Happy Volunteers’ Week! With thanks from all at Kairos
This Volunteers’ Week (2–8 June), we’re taking the opportunity to recognise the vital role that volunteers and placement counsellors play across Kairos.
We currently have 24 active volunteers and 16 placement counsellors supporting our work. Many are former residents, some are pursuing professional training, and all give their time to support others in recovery, from offering day-to-day encouragement to helping facilitate group activities and one-to-one support.
“Volunteering has been an essential part of Kairos from the very beginning and remains at the heart of what we do today. We’re glad to take this opportunity to thank all our volunteers, placement counsellors and others who give their service so generously,” said Kairos Director, Mossie Lyons.
This week, we also received a Southwark Stars 2025 certificate recognising our nomination for Charity of the Year at Southwark’s annual Volunteering Awards. The awards celebrate local volunteering and community work. We are delighted to have been included and proud of the people who made – and continue to make – it possible.
Thank you to every volunteer, placement counsellor and member of our wider community for all your hard work, time and energy supporting others.
In their own words: what volunteering means to our community
Over time, volunteers have spoken about what first brought them to Kairos, what they’ve taken from the experience and what’s kept them coming back. For some, it began with gratitude. For others, it offered structure, a way to stay well, or the chance to be part of something again.
Here’s what they told us:
- “In a nutshell, Kairos saved my life. Initially I just wanted to give back, but after 18 months and now training to be a support worker, I want to work in the field of recovery. For me, it has to be Kairos.”
- “In early recovery, I really did not know what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. It was suggested by peers that I offer myself for volunteering. I believe this was a positive move and it gave me a sense of purpose. I continue because I feel that I am doing constructive work and because this has been a good process for me to learn about myself and my abilities.”
- “Everybody, everything and every activity is important and vital. Take away some small part or person and the whole is diminished.”
- “I remember my time as a client fondly and how much each Kairos member I had contact with supported me through my journey, with understanding. Excellent duty of care and empathy. I now volunteer and I love being part of the team to support clients and hopefully help other addicts.”
- “[An unexpected thing I have experienced from volunteering is] the warmth and friendship shown to me and the positive feedback from each client after each session and how much it helps them to get better. I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity.”
- “No day is the same at Kairos. It is vibrant, dynamic, and always open. I have had the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life.”