In the first of a series highlighting the amazing volunteers who support our charity, we are delighted to share Marina’s story.
She has been volunteering with us since December 2025, and supports our Hot Meals Service for homeless people on Wednesday evenings. We asked Marina about her experience with volunteering, and the journey that led her to us, and this is what she told us.
“My path to the Abbey Centre has not been a simple one. Moving to a new country and going through some difficult personal circumstances had a significant impact on my wellbeing and made the transition very challenging. Over time, this journey led me to a charity dinner at the Abbey Centre, which became an important turning point for me.
I still remember that, while I was looking for work and trying to settle in a new country, I approached Julia to ask for guidance. She kindly directed me to Caz, and this is how my journey with the Abbey Centre began.
Since December 2025, I have been volunteering at the Abbey Centre. The beginning was not easy for me. My English was very limited, and I struggled with concentration and adapting to a new environment. However, from the very first days, I felt warmth and kindness from both staff and volunteers. Everyone treated me with respect and patience, which meant a great deal to me.
I would also like to mention the other volunteers and staff members. I deeply appreciate how everyone communicates with me in a supportive and understanding way. Their patience and willingness to help make a real difference in my daily experience.
Despite my physical and emotional challenges, I have consistently been treated with great care, attention, and respect. I believe this approach reflects a very high standard of management and a deeply human attitude within the organisation. I value and appreciate this greatly, and I am sincerely grateful for it.
Helping people has always been an important part of my life. I have worked with clients throughout my career and I naturally feel drawn to supporting others. At the Abbey Centre, I feel a sense of belonging – almost like I have found a new family. The staff are supportive, give advice when needed, and the volunteers are very considerate and understanding.
Volunteering supports me emotionally and gives me stability and meaning.
I have previously volunteered in other organisations, so I have some experience to compare with. I can honestly say that I have been very impressed by the level of organisation, teamwork, and support within the Abbey Centre. There is a strong sense of cooperation, and everyone works together in a very thoughtful and professional way. It truly feels like being part of one team.
My interests include icon painting, psychology, philosophy, stylistics, and art. One of my proudest achievements was having my own beauty salon, where I worked with wonderful, kind clients. I helped them transform their style and the way they saw themselves. It was a deeply creative and meaningful period in my life.
At the moment, I am not fully able to apply all my professional skills in the UK, but I am learning to adapt. Volunteering helps me function more naturally in English, and I am gradually improving my communication skills with the support of others, for which I am very grateful. My hope is to continue developing my English and contribute more actively to the community here in the UK.
South Westminster is a place that holds many memories for me because I lived in this area for some time. I really love the architecture, the historic and monumental buildings, and the atmosphere of British history and culture that can be felt there. I also enjoy the parks and the unique combination of energy, beauty, and tradition that makes this part of London so special.
I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the management team for their patience, respect, and acceptance of my situation.
I truly appreciate the whole team at the Abbey Centre and feel very grateful to be part of it.”
To find out more about volunteering at The Abbey Centre, visit our Volunteering page.
