Gina Broadhurst-Crowns, Gowns Biscuits and Loo Rolls.

I am a Beauty Queen, something inherently associated with glitz and glamour and I guess in some people’s minds a silly self-indulgent hobby. But I am here to tell you that entering the world of pageantry at the age of 46 has transformed my life.

Later this year, I am representing the UK, competing in Ultimate International Miss in Virginia Beach in the USA. In preparation for this, I felt compelled to deliver a service project in my local community to run throughout 2025.

So to that end, in November 2024, I met with Andy Robertson from Rentstart to discuss the possibility of fundraising for them. We had a coffee in The Walton Village and discussed the work that Rentstart do, why it is so essential, and how best I could support them.

I started with baby steps, fundraising and launching a donation drive for Cleaning Essentials to support clients when they are first housed in private rented accommodation. In all honesty, I thought this would be the extent of my involvement with Rentstart but the more I learned about them, the more I wanted to help.

By February 2025, I was a Volunteer working in the Rentstart offices every Monday morning. And as I write this blog post in May 2025, I have grown into a role that I find truly rewarding and varied.

It is a far cry from the crowns and gowns of pageantry but it gives me everything I need; to not only support my community and help the Rentstart team, but to reshape my appreciation of what is important in life. I find that the sense of satisfaction this project gives me is immense. I have the privilege of speaking to clients and helping them to overcome barriers. I recently applied for ID for a client, registered a young lady who was housed in a shared accommodation shortly after, and issued food bank vouchers.

Each week I deal with the Surplus to Supper delivery and put away the items we receive. From frozen meals, to biscuits to toilet roll.  It all means that we can better support our clients.

Living in Elmbridge can be a real pleasure, it is a lovely part of the world, but the high cost of living and property costs means that it can be really challenging for some. I have heard some stories from clients that break my heart.  Through no fault of their own, challenging circumstances and a touch of bad luck, they find themselves precariously poised on the brink of homelessness or in some cases actually sleeping rough. You wouldn’t think it, Elmbridge is a wealthy area, but no this is the reality we face, the gap between the rich and the poor in the borough is a gulf. For some it is just unmanageable to make ends meet even when they are working.

If you are looking to volunteer with a local charity then consider Rentstart. It has become a highlight of my week. Equally, if you fancy creating a fundraiser of your own, get in touch with Andy. The range of options and ideas are endless.