For Volunteers Week 2025, we're hearing from some MacIntyre people about their volunteering experiences.
Helping at the food pantry
Kieron and Liam live with Paula as part of the Shared Lives scheme in Warrington. They were looking for something to do which would mean that they would meet people and also help people living locally. Paula looked around and saw that the nearby church was running a food pantry.
Liam and Kieron have been volunteering at the food pantry for a few months now. They help with organising the stock, making sure it’s well presented and serve on the pastries counter. They are team players and well appreciated by their fellow volunteers.
Kieron said:
I love meeting new people and especially like tasting the cakes (It’s a necessary part of the job!)
Paula, Shared Lives carer said
I am so proud of Liam and Kieron. I knew that they wanted to do something that helped other people but they were a bit nervous about speaking to people they didn’t know. Through volunteering they have chatted and got to know new people of all ages near where we live and are making friendships. You can see their confidence in themselves grow every day.
At the Soup and Chat
Tyler lives with Emily and Allen. He started volunteering at his local community centre when they ran a “Soup and chat”.
He noticed other things that needed doing and naturally grew into a role with lots of responsibilities.
Tyler helps set the centre up for meetings or functions, does health and safety checks including the fire extinguishers and the lift or radioing through for help when there’s a problem like a leak in the ceiling. A friendly and welcoming person, Tyler greets people when they arrive and helps them to where they need to be.
He said
I love going to work because I like helping people.
Emma said
I am so happy we have Tyler working at the Old School! He is so helpful and fantastic at what he does.
Tyler’s true passion is animals. He said
Probably my favourite job is feeding the fish and maintaining the tank.
In his spare time, Tyler has a YouTube channel dedicated to animals. Check it out!