Volunteers have been key in supporting the #BrumTogether befriending service and food distribution by helping pack, prepare and deliver food and other essential supplies across Birmingham.
To celebrate their hard work, we’ve created a series of ‘Meet the Volunteer’ profiles so that you can hear all about their experiences, learn why they got involved and what they’ve been up to.
Next up in the series is Emma who’s been helping around the food distribution site, packing food parcels and supporting bulk food orders for organisations.
Q. How did you hear about #BrumTogether and what made you want to volunteer?
I heard about the BrumTogether campaign in an email from the Supporting Quinton group and started volunteering at Ladywood Community Centre. I’m used to helping people in my job at a special needs college and I enjoy helping people, so I didn’t want to be sitting at home when I knew that others needed help.
Q. Tell us about what you have been doing while volunteering. What have you enjoyed most about the experience?
At Ladywood Community Centre, I have been helping unload deliveries, packing food parcels, sorting out donations, and helping prepare bulk food orders. I like creating the food bags because I get to see the end result when I help the B32 Community deliver bags.
Q. What motivates you to stay involved?
I keep volunteering because it’s a vital service and I don’t want to see anyone go hungry. It’s good to know that we are able to help people who are having to self-isolate, as well as some people who are struggling because they have no money.
Volunteering has made me feel very happy and helping others has given me a sense of purpose which has helped me get through the lockdown. I think helping lift the boxes has also made me fitter!
During Volunteers Week, we want to say a massive thank you to all of the volunteers for their hard work and support. If you would like to show your appreciation for volunteers, you can share a picture of your #WaveForVolunteers to say thank you and show that volunteers are #NeverMoreNeeded.
If you are interested in volunteering, visit www.theaws.co.uk/support to find out more.
