Lisa Ward

Lisa Ward started volunteering at The London Haven in 2004.

“I was prompted by an article I read in the newspaper which mentioned The Haven and I phoned to ask if the charity had a volunteer program. The Haven asked if I enjoy cooking (which I do - very much) – and asked me if I would like to volunteer in the kitchen.  I have a history of breast cancer in my family so very much wanted to give my time to such a worthy cause. I coordinate the monthly rota for about 20 lovely kitchen volunteers - some who have been volunteering in the kitchen since The Haven opened. We provide lunch for the Visitors and staff, all prepared within The Haven’s guidelines - no wheat, dairy or red meat - with the aim of showing the Visitors that these guidelines can be followed quite easily & that the recipes are actually rather tasty (more often than not!!).

I truly enjoy volunteering at The Haven and I have made many lovely friends amongst the volunteers, staff and the Visitors. I also enjoy the sense of fulfilment that providing nutritious lunches for the Visitors gives me. Initially it was a challenge to come up with interesting lunches that fell within the guidelines, but I have always enjoyed cooking & experimenting in the kitchen (with varied levels of success!), so over the years we have managed quite successfully to adapt recipes - & to make them quite tasty!”

Lisa Ward