Inspiring stories showcased as Trent & Dove celebrates Volunteers' Week
“Mentally, volunteering has done a world of wonders. I love giving my time back to the community,” – these are the words of Kelly Goldby (pictured).
After spending more than 30 years struggling with addiction, Kelly has found support and confidence in volunteering with Trent & Dove to strengthen her road to recovery.
Since becoming a popular addition to the kitchen at Trent & Dove’s Warm Spaces Café in Burton on Trent Staffordshire, she has never looked back and is even undertaking qualifications to achieve her dream of becoming a dog groomer.
She said: “Being at the Warm Spaces cafe has been a massive part of my recovery. Rehab gave me the foundations, and the cafe has given me purpose and stepping stones, even if it’s just being able to chat to the customers. If I can do this, anybody can”.
As part of Volunteers Week (June 1 -7), Trent & Dove is spotlighting its community heroes who underpin the core values of the social housing association.
Trent & Dove currently has around 35 volunteers giving their time to various community projects it supports. This includes its cafes, weekly coffee mornings, its community gardens and providing much-needed support across the organisation.
In return, while becoming a rock within the community, volunteers find themselves building their confidence, developing a strong work ethic and enhancing their CV by undertaking qualifications, while tackling social isolation.
For Svitlana Simeiko, it was an opportunity to improve her English. Having trained as a database analyst in Ukraine, she is also a skilled artist. She stepped forward to offer face painting at the café recently.
She said: “I feel more confident speaking English now. Because of volunteering, I am learning how life works in the UK. It helps me to socialise and understand British traditions and feel part of the community, not a stranger.”
Many of our volunteers have found their love of cooking and a qualification in Food Hygiene Safety, financed by Trent & Dove, benefits both parties.
With Kelly’s newfound confidence developed through volunteering, she proactively sought a Dog Groomer Level 2 qualification, with dreams of opening her own salon.
For James Flintham, volunteer & wellbeing officer at Trent & Dove, it is about attracting volunteers to provide support in Trent & Dove’s community offerings. It could develop into providing them with the skills and confidence they need to find paid employment. Others have used volunteering as a stop-gap between work after finding themselves redundant.
James is passionate about making his volunteers feel as comfortable as possible.
“They are our VIPs, and you treat them as such. When they contact us, I ask them what their support needs are. I want our conversations to bring comfort from the very beginning.”
To provide this comfort, James has had a chat on the bus with a future volunteer, providing a less formal setting. He played a few rounds of snooker with a fan in a snooker hall, while chatting about his needs in a familiar setting, and had an informal chat next to the river.
“It is all about building confidence. People may have seen their confidence knocked through life events and changes. They are just trying to find their place, and they find purpose with volunteering."
Rachael Hughes, Trent & Dove head of customer and communities, said: "We are incredibly proud of the success of our volunteering programme and thankful for the support of our volunteers in delivering our community projects. Without our volunteers, many of these activities would simply not be possible.
"We’re always eager to work with our customers and members of the wider community, and volunteering is a great way to gain experience and confidence. I am excited to see how our volunteers continue to develop and support our projects in the future."
Trent & Dove offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities, which can be found on its dedicated webpage or by calling 01283 528528.
Learn more about Trent & Dove volunteers
Tarnyia Stacey
Following a career as a carer, Tarnyia was becoming isolated at home. Tarnyia is a Trent & Dove customer who lives in Branston. A friend told her about the Place of Welcome at Branston Scout HQ, on Main Street in Branston and suggested that she give it a go. Taking place every Wednesday morning, Places of Welcome offers free refreshments and, importantly, a place to socialise.
Tarnyia said: “Everyone made me feel so welcome. Before I came, I asked myself what is the worst thing that could happen? After the first day, I haven’t looked back. It’s really boosted my confidence and given me new friendships.”
She became part of a regular team of four volunteers who serve hot drinks and cake and biscuits for over 30 regulars.
She has met so many people at Places of Welcome. Cars will often beep their horn or people stop her in the street to chat. With the confidence and experience under her belt, Tarnyia is considering applying for part time work this year.
“The best thing about volunteering is getting out and meeting and talking to people. I now feel a real part of the community.”
Kelly Goldby
Kelly joined Trent & Dove as a volunteer at its Warm Spaces cafe in 2024. After 30 years living and struggling with addiction, Kelly was in recovery, with support from BAC O’Connor. Although becoming volunteer was overwhelming at first, the cafe became Kelly’s ‘safe place’ and ‘like a second home’.
Volunteering in the kitchen has helped to increase her confidence and self-esteem. At the time, Kelly was feeling isolated but said: “Mentally, volunteering has been a world of wonders. I love giving my time and giving back to the community”.
In 2025, Kelly started volunteering with BAC O’Connor, where she leads groups to learn healthy cooking on a budget. She is studying in a Level 2 Dog Grooming course, with a passion and ambition to eventually open a salon
“Volunteering at the cafe has been a massive part of my recovery. Rehab gave me the foundations, and the cafe has given me purpose and stepping stones, even if it’s just being able to chat to the customers. If I can do this, anybody can.”
Svitlana Simeiko
Svitlana is a Trent & Dove customer and came to England from Ukraine, and wanted to volunteer to help to improve her English
She became part of the kitchen team in the Warm Spaces cafe. She volunteers for two mornings a week, helping to cook and serve breakfast.
Svitlana worked as a database analyst in Ukraine and is also a skilled artist. She stepped forward to offer face painting at the Short Street family Halloween event.
In the run up to Christmas 2025, Svitlana helped to make 300 mince pies which were enjoyed by customers and community members.
“Because of volunteering, I am learning how life works in the UK. It helps me to socialise and understand British traditions and feel part of the community, not a stranger.”
“I enjoy being useful and working in a team. I also enjoy learning new things and practicing my English. I speak with many different people and hear different accents and pronunciations. This helps me understand English better in real situations. I feel more confident speaking English now. At first, I was nervous, but now I feel more relaxed and comfortable. I am not afraid to speak in public any more.”
“Volunteering helps me to use my professional skills in a new country and rebuild my confidence. It helps me to move closer to my profession or find a similar job here.”