Leah lives in Birkenhead and is supported by MacIntyre. She has been volunteering in a local charity shop for some time and really enjoys it. The charity supports homeless people.
Leah sorts through the donations and works on the shop floor. She noticed that the shop closed earlier one day and some of the volunteers stayed on. They prepared and cooked meals to take out that evening to give to people who are sleeping rough. Leah wanted to stay volunteering after the shop closed, she was keen to help with the meal prep, then take meals, clothing, bedding and tents out to the people who needed them.
Gifts, skills and passions
We knew that Leah was very social and is a natural communicator – she puts people at ease. But it was amazing to see her in action. She chatted to everyone and everyone was chatting with her. She was giving out dog treats and feeding people’s dogs. She gave out jumpers and socks. She and a man who had only one leg really connected over what he was going to do with the other sock in his pair! Leah has a natural curiosity about people. That and her compassion have made people feel warmly welcomed.
It’s been great for Leah’s confidence and her skills. She’s never been keen on cooking for one at home but loves the group preparation and cooking for the charity.
How can I help?
Leah says:
I like to help, to give food to homeless people and it makes me feel happy and I like the homeless people to be happy when they get food because they get hungry.
I like to give them fresh clothes as theirs can be dirty and smelly and personal items to the women. I like to help them as they have nothing and I can give them stuff and that makes me happy. My mum and dad are proud of what I am doing.
Find out more
Check out the video from the Homelessness Outreach Programme to see what they do and what they think of Leah! And follow them on Facebook if you want to find out more.
