Professor David Thomson on volunteering at a community cafe

The founder of Thomson Software Solutions has described the mental health benefits of volunteering at a community café that provides companionship and low-cost, nutritious food.

Professor David Thomson spoke to OT for the The I ❤️ me edition, which focused on activities that support the health and wellbeing of the profession.

He shared that he became involved in running the KCM Community Café when it was on the brink of closure seven years ago.

Although the experience was outside of his comfort zone, he has been surprised by how much he enjoys the volunteer role.

“I have been fortunate to have a really interesting career, but I think it is important to have variety. Doing charitable work does give you another level of satisfaction,” Thomson shared.

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Between 100 and 120 people come through the café during its weekly opening hours on Thursday.

As well as providing a warm environment and nutritious food, Thomson highlighted that the community café helps to build connections between people.

“I had never fully appreciated the level of loneliness out there in the world. There is a real epidemic,” he observed.

“We have had people here say that they haven’t spoken to anybody since the last time they were in the café,” Thomson shared.

He added that because the café is staffed by volunteers, around £1000 per month from the sale of food and drinks is donated to charity.

Thomson shared that it has been heartwarming observing how many volunteers are prepared to give up their time to contribute to the café.

“It restores your faith in human nature when you see this fantastic group of volunteers that we have,” he said.