Nicola champions Burslem Community Project
Nicola Sambrook is a quiet inspiration. She believes her volunteering work with Rehoboth Community Project in Burslem has given her life new purpose and has helped her to stay sober.
An alcoholic for 15 years, Nicola went into detox in 2023 and Stoke Recovery Service told her about Rehoboth who were looking for volunteers.
The Rehoboth Community Project takes referrals from the council, YMCA and family support and provides clothing, household items and homeware for individuals and families in need. They also provide sleep pods/clothes and hygiene products to the homeless community.
Nicola is one of 22 volunteers who have helped make Rehoboth a force for good in Burslem and the north of the city. She said: “I started in the [charity] shops and after a time began working on the vans, dropping off furniture to people in need. Now I take referrals and am also involved in the property and garden maintenance – which is a chargeable service we offer that helps to keep the lights on.”
The project has also carried out community projects including one to provide outdoor learning space at Silverdale school and another assisting Jericho to clear weeds around St Stephens in Bentilee.
Currently Rehoboth have two charity shops in Burslem town centre – one for clothing and the other for furniture and bric-a-brac. The project also operates The Well – the former Swan pub – which is a venue for community activities and serves freshly cooked food every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and is the venue for the food pantry on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The Well has recently become the venue for the first out of hours Community Lounge in the city – a place to talk and get support with all sorts of issues from housing, finances, lifestyle and loneliness. This takes place alongside the food pantry from 4pm – 6.30pm on Thursdays.
Nicola added: “I am also a National Literacy champion and a Community Health Champion. We do work with a lot of vulnerable people who don’t know what help is out there and so I need to know what other services are available to them.”
“I love working where I work and without Rehoboth I don’t think I’d be sober. A couple of times I’ve struggled but they won’t leave your side until you’re feeling better and their support has been massive.
“I believe as a volunteer that you should get something out of it, whether that’s emotional support or someone to go shopping with.”