BAC O'Connor Centres

05/06/2026

Since becoming MP I have had the pleasure of meeting so many hardworking, dedicated volunteers.

Lending a helping hand at Burton Soup Kitchen, Uttoxeter Lions, Redfern's Cottage: Museum of Uttoxeter Life, Burton Albion Community Trust, SARAC, Uttoxeter Heath Community Centre, East Staffordshire Borough Council funded The Bread and Butter Thing, YMCA Burton, BAC O'Connor Centres, Uttoxeter Royal British Legion, Burton On Trent Rotary Club, The Mother Wilkin Centre For Senior Support CIC, BCA Community Centre, Burton HOPE, National Brewery Heritage Trust, Humanity Unites, our valuable community centres and parish councillors, places of worship and so many more.

We are very lucky to have so many wonderful selfless people in our community.

Thank you! ❤️

05/06/2026

☕ Coffee, Cake & Conversation ☕
As part of our Volunteers' Week celebrations, we were delighted to invite our volunteers along to a couple of informal coffee gatherings to say thank you for everything they do.

We hosted a coffee morning at Noreen's Recovery Lounge in Stoke on Trent and an afternoon coffee at Langan's Tea Rooms in Burton, giving volunteers the opportunity to come together, enjoy a free coffee and slice of cake, and spend time chatting with one another.

It was lovely to see familiar faces, hear people catching up, sharing stories, and enjoying a bit of time for themselves. Sometimes it's the simple things that matter most, and it was great to be able to thank our volunteers in person for all they do throughout the year.

During our conversations, volunteers spoke openly about what volunteering means to them. One person shared that volunteering has provided them with "connection and a sense of achievement," while another reflected on how rewarding it is to use their own experiences to support others. They spoke about the privilege of watching people grow in confidence, make progress in their recovery journeys, and begin to believe in themselves again. As one volunteer put it, "It feels good to share from my experience that recovery is possible."

These reflections perfectly capture the impact of volunteering at BAC. It's not just about giving time — it's about building connections, inspiring hope, and showing others that positive change is possible.

We know our volunteers don't do what they do for recognition, but we hope they know just how much they are appreciated. Thank you for being part of BAC and for the difference you make to so many lives every day.

's Recovery Lounge Stoke Recovery Service - Stoke Community Drug and Alcohol Service Langan's Tea Rooms

05/06/2026

This Pride Month, CDAS stands with the LGBTQ+ community 🌈💙

Stigma stops a lot of people from asking for help with drugs and alcohol - and that’s something we work to change every day.

We want anyone who needs support to feel they can reach out, whoever they are - without fear, without judgement.

If you need support, or just want to know what we do, we’re here. Free, local, and completely confidential.

Visit scdas.org.uk to learn more.

04/06/2026

⭐ BAC Volunteer of the Year Awards 2025 ⭐
Each year at our Christmas celebration, we take the opportunity to recognise some of the incredible volunteers who make BAC such a special place.
Our Volunteer of the Year Awards are voted for by staff and celebrate individuals who have shown outstanding enthusiasm, dedication, and commitment throughout the year, going above and beyond to support others and make a real difference.
We were overwhelmed by the heartfelt nominations received across our services and choosing the winners was no easy task, as every nomination reflected the compassion, kindness, and impact our volunteers bring to BAC every day.
We are delighted to recognise our 2025 Volunteer of the Year winners:
🏆 Burton – Cassidy Etiemble
🏆 Stoke-on-Trent – Kate Mullin
🏆 Wigan – Neal McCullough

For Cassidy, volunteering has provided a renewed sense of purpose and routine. As Cassidy explains, “Volunteering for the BAC has given me the opportunity to have structure back in my life and the chance to give something back to the place that helped save my life”.

Neil has also experienced a significant positive change through volunteering, describing how it has opened new doors and boosted his confidence:
"Volunteering has brought me new opportunities for myself.
I'm excited to wake up and go do something I enjoy, not waking up thinking 'not another day'. It has led me to get out and meet various new people of all ages and lead me into the catering side which I will be doing.
It's brought out my personality and made me a smiley person again."

Congratulations to all three winners and thank you for everything you do. Your commitment, kindness and willingness to support others continues to inspire both our staff and clients every day.
Stoke Recovery Service - Stoke Community Drug and Alcohol Service

03/06/2026

This Volunteers’ Week, we’re celebrating the people who play a vital role in our work at CDAS 💙

Since the start of 2026 alone, our amazing volunteers have given over 700 hours of their time to CDAS - 87% of which was delivered by people with lived experience.

This week, we’ll be introducing you to a few of the people behind those numbers. Watch this space. 👀

To every one of our volunteers at CDAS, thank you. Whether you're offering a listening ear, welcoming people into our services or leading a peer support group, you're genuinely changing lives.

03/06/2026

03/06/2026

🌿 Volunteers’ Week Spotlight: Beresford Community Garden 🌿
Growing more than just gardens.
Three years ago, BAC proudly adopted Beresford Community Garden following a period of volunteering at The Kingfisher Garden. The garden forms part of the incredible Kingfisher Project, founded by local resident Keith Lemare, whose vision created beautiful community green spaces and earned the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2016.

Keith’s lasting legacy continues to thrive, and we are proud, honoured and deeply grateful to play a part in caring for these spaces.

Since adopting the garden, more than 150 Recovery Academy volunteers have contributed their time, energy and enthusiasm to helping it grow. Along the way, we have also been generously supported by community partners including McDonald’s and, most recently, Serco, who have provided volunteer days, materials and gardening equipment.

For many of our clients, volunteering at Beresford Garden is their first opportunity to become actively involved in a community project. The garden offers the chance to:
🌱 Learn new skills
🌸 Grow flowers, plants and produce from seed
🥕 Appreciate healthy living
🤝 Build confidence and connection
💚 Experience achievement, peace and wellbeing

Most importantly, the garden provides a place of tranquillity, belonging, health and wellness for everyone involved.

A huge thank you to & Dove for enabling our participation and to the local community for making us feel so welcome.