Charles White – supporting the community
Image: two Charles White volunteers in front of the Bethany Care Van.
Volunteering on Bethany’s Care Van.
We are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of our clients, team members and communities and to inspire others to do the same.
Once a month, a team from Charles White volunteer on Bethany Christian Trust’s Care Van’s lunchtime run, providing practical support for people in crisis on the streets of Edinburgh. The Edinburgh Care Van is a vital service providing food, hot drinks, and conversation to those who find themselves homeless or in crisis.
Katie Backler, Managing Director says:
“Volunteering with Bethany’s Care Van is one small way we can put our vision into action – making a positive difference in the communities we serve, and hopefully encouraging others to get involved too. With Volunteers’ Week taking place this week, it feels like the perfect time to say a huge thank you to everyone who gives their time to volunteer on the Care Van. Our team always comes away humbled and proud to play a part in supporting people across Edinburgh when they need it most.”
What is the Care Van?
The Care Van is a valued Edinburgh service for people who are homeless or facing a difficult time. With the help of volunteers, the van is out almost every day of the year, providing soup, food and hot drinks, as well as blankets and warm clothing when needed. Alongside the essentials, the team offers a friendly welcome, a conversation and encouragement. The Care Van operates every evening, with lunchtime runs on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
In 2023, the Care Van received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. This award celebrates the outstanding work of local volunteer groups across the UK.
Agata Kurpiers, Lunchtime Care Van Coordinator, Bethany Christian Trust says:
“Volunteer support is at the very heart of the Care Van service. It enables us to reach more people, offer consistent compassion, and respond with flexibility to those who need us most. I’m especially grateful for the incredible contribution of the Charles White team - their monthly support and the care and professionalism they bring make a real and lasting difference to our work. What our volunteers offer goes far beyond practical help; they bring warmth, dignity, and genuine human connection. Without their commitment, the service simply wouldn’t have the same impact.”
About Bethany Christian Trust
Bethany Christian Trust is a charity working to end homelessness in Scotland, one person, one family and one community at a time. Founded in 1983 in Leith, Edinburgh, Bethany works with partners, churches, communities and local services to offer practical support that meets people where they are, from helping prevent homelessness, to stepping in during crisis, to supporting people to sustain a home and move forward. Today, Bethany supports around 7,000 people each year through more than 30 services across Scotland.
About Volunteers’ Week 2026
Volunteers’ Week runs from 1-7 June. This annual celebration recognises the vital contribution volunteers make to communities across the country. Volunteers’ Week started in 1984 and has been running for over 40 years, celebrating the positive impact volunteering brings.
About Charles White Limited
Based in Edinburgh and working across Scotland, Charles White Limited is one of Scotland’s oldest and most respected property management companies. We have been working in property across Scotland since 1840 and are a well-known, established name in residential property management. We offer an award-winning service built on experience, transparency and full compliance with Scottish regulations. From everyday tasks such as grounds maintenance to the full management of complex residential developments, we take a proactive, people-focused approach. We work hard to ensure our clients always feel informed through regular, clear communication and our commitment to transparent financial management.