Before I started volunteering at the Food Hub, every day was just the same. When not at doctor’s appointments, I’d spend my time mostly at home and things felt quite doom and gloom due to my mental health, which has felt horrific at times. Now, I have something to look forward to each Wednesday.
Ever since I started volunteering, I feel really accepted here. Everyone is incredibly kind and welcoming. We’ve all got our own little quirks and ways we like to work, but we know that about each other and we adapt and it doesn’t make a difference, it’s just part of that person. What I really value is knowing that I can stop and take a break if I need to due to my health. I know that I’m not going to get moaned at if I’m not being quick and we know that we’ll rally round to help one another so that we finish setting up on time. I love feeling part of the team; everybody cracks on whilst having a laugh and a giggle and it’s a really fun, chilled environment.
Part of the enjoyment of volunteering is being able to give back to society. I’m quite a helpful person and I love the idea that you are helping people. For me, it’s a lovely feeling to do things for people knowing that it’s not a transaction, it’s just this immense kindness, and it feeds your soul and it feeds your heart, knowing that you’ve put a smile on someone’s face. It’s really satisfying when you’re sorting out the food donations and looking around knowing that when people come in, they’re going to be able to prepare proper meals. It’s just an incredibly lovely thing.
My life feels better for coming here. It feeds your mental health and it feeds your mind because you hear other people talking and then you have other things to talk about. It makes you realise that you’re not actually at home, forgotten and just feeling the end of a pit. The routine of coming here every Wednesday, it now feels established, so even on the days when I get up and don’t feel great, I still make myself come because I know the minute I get here, it’s just so friendly and we just crack on and it’s so nice.
On a personal level, the Food Hub matters because it’s helped me come out of the house and get to know other people, which is generally not something that comes very naturally to me. On a community level, the Food Hub matters because saving food that would otherwise go to waste and getting it out to people that are in genuine need of extra support is so important.
I think everybody needs love, care and support and I think this place does that.
Written by M, Food Hub volunteer.
