Written by: Chris Cloke, Communities 1st Volunteer
Love of ice cream! Interest in history! Respect for the voluntary sector, particularly Communities 1st, and a passion for coffee, of course, which was really why we were meeting. Just some of things, I took away from my meeting with Stella, which I felt we had in common. I found Stella to be a warm, friendly, and thoughtful person. I can also vouch that she makes an amazing cup of coffee. She has all the qualities you need for a great barista.
Since last December, Stella has been a volunteer for Communities Thirst, the coffee cart based in the reception of the civic centre in St Albans. Now in her thirties, Stella moved to the UK, some years ago, and has settled in Hertfordshire. Having been given a flyer at her GP practice, she contacted Communities 1st, chatted with staff about her needs, enrolled on the A New You course, and shortly after that started volunteering on the coffee cart, giving varying amounts of time, most weeks, to the project. She is now also volunteering on the Community Supermarket initiative. Over the very reasonably priced cup of delicious coffee she had made me, Stella told me about her experience with Communities 1st. 
A passion for helping
“I’ve been exploring different roles to see where I can contribute most effectively, and I’m enjoying the variety of experiences along the way,” Stella told me. I soon realised that Stella has an unwavering commitment to helping other people. “I have a passion for helping. If you can help someone there is no reason to hold back,” she argued. “Communities 1st has lots of opportunities to help people. You need to find the right thing for you.”
Helping others while developing new skills
Serving coffee, drinks, and snacks to people working in or visiting the civic centre, and to passers-by, is the main purpose of the coffee cart, and Stella has been taught a set of skills to deliver this service. This includes preparing the beverage orders, operating the “hissing, spitting giant coffee machine,” cleaning up and implementing hygiene requirements, customer service and relations, replenishing stock, and so on. “It’s really been a learning curve for me,” Stella commented, adding “an enjoyable learning curve!”
“However,” Stella explained, “it’s not just a service point. It’s a small hub in the community. You want everyone to feel welcome. Every cup comes with a conversation, a chance to talk. If people are looking for something you may be able to direct them. Close to the coffee cart there are lots on information stands about Communities 1st and other groups. You may be able to help them find what they are looking for.”
So much more than the technical skills
Stella is in no doubt that she has benefitted in so many ways from volunteering on the coffee cart. “It has boosted my confidence, communication skills, and how I relate to people. It’s improved how I feel about myself. I feel a sense of purpose because I’m helping people.” Stella added, “I became aware that I needed to be more assertive . I’ve learnt to know that it is important to ask and not hold back or be shy. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.”
Feeling more confident, Stella has started to volunteer on the community supermarket project and is already undertaking some administrative work.
Communities 1st, radiating cheerfulness
Stella likes the fact that she “feels a real sense of community within Communities 1st. People are working together with a common goal. I feel part of something bigger. Everything inter-links in some way.”
Most importantly, Stella feels supported. “I find that the staff radiate a cheerfulness. They work with you in a productive way. They encourage you, and this makes you feel good. It is very empowering.”
While Stella feels very thankful to Communities 1st for their support, I am in no doubt that we are grateful to her. Without our volunteers, we could not provide the services we do. The fact Stella enjoys a “decaf” cappuccino, and a “Kit-Kat” is clear evidence that she is an asset to the coffee cart.