Some names have been changed to protect individuals' privacy.
When Alfred retired, he knew he didn't want his connection to the community to end with his working life. He was looking for a way to stay engaged, meet people and contribute in a meaningful way. Around the same time, his wife Lorraine was deeply affected by the humanitarian crisis in Syria and wanted to do something practical rather than simply watch events unfold from a distance. They both found that opportunity through volunteering with Taunton Welcomes Refugees.
Their first role was as part of a team supporting a Syrian family as they settled into life in Somerset. Working alongside six other volunteers, they helped make a new place feel less unfamiliar. Lorraine introduced the family to local services, parks, libraries and shops, while Alfred supported them as they navigated life in a new country.
Before the family arrived, the volunteers prepared their home together. They made it comfortable, stocked it with essentials and left a photograph of themselves with their names written underneath so the family would know who was waiting to welcome them.
The formal commitment lasted a year. The friendship didn't. Five years later, the volunteers and the family came together again for a celebratory lunch. They have continued to support one another, from attending children's birthday parties to acting as referees for official paperwork. What began as a volunteering project gradually became a lasting friendship.
Today, Alfred and Lorraine continue volunteering through the organisation's weekly Coffee and Conversation sessions, where refugees and newcomers meet volunteers to practice English in an informal setting.
For Alfred, the sessions are as much about listening as they are about speaking. He enjoys meeting people from different countries and has found that helping others improve their English has also made him more aware of his own language skills.
"I've discovered that I must continue learning and expanding my own English knowledge," he says.
The conversations have introduced him to different cultures and perspectives that he describes as "fascinating", while also giving him a renewed sense of purpose in retirement.
Lorraine sees the sessions in a similar way. They help newcomers build confidence, but they also give volunteers the chance to understand lives and experiences very different from their own.
Over the years, she has learnt about languages, customs and beliefs from people across the world. What has stayed with her most, however, is not the differences but the similarities.
"At the end of the day, we have learnt that we are all human beings with similar fears and desires, wanting the best for our families."
Neither Alfred nor Lorraine talks about volunteering as an act of charity. Instead, they describe it as a two-way exchange. Refugees gain support, confidence and local connections. Volunteers gain friendships, new perspectives and a stronger sense of belonging within their own community.
Alfred believes volunteering has improved his mental wellbeing and given him confidence, hope and a broader view of life. Lorraine says it has shown her "the very best in people" and demonstrated how patience, humour, empathy and good communication can bring people together.
After several years of volunteering, both remain convinced that the benefits extend well beyond those receiving support.
Their advice is simple: if you want to meet new people, learn something new and become more connected to your community, volunteer. You may begin by offering your time, but you are likely to leave with much more than you expected.
Louise Froud, Coordinator and Safeguarding Lead at Taunton Welcomes Refugees, added:
"Alfred and Lorraine were some of the very first befrienders that TWR had. In the early days they helped define how the role could be carried out in a way that helped and supported families but did not overwhelm them. They bring a great personal warmth to the work they do and are really good communicators even when the boundaries of language mean that improvising is the way forward! They are so kind and full of good humour."
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