Volunteering at Woollard's Community Hub

Loneliness is a real problem in communities across the country, and it often goes unnoticed.

During Covid, a local nurse in Buckhurst Hill decided to do something about it. She set up Woollard's Community Hub, a simple concept with a big impact. Every Thursday afternoon at the Woollard Centre on Loughton Way, adults can drop in for a free cuppa, some conversation and a bit of company.

Our colleague Alix Webb recently spent an afternoon volunteering at the hub and saw first-hand how much it means to the people who attend. What started as a space to tackle isolation has become a genuine part of the local community. Each week, local businesses, the police, fire brigade and other organisations come along to spend time with the group, share information and stay connected with the people around them.

Reflecting on the day, Alix said:

"It was such a lovely afternoon and a real reminder that sometimes, the simplest things- giving your time, having a chat or making someone a cup of tea- can make such a big difference."

At Daniel Owen, we encourage our people to take time away from their desks to support causes that matter in their local communities. Social isolation is one of those issues that doesn't always get the attention it deserves, and initiatives like Woollard's prove that meaningful change doesn't have to be complicated; it just takes someone willing to start.

A big thank you to everyone at Woollard's for the warm welcome and for the work they put in every week.

Learn more about Woollard's Community Hub >>

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