This is what some of our wonderful volunteers had to say about volunteering at Branches

“At Juniper & Co we love working with Branches to deliver delicious meals monthly with our team. As a local business it’s so important to us that we can give back to our community. The team at Branches as well as the residents are so lovely and welcoming – it really is a highlight of the month coming in and cooking for everyone!”

-Emily, Volunteer, Juniper & Co., 2026.

“We want to extend our deepest thanks to you for the opportunity to complete our 20 hours of volunteering with Branches as part of our master’s degree. It was more than a placement—it was a privilege to be welcomed into a space where compassion, dignity, and community thrive.

During our time at Branches, we had the joy of spending time playing dominoes with residents and engaging in conversations. Those interactions offered more than smiles and laughter—they revealed the strength, humour, and humanity of each person we met.”

-Carlene, Volunteer, 2025. 

“I have been a volunteer cook at Branches for the last year. From the minute you step into the Reception area you are warmly greeted by the super friendly staff who make you feel at home right away! I started my journey at Branches cooking for the residents alongside other volunteers which I really enjoyed. I was then approached by the staff to ask if I would cook alongside a couple of the residents as they wanted to gain confidence in the kitchen. I did not hesitate to agree. Since then I have been working in the kitchen with the residents and it has been wonderful getting to know them and seeing their confidence grow. Getting to know the other residents is such a privilege, they are all so welcoming and super friendly, which makes cooking for them even more of an honour! All the staff and residents are so nice and I would not hesitate to recommend anyone to volunteer at Branches!”

-Carole, Volunteer, 2025.

“St Mary’s Churchyards has benefitted enormously from being linked to Branches. It’s a win win as residents enjoy working with us too”

–Tim Hewitt, Head Gardener, St Mary’s Church, 2025.

“Volunteering here doesn’t feel like volunteering because I get so much back in return. The highlight is definitely the people I work with and the chance to get to know the residents. It’s a privilege to be part of such a wonderful community.”

-Volunteer, 2025.

“Branches is a really special place. It has a warm and inviting atmosphere and feels like an uplifting and positive space for healing. I have personally lived in similar places myself. One was a 40-bed community for young people leaving the care system, and the second was an 8 flat supported housing for mental health. Branches is really unique place to give people a helping hand back to independence . What’s not to love about it. The residents are so friendly and my dog loves every single one of them. Hopefully we will be regular visitors for a long time to come. Everyone needs a bit of love from a dog sometimes x”

-Pet Therapy Volunteer, 2025.

We asked our volunteers, “What has been your favourite thing about volunteering with Branches?”

“The satisfaction, confidence and self-esteem shown in clients after they walk away from an activity.”

“The creativity and imaginations of the residents.”

“Working with a great bunch of people to do something to help others.”

“Meeting the residents and getting complimented on the curry I made 😊”

With many thanks to all the kind volunteers and businesses who give their time, skills and expertise to our charity, including but not limited to:

If you would like to find out more, please get in touch, or email volunteering@wfcbranches.org.uk directly.

We have provided an application form for volunteering below. It would be great to hear from you!

Volunteer Application Form