Meet Some of Our Volunteers
Cindy Lombard
Volunteer
I came back to the UK in August 2023 and for a while I lived around London where my friends are based. When I moved back, I knew I wanted to live somewhere in the North this time around to experience a different part of the UK and ultimately ended up in Darlington. Given that I didn’t really know anyone in Darlington and generally believe in giving back/paying it forward, I looked for volunteering opportunities where I could meet people but also add to someone’s life in some way. That is how I came across DTM. I loved the biblical principles on which the service is based and, from the start, how warm and welcoming everyone was. I also love my family and miss them dearly. Being able to connect and build relationships with the ladies that became my friends is an absolute gift.
Human connection, building community, being able to share in someone else’s stories – what an absolute privilege! Being able to volunteer at DTM gives me the best of both worlds. Not only do I get to add value to someone else’s life, but those relationships also enrich my life. Being able to engage like this means that I feel like I have a family in my new home when mine is far, support both ways! As I am allowed to fill someone else’s cup, mine is also filled.
Sue Case
Former missioner, Volunteer Visitor & Driver
I joined DTM as Missioner in 2011 after retiring from the civil service, I had no previous involvement with DTM and had limited knowledge of what they did other that what I had learnt through my church.
I haven’t looked back since joining DTM, I found the Missioner’s job very fulfilling and rewarding, and with the help of the volunteers was able to make a difference to the lives of many elderly people in Darlington.
Due to family commitments, I retired as Missioner in 2018 but didn’t hesitate to continue as a volunteer as DTM do such good and worthwhile work in the Borough of Darlington.
Ian & Heather Ritchie
Volunteer DRIVERS
This was a charity we had not previously heard about, but after discovering what a worthwhile cause it was, we were more than happy to volunteer as drivers.
We’ve met some lovely people with really interesting stories to tell and it is just so heartwarming to be able to bring them all together to meet their friends.
Tom Fowke
Volunteer Visitor & Driver
I moved to Darlington in 2015 and happened to be at Holy Trinity Church when one of the ministers gave out some publicity for the Town Mission. I signed up as a volunteer. This role gives me much pleasure. For several years I regularly visited an elderly man at home and we both enjoyed our chats. Now I help with driving our elderly Friends on their monthly outings.
