Leni's Story

She hoped to build life skills, improve her English, and connect with people whose life experiences were very different from her own. Seven months in, she describes it as an “unforgettable experience” that has changed her perspective and boosted her confidence in ways she never imagined.

“I wanted to ground myself and offer help to people who really needed it. Along the way, I’ve learned so much about myself and others,” she tells us.

Volunteering at Cambridge Cyrenians has given Leni the chance to connect deeply with residents, support meaningful activities, and be part of a close-knit, supportive team.

“Meeting so many interesting people has been the best part. I love having conversations and seeing how residents open up more and more over time. It’s so rewarding.”

From cooking pancakes on Pancake Day to helping organise a lecture for a resident writing about a jazz musician, Leni has found joy in these small but meaningful moments. One of her best memories is a festive trip to Ely with a resident who had always wanted to return to his favourite town:

“We wandered around the Christmas market in Ely Cathedral and had lunch together. He was so grateful. It really stuck with me.”

Leni’s time with Cambridge Cyrenians has also helped her develop a wide range of personal skills, from communication and organisation to setting boundaries and navigating life independently for the first time.

“I’ve grown more confident, improved my English, and learned to manage life on my own. This has been a huge learning experience for me.”

Not every moment has been easy. Leni recalls a challenging encounter during a room check, where a resident was upset about volunteers being involved. She stayed calm, listened, and explained the situation with empathy and respect.

“I tried to acknowledge her feelings while explaining our role. I didn’t take it personally, and in the end, it was okay.”

When asked if she’d recommend volunteering, Leni doesn’t hesitate:

“Do it, do it, do it! Definitely. You learn, you grow, and you help people at the same time. I’m truly grateful for this experience and will always think back about this time. I’m taking so much with me from my time at Cambridge Cyrenians.”