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.
The next volunteer in the spotlight is Tracey Lawrence who has been volunteering with #BrumTogether food distribution.
Q. How did you hear about #BrumTogether and what made you want to volunteer?
At the start of lockdown I was furloughed from my work so decided to search local volunteering opportunities to make use of my free time. Volunteering makes me feel worthwhile and makes me feel like I’m making the best of a bad situation by giving back to the community. If you feel like you can do something small in a bad situation it helps tremendously with getting through this time mentally. The work is so different and gets me out of the house in order to support those in unfortunate circumstances. It is extremely humbling to be doing this for the wider community in Birmingham.
Q. Tell us about what you have been doing while volunteering. What have you enjoyed most about the experience?
The Active Wellbeing Society is a brilliant group to volunteer with as it’s the kind of place where you are sincerely asked, ‘how are you doing’. It doesn’t take much to ask each other if you’re okay. I work in Manningford and I tend to do delivery drops, meeting people, working on different routes to mix it up, and delivering on some of the same routes where I have got to know some of the regulars. It’s heart-warming to say hello to some of the elderly and vulnerable individuals who are isolating on their own.
For example, a gentleman that lives in a Highrise close to me said ‘you’re a life saver and an angel thank you so much’. That has really stuck with me. It means a lot as I know I’ve cheered someone up as I’m possibly the only person they’ve seen for a while. It’s brilliant being able to bring some joy to someone’s day considering the current situation.
Q. What motivates you to stay involved?
The world has changed and its not easy for anybody so its great to do some rewarding work and use my customer service skills in a different way. It also allows me to keep a routine and gives me the opportunity to see and interact with lovely people at Manningford – human contact is especially important to keep me (and all of us) sane!
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’re interested in volunteering, please fill out this form.
