Bank of America volunteers have been volunteering every other Thursday to support Bromley Homeless. A group of volunteers acted as breakfast volunteers at their winter shelter, while another group volunteered for the morning shift to support their day service. They have been flexible and happy to help with any tasks they've been asked to undertake and have been a big benefit to the charity over the past year.

They were an invaluable help when Bromley Homeless' loft space flooded and worked hard to move items to save them from damage and clearing items they could not be saved- they then spent several sessions helping clear the space and allowing the clothes bank to re-open to support service users.

Deborah Palmer is a dedicated Community First Aider whose skill, compassion and calm approach have made a real difference to people across Bromley. Whether treating minor injuries, offering reassurance or recognising potentially life-threatening conditions, she is there when people need help most.

In 2025 alone, Deborah volunteered an incredible 712 hours, but her contribution goes much further. She shares vital first aid skills in schools, libraries and community settings, as well as with new parents at the Princess Royal University Hospital, giving others the confidence to step forward in an emergency.

Deborah is also a generous and encouraging presence for her fellow volunteers, particularly younger members, and fundraises to help keep community first aid training free.

Described as a “positive force whenever she walks into a room,” Deborah combines professionalism and compassion with warmth, generosity and, apparently, a regular supply of freshly baked cakes!

She truly demonstrates the extraordinary difference one volunteer can make to the health, safety and confidence of an entire community.

Debbie Warren’s commitment to CareDogs began even before she became a Trustee, initially volunteering her professional expertise to support the charity’s fundraising strategy.

Since joining the Board in 2021, Debbie has played an important role in CareDogs’ remarkable growth from a small, volunteer-led charity to an organisation with five staff, more than 100 volunteers and almost 400 clients across five boroughs.

Her expertise in fundraising, governance and strategic planning has helped the charity grow sustainably, but Debbie’s contribution goes far beyond Board meetings. She gives generously of her time, knowledge, ideas and encouragement, combining thoughtful challenge with warmth and humility.

Debbie believed in CareDogs when it was still finding its feet and has remained a loyal and trusted presence throughout its transformation. Her generosity, dedication and lasting commitment represent volunteering at its very best.

Julia Gunning manages and supports more than 100 active volunteers across five London boroughs, but for Julia, volunteer management is about far more than coordinating roles. She takes the time to know people as individuals, ensuring every volunteer feels recognised, supported and valued.

Julia’s own journey with CareDogs began as a volunteer befriender with her dog, Obi. She later joined the staff team, but continues to volunteer as a befriender herself, giving her a genuine understanding of what volunteers need to feel confident and connected.

Whether resolving a concern, offering encouragement or writing a thoughtful handwritten note, Julia makes sure volunteers feel listened to rather than managed. Her commitment to inclusion even includes learning British Sign Language so she can communicate with and involve more people.

Described as warm, caring, supportive and “the heart of CareDogs,” Julia’s impact can be seen in a thriving volunteer community helping to support almost 400 people.

Above all, she makes volunteers feel welcomed, remembered, appreciated and part of something important, embodying volunteer management at its most personal and compassionate.

Made up of 27 dedicated local volunteers, the Parkbathe Volunteer team helps deliver free forest bathing and wellbeing sessions across Bromley’s parks. These gentle, guided sessions provide a calm and accessible way for people, including those experiencing anxiety, social isolation or low confidence, to connect with nature and improve their wellbeing.

Since ParkBathe began in 2021, volunteers have helped deliver 308 free sessions with more than 1,900 attendances, including 134 sessions here in Bromley. Research into the programme has shown significant reductions in anxiety and improvements in nature and social connection.

But the team’s contribution goes far beyond the numbers. Their Walk Leaders and Ambassadors welcome participants, provide reassurance and create a safe and inclusive environment. They are often the first friendly face for someone who has arrived alone or feeling nervous.

What makes this team particularly special is that many volunteers first came to ParkBathe as participants themselves. They understand first-hand how difficult taking that first step can be, and now use their own experiences to support others.

Many have stayed with the project for several years, helping transform a small grassroots idea into an important source of preventative wellbeing support across Bromley.

They call themselves the ParkBathe family, and their loyalty, compassion and commitment to helping others perfectly demonstrate the power of volunteering.