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.
First up is Rew Francis who has been volunteering with #BrumTogether for three days a week helping prepare food parcels and delivering supplies all over the city.
Q. How did you hear about #BrumTogether and what made you want to volunteer?
When the lockdown began and sporting activities stopped, I suddenly had a lot of free time on my hands, so I decided I wanted to volunteer. I haven’t done any voluntary work before, but these are very unique circumstances and I wanted to help in some way.
I got in touch with 8 or 9 different voluntary organisations, which I found on the BVSC website and offered to help. After a few days, I heard back from The Active Wellbeing Society and I have been volunteering with BrumTogether since then.
Q. Tell us about what you have been doing while volunteering. What have you enjoyed most about the experience?
While volunteering, I have been doing a bit of everything, from unloading deliveries, to packing and preparing food parcels, to carrying out the deliveries. I have enjoyed meeting lots of interesting people and most of all meeting other Birmingham locals while delivering the food. It’s enjoyable but it can also be shocking to see people who are in need and fearful.
Q. What motivates you to stay involved?
I want to continue helping where I can because the situation that we are in is ongoing, and the support is still necessary. I have also enjoyed the social aspect of volunteering; it has been a good way to meet new people and it’s great to see Brummies coming together.
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.
