volunteering at Holy Soup is a great opportunity to give back to the community and I get a lot out of it too, I enjoy chatting to the people who come along and it is always nice when people have enjoyed my cooking. I like the atmosphere at the Swiss Church, everyone is really nice.  There is a good variety of activities that are on offer and I’ve also helped on the bar for the concert series and at the Goldsmiths exhibition which I also really enjoyed.

Andy Palfreyman, 50

 In August 2014 I was walking past the Swiss Church. The door was open and I was  made welcome by the Matt, the community worker. I explained to him that I was  homeless. Matt invited me to Breakfast on the Steps and Holy Soup.People at the Swiss Church are non-judgemental which means a lot to me. I became  friends with the staff which changed my previous conception of church. The  community have shown me faith and trust to follow my sense of calling.I now run ‘Breakfast on the Steps’ with others. I take pleasure in making a difference in people’s life. It gives my life a purpose.