Uncategorized · Tuesday 31 March 2026

Smart Group Volunteers at Blackfriars Settlement

About the day

On 12th March 2026, the Smart Group / Moving Venue team joined forces with HandsOn London for an unforgettable volunteering day. Arriving bright and early, the team jumped straight into action after a quick kitchen briefing. With only two hours on the clock, they worked with incredible energy and coordination- chopping, cooking, and plating up a delicious menu of beef bolognese, roasted vegetable pasta, fresh salads, and a standout jam sponge cake with ice cream.

The team didn’t stop there- they transformed the hall, served meals with care, and warmly engaged with over fifty seniors. Even when attendance exceeded expectations, they rose to the challenge effortlessly, showing flexibility, teamwork, and true dedication.

Smart Group’s Impact

The impact was immediate and heartwarming, with the room filled with smiles, laughter, and genuine appreciation. The meal, especially the sponge cake, was a clear highlight, but the volunteers offered far more than just great food. They created a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, giving older attendees the chance to connect, chat, and enjoy each other’s company.

This reflects a key part of the initiative: providing regular, home-cooked meals that go beyond simple nourishment. For many attendees, these shared meals are a highlight of the week, an opportunity to build friendships, feel part of a community, and enjoy a sense of routine and joy. At the same time, the volunteers’ support allowed staff to focus their time and energy on engaging more deeply with members, making the day even more meaningful for everyone involved.

About Blackfriars Settlement

Blackfriars Settlement has been at the heart of the Southwark community for over a century. Originally founded in a former slum, the organisation was created to provide education, opportunity, and practical support to those who needed it most. While the area has changed significantly over the years, the Settlement’s mission has remained the same: to support local people in building more stable, connected, and fulfilling lives.

Today, the centre continues to make a meaningful difference through a wide range of vital services. These include English language classes that help people gain confidence and independence, financial advice to support individuals through challenging circumstances, and dedicated mental health and wellbeing programmes. At its core, Blackfriars Settlement is a place where people can access support, feel part of a community, and find opportunities to improve their quality of life.

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What Our Volunteers Said

Smart Group volunteers had an incredible day at Blackfriars Settlement, preparing and serving a full home-cooked meal to over fifty seniors. Their energy, teamwork, and care created a warm and welcoming atmosphere, bringing joy to the attendees and supporting staff in delivering a successful day. The experience highlighted the real impact volunteers can have in strengthening community connections and brightening people’s lives.

Volunteers reflected on the day with enthusiasm: “Thanks so much for organising our volunteering day, Nina, and thanks to the team as well. It was really rewarding and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The day was very hands-on and I am glad I was part of the project!” – Jolita

The Volunteering Team

Want to get involved?

If you’re inspired to help or want to learn more about volunteering with Blackfriars Settlement, click below to discover how you can get involved and support the community!

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