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 find out what they’ve been up to.
Today, we meet Lisa Zdravkovic who has been helping sort and pack food deliveries and other essential supplies like toiletries.
Q. How did you hear about #BrumTogether and what made you want to volunteer?
I have worked full-time for over 30 years in construction. A few years ago, I left my long-term employer for a new job opportunity, but I had mental health issues and was unhappy in this new place of work and left after a year. After 6 months off, in February 2020 I stepped back into temporary work, but unfortunately one month later I was laid off due to the pandemic.
I heard about BrumTogether from a contact from Southside BID, Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC), and various social media platforms and decided to get involved.
Q. Tell us about what you have been doing while volunteering. What have you enjoyed most about the experience?
I’ve been helping sort and pack food parcels. I have assisted with sorting food into boxes for staff and volunteers to include in food deliveries, creating the food parcels.
I have also been helping prepare the Dignity Deliveries, which are packs of toiletries and cleaning products. This involves unpacking and sorting toiletries into boxes, which are then packed and stacked onto pallets. In one day, I put together 300 dignity bags.
Q. What motivates you to stay involved?
I wanted to play a part and help others who are in need. Having worked for many years, then been out of work for 6 months due to depression, getting back into work only to be laid off after one month, volunteering helps me to set a clock and have something to get up for. It’s helping to motivate me and helps me regain confidence whilst I look for paid employment.
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.
