Mum of four finds purpose and connection as a community health volunteer
1st April 2026
Celine Lewin’s journey into volunteering at the Cornwall Community Hub in Looe is a powerful example of how community connection and support can transform lives - both for those receiving help and those giving it.
Celine, 53, moved back to the UK just 18 months ago with her husband, a naval officer, and their four children after living in France. Arriving in a new place without familiar faces, she sought a way to build roots and become part of the community. Volunteering at the local community hub quickly became that bridge.
“I’ve always been involved in volunteering,” Celine shares. “When we arrived here, we didn’t know anyone, so it felt like a natural way to meet people and be part of the community.”
The hub is more than a food bank or community fridge - it’s a welcoming social space where people come together to share life, support one another, and find connection. Celine volunteers weekly, offering a listening ear, practical help, and a warm presence.
“It’s not just about helping people - it’s about connecting with one another,” she says. “We all need each other, and it’s about sharing life together.”
Through her role, Celine supports people facing a wide range of challenges. She recalls a man overwhelmed by his wife’s serious health condition who found relief simply by talking and sharing his worries.
“He said just talking made him feel lighter,” Celine explains. “That meant he could go back home and be there for his wife with a bit more strength.”
Another time, she helped a parent worried about their child’s future by listening and guiding them toward the right support. These moments highlight how small acts of kindness and understanding can have a profound impact.
“Even something simple like sharing a cup of tea or bringing in homemade food can make people feel welcome and cared for,” Celine reflects. She also notes how those who receive support often return to give back, creating a cycle of shared care and community spirit.
Volunteering has also been a journey of personal growth for Celine. “It helps you understand people’s lives, their experiences and their differences. It makes you reflect on your own life too.”
Celine believes the hub plays a vital role in improving wellbeing and reducing isolation. “For some people, it’s a warm place, a conversation, or just somewhere they feel recognised. That can make a real difference.”
Now involved at a trustee level, Celine is proud to be part of a model that blends practical and social support. “It feels like something very special,” she says. “It’s not just about services - it’s about people supporting each other, and that feels important for the future.”
Her story is part of a wider success seen across Cornwall’s Community Gateway and Hub Network. A recent independent evaluation by Helpforce revealed this network saved the NHS an estimated £11.6 million in one year by reducing demand on GP practices, emergency departments, and ambulance services. More importantly, it showed how community hubs help people feel happier, less isolated, and more confident in managing their health.
Between April 2024 and March 2025, the hubs recorded nearly 340,000 attendances, with 88% of people reporting feeling less isolated and 93% experiencing improved mood. These outcomes reflect the powerful impact of volunteers like Celine, who work alongside their communities to create welcoming spaces where people can find support early and close to home.
Celine’s experience embodies the heart of Cornwall’s community hubs - a place where connection, care, and shared purpose come together to build healthier, stronger neighbourhoods. As she puts it, “It gives a real sense of purpose. I’m proud to be part of something that brings people together and supports the community.”
Together, volunteers and partners are shaping a future where health and wellbeing are nurtured by the community, for the community.