Community Partner Spotlight: Ashley Robinson, UR4Meals Manager at The Upper Room

Kate, our founder, has long admired the work of The Upper Room and the vital support they provide to people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity in the local community. From the outset, she knew TimeGivers wanted to play a role in supporting their work through meaningful, hands-on volunteering with young people.

When Kate first met Ashley, she was immediately struck by how quickly he understood the importance of introducing children to volunteering at a young age, helping to plant the seeds for a lifetime of giving back.

Ashley’s openness and creativity have made it possible for TimeGivers to involve children in safe, purposeful and impactful ways at The Upper Room. From donating baked goods through school baking clubs to hands-on summer projects such as cleaning outdoor spaces and restoring garden furniture, young volunteers have been given the opportunity to contribute meaningfully while learning about real community need.

These experiences help children understand that homelessness and food insecurity can affect anyone, and that there is no shame in seeking support. Through carefully designed activities, Ashley works with TimeGivers to ensure children can contribute in age-appropriate ways that are both impactful and respectful, whether through letters of hope, baked goods or small handmade gifts that bring comfort and joy.

In doing so, young people begin to see the power of volunteering firsthand and how even small acts of kindness can make a genuine difference in someone’s day.

Ashley’s support, insight and enthusiasm have made him an exceptional partner to TimeGivers, and we are incredibly grateful for everything he and The Upper Room do for the community.

A Shared Approach to Youth Volunteering

Ashley first came across TimeGivers in early 2024:

"I first heard about TimeGivers in early 2024, when you got in touch with us to see if there was any way you could contribute to our operation."

From the beginning, the idea of working together stood out.

"What made me want to get involved was how amazing your initiative sounded. You explained that you worked with young people and could do things like donate baked goods, make artwork and cards or even bring a small group in to help sort donations. An offer too good to miss."

Real Impact in Action

Since the partnership began, Ashley has seen a wide range of contributions from TimeGivers volunteers and young people:

"Cookies, cakes, scones, about 5 kg of chilli (which I still have the trays from and must return to you soon!). You have attended with a group of children who wanted to volunteer. They made a big impact, cleaning the car park, litter-picking and washing all the spare chairs that we keep down there."

He also highlighted the importance of the emotional support children have helped provide:

"You also provide us with hand-made messages of hope that we can hand out to our service users in their takeaway bags and bracelets with messages on that remind our guests that they are cared for. All this and the wonderful energy your team bring has made partnering with you over the last, nearly 2 years, a joy."

A Memorable Moment

One moment has stayed with Ashley above all others:

"My favourite moment was presenting what The Upper Room does to the school children when they first attended to help. The way they asked questions, contributed to the conversation about homelessness and showed real enthusiasm towards helping and making a difference, filled me with the sense that with just the right direction, there is real hope in this world."

Closing

Ashley’s dedication, warmth and belief in the power of young people have made him an invaluable partner to TimeGivers. His work helps ensure that volunteering experiences are meaningful, respectful and genuinely impactful for both young people and the communities they support.

We are incredibly grateful for everything Ashley and The Upper Room continue to do, and proud to work alongside such an inspiring organisation.

Originally featured in our November 2025 newsletter, this spotlight celebrates a partnership that shows the real power of young people giving back in their community.

TimeGivers Community Partner Spotlight: Ashley, UR4Meals Manager at The Upper Room | November 2025