Volunteering
“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth”
Muhammad Ali
Agents of hope
Volunteering for a local charity is a transformative journey that not only impacts the lives of others but also enriches our own in countless ways.
It’s an opportunity to be part of something greater than ourselves, to channel our time and talents towards meaningful change in our community.
Through volunteering, we forge connections, build bridges, and create a sense of belonging that transcends individual differences.
Moreover, the act of giving back instils a profound sense of purpose and fulfilment, as we witness the positive impact of our efforts firsthand.
Whether it’s lending a hand to those in need, contributing to a cause we’re passionate about, or simply spreading joy and kindness, volunteering empowers us to be agents of hope and catalysts for positive change.
In the process, we discover the true essence of compassion, generosity, and empathy, and we realize that the greatest gift we can give is the gift of our time and ourselves.
If you would like to get in touch, please email info@wearetrinity.org.uk.
Interview with Uxbridge FM
This interview features Steve Hedley, the founder of Trinity, who was once homeless himself.
Steve shares his journey and how it led him to work in homelessness support for over 30 years.
Impact Story: Pete’s Journey – From Crisis to Confidence
When Pete first walked into Trinity, he wasn’t looking for hope. He was looking for somewhere—anywhere—to survive.
Only weeks earlier, Pete had been evicted from his home after falling behind on rent. He’d been warned at Christmas that the eviction would come, but depression had already tightened its grip: he stopped eating, lost weight and could barely get out of bed. By the time his landlord returned with the eviction notice, Pete could do nothing but grab a holdall, a few clothes, and walk away from the life he had built.
He left everything behind—his belongings, his memories, and even his beloved cat, who had been his comfort through the darkest days.
With nowhere to go, he spent what little money he had on a few nights in a Travelodge, then a B&B. When the money finally ran out, he ended up in Hillingdon—frightened, exhausted, and with no idea where to turn.
The job centre couldn’t help. The council sent him from one department to another until, overwhelmed, he lost his temper and left feeling more hopeless than ever. Then something changed.
A rough sleeper he approached in Hillingdon told him about the Trinity. It was a moment of quiet kindness that changed everything. When Pete walked into Trinity, he broke down. Penny who works in the store, welcomed him, listened and offered him a tent to stay in so he wouldn’t be completely exposed while waiting to be verified by StreetLink. Pete had never been homeless before; sleeping outside terrified him.
But he did it—three or four nights in the cold, without sleep, without safety. StreetLink eventually came to register him. The next day, he was offered a bed at our Rough Sleeper Hub, Olympic House.
At Olympic House, he found structure, kindness, and people who genuinely cared. The team helped him access mental health support and introduced him to a meditation group.
A key turning point came when the team noticed how much he struggled with staying alone in his room. To avoid being by himself, Pete was going out every day—spending money he didn’t have. Volunteering at Trinity changed that. Penny welcomed him into the shop, and Pete soon became an invaluable member of the team. The routine, purpose, and sense of belonging transformed him.
“It’s boosted my confidence so much,” he said. “I was at such a low ebb. Now I feel like myself again.”
Today, Pete lives in our supported accommodation. He has more independence, stability, and hope than he’s had in years. He’s working with Trinity to access training, build his CV, and prepare for permanent accommodation—a place he can finally call home long-term.
Pete’s journey is a powerful reminder of what can happen when compassion meets crisis at exactly the right moment. One conversation. One welcome. One act of kindness. That was all it took to change everything.
SHOC
At SHOC we invite individuals and groups from businesses, churches and community groups to volunteer in our day centre – serving food and managing the reception desk as well as organising our food and clothes store.
Furniture stores
We are always looking for volunteers at our furniture stores in Hayes and Uxbridge. Full manual handling, customer service, and telesales training will be provided.
Uxbridge: 01895 256655
Hayes: 020 8797 9505
info@wearetrinity.org.uk
olympic house
Local businesses, families and individuals are welcome to volunteer with us at Olympic House. We provide dinner for 33 residents every day and volunteers can cook on site using their ingredients & ours or deliver fresh food to us. In the summer months, volunteers can join us in the garden as we are lucky to have a lovely outdoor space for residents to enjoy. Give the Olympic House team a call to organise your visit or for inspiration on how to help!