Christchurch Support Kabin - CSK

19/06/2026

19/06/2026

⚠️☀️ Hot Weather Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is now active.

The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) mean we work with St Mungo's to provide extra support to those sleeping rough.

Please contact the street outreach team to let us know about anyone you are concerned about:

☎️ Ring: 01202 315962

📧 Email: B&[email protected]

17/06/2026

A huge thank you to Mat from Donate IT for supporting us, we very much appreciated your donations.

Donate IT: South West charity bridging the digital divide. Donate your unwanted devices, help people, and protect the environment. 50+ drop-off points.

07/06/2026

This week we have been celebrating our volunteers. We have volunteers from all types of backgrounds with lots of different life experiences. Volunteers have said that being part of a team and helping support people in their community has brought so much to their lives. If you are interested in joining our incredible team please email [email protected] for more info. Various nights are available at our cafe in Bargates from 5.45-7.15pm.

05/06/2026

Today we celebrate a behind the scenes volunteer. Without people doing the unexciting paperwork we can’t function. Whatever the volunteer role it is all appreciated.

“I’m Emma and I’ve been involved with Christchurch Support Kabin for a number of years.

I first got involved through my best friend, Sarah, whose passion and dedication for the charity showed me just how important it is to so many people. Helping others is something that was always instilled in me by my nan and dad, so supporting a local charity that helped local people felt like a natural fit.

I’m very much one of the people working behind the scenes, helping with administration tasks rather than being front and centre. What I enjoy most is knowing that even with a busy life, I can still do something that helps others.

I work full-time, I’m a mum, and like most people I have plenty of other commitments, but volunteering has shown me that everyone can find a way to contribute. Whether it’s helping at events, fundraising or doing admin in the background, there is always something you can do, no matter how busy life gets.”

04/06/2026

Today’s amazing volunteer we are saying thank you to has chosen to tell her story. She is one of the most amazing and strong women I have ever met. It’s so important not to judge someone when you see them, you never know their story and you never know the potential they can achieve.

“My name is Amy and I’m 34 years old

I have been volunteering for Christchurch Support Kabin since it started.

I always appreciated soup kitchen and places such as these because in my younger days I relied on them when I was homeless.

I was in care from the age of 10 till 18 then fell pregnant. My partner at the time ran off with my child so I got into drugs, became homeless. Got in a relationship with someone who done drugs and was on the streets for 10 months in Bournemouth sleeping in stairwells etc. then fell pregnant again. I got myself clean on my own then went into a mother and baby placement. Social didn’t believe I wouldn’t go back to my then partner so took my children and put them up for adoption. It’s was only due to my now husband’s mum and her family I didn’t go back to my old life. I’m now a foster carer myself, married and living the best life I can.

It’s always nice to be able to give back and help those who are in need. It’s nice meeting others who are/ have been in the same position I have been in so I can relate with them.

I would absolutely recommend volunteering. If you have the time to spare even if it’s just a hour of your day. That hour makes a difference to someone day.”

03/06/2026

Today for volunteer’s week we celebrate another of our volunteers. Every single volunteer we have is equally as valuable as each other and we are so grateful for every one.

“My name is Pauline and I’m 58 years old, originally from Scotland and have been living in England since 1990.

I have been volunteering for Christchurch Support Kabin (CSK, previously known as the Soup Kitchen) for 4 years. I volunteer on a Saturday evening, where we serve a hot meal and takeaway cold food from Greggs. We also give out clothes and toiletries to our clients. A big part of the evening is talking to the clients, many of whom are lonely and in need of social contact. There can be some back chat and carry on from the clients at times but on the whole, they are well behaved.

Before volunteering at CSK, I worked in the NHS all of my working life and took early retirement at age 50, to care for my mum who has dementia. After I retired I really missed caring for people and this was why I started volunteering. I also love cooking, so this seemed ideal.

Before I volunteered, I didn’t think I would have the time but I can fit it in with my busy schedule (after I retired I bought a small coffee shop, it was supposed to be a hobby!) but it’s only a few hours a week and it is very rewarding. The clients are, on the whole, grateful for what we do. They access the service for different reasons, I pride myself in treating them all with politeness and kindness and I believe that this goes a long way.

I’ve also got to know many of the other volunteers, people I would not have met otherwise. The volunteers are there for different reasons, some are in recovery themselves, others have family members that have addictions. Another benefit of being part of CSK is that I feel part of the community in Christchurch.

It’s surprising that it’s been 4 years since I started volunteering, I’ve gained so much personally and hope to carry on with CSK for many more years.”

02/06/2026

To celebrate volunteer week we are going to be sharing some stories. Everyone in our charity is a volunteer, we have no paid staff, every single volunteer is so dedicated and incredibly valuable to us and our community.

“My name is Sarah and I’m the Chair of the Board of Trustees for Christchurch Support Kabin.

At Christchurch Support Kabin we support people who are going through difficult times, whether that’s because of homelessness, financial hardship, addiction, loneliness or simply needing someone to listen. We try to offer practical help, support and kindness without judgement.

What I enjoy most is knowing that I’m doing something positive for other people. You can’t fix every problem, but if you can make someone’s day a little easier, take some pressure off their shoulders or let them know they’re not alone, that means a lot.

Volunteering has given me so much in return as well. I’ve made some amazing friends over the years and learned skills I never expected to, especially around organising events, fundraising and bringing people together. It’s also given me a real sense of purpose.

People often ask if there’s one story that stands out, but honestly it’s the people themselves that stay with me. Every person we help leaves their mark in some way. Their stories, their strength and sometimes just a simple thank you can stay with you for years.

I would absolutely recommend volunteering to anyone. There’s something out there for everyone. My advice would be to think about what interests you, what skills you already have and what you enjoy doing. You might be surprised how useful those things can be to somebody else.

Volunteering isn’t about being perfect or having lots of spare time. It’s about doing what you can, when you can. Even the smallest act of kindness can have a bigger impact than you realise.”

01/06/2026

We celebrate our incredible volunteers every day but this week we will be shouting from the roof tops. We have an incredible team and we just can’t express how amazing they are. We are beyond in awe of them. 💕🙏

01/03/2026

A sad day today at CSK holding a wake but we talked and laughed about many memories. When one of our community passes it’s really important to bring everyone together to celebrate that person’s life. No one will ever be forgotten, everyone is valued and will be remembered.