Charity Events

Coyle Personnel Volunteers Support the Whitechapel Mission

Coyle Personnel believe in the power of social responsibility to help create a better, more inclusive community. Our Social and Community social value pledges represent an ongoing commitment to making a positive difference beyond the workplace. In line with both these values and promises, members of our team recently volunteered at the Whitechapel Mission, a charity that has been tirelessly supporting the homeless and marginalised in London since 1876.

 

What is the Whitechapel Mission?

The Whitechapel Mission offers essential meals to homeless individuals, as well as a vital range of services including skills training, career advice, activity programmes, and specialist support for complex needs. Thanks to the mission’s commitment to inclusivity, they ensure that everyone who walks through their doors is met with an equal amount of support.

Operating without statutory funding, the Mission relies on the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of supporters to offer daily assistance to up to 450 individuals. The mission’s work is centred on helping individuals rebuild their lives with dignity, confidence, and hope. Their goal is to be the most effective provider of compassionate care and life transformation for homeless people in London.

 

An Overview of the Day

The day itself began bright and early at 5:45am with a briefing, before moving straight into preparing a hearty breakfast for the hundreds of visitors who rely on the Mission’s daily service. Our team of Coyle volunteers were hands-on from 6am, cooking sausages, bacon, eggs, hash browns, mushrooms, tomatoes, beans, and preparing toast, cereal, tea, and coffee.

With the breakfast service kicking off at 8am, the team took on a range of roles: from cooking and serving food, to washing up, wiping tables, and handing out essential hygiene supplies such as towels, soap, razors, shampoo, and toothbrushes. It was a morning full of energy, compassion, and teamwork, serving hundreds of meals and preparing over 1,000 hot drinks — each one delivered with a warm smile.

After the last breakfasts were served and the kitchen closed at 10am, our volunteers stayed to help with the full clean-down of the kitchen, dining area, and facilities, ensuring everything was ready for the next day’s service.

 

Personal Reflections from the Day

Morgan Elliot-Grout, Account Manager at Coyle Signalling & Telecoms, shared:

"Last week, I had the privilege of volunteering at the Whitechapel Breakfast. It was an incredibly rewarding experience to make an impact and connect with the community face-to-face.
A huge thank you to Coyle Personnel for organising this amazing opportunity. Massive effort from the Coyles team who also joined me — the day promoted working as a team and being efficient!
Lastly, a special shoutout to the Whitechapel Mission team – your dedication and hard work is truly inspiring. You all do an outstanding job!"

 

Frank Murphy, Operations Director at Coyle Rail, reflected:

"A very sobering experience and a snapshot of life for people in extremely tough situations, many of which are not self-inflicted.
Sometimes people, even those afflicted with terrible addiction or hardship, just need someone to listen and recognise that they are a part of our society, as was explained to us today.
Good for the soul, and it was lovely to spend time with everyone, including colleagues I wouldn’t normally get the chance to work closely with."

 

Sarah Bhatti, Senior Accounts Receivable Clerk, added:

"This was the best thing I’ve done in a long time, and I would volunteer again in a flash.
We all made a great team, but the staff at Whitechapel Mission were just amazing.
It’s not only educated me on the vulnerabilities that exist but also humbled me in recognising this vital aspect of our society."

 

Coming Together to Make a Difference

Local initiatives like these are at the heart of Coyle Personnel’s social value mission. We are proud to support organisations like the Whitechapel Mission and grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community. The efforts of our staff to volunteer at such projects demonstrates that, together, we can make a real difference.

Coyle Personnel would like to thank the Whitechapel Mission for everything they do to support the homeless and look forward to participating in more initiatives that help build stronger, more compassionate communities.