HELEN & CHRISTOPHER'S STORY
HOW DID YOU START VOLUNTEERING?
We were both furloughed from work due to the Coronavirus so wanted to do something to help. Initially we signed up to the NHS Volunteer Responder but so far we have not been allocated any tasks. We then received the Kirklees Council leaflet through our door with a tel. number to request help or offer help during the Coronavirus. We gave them a ring and they put us in touch with our local anchor organisation – More In Common (part of the Jo Cox Foundation). More in Common support a network of community groups in the Batley and Spen area and they connected us with the Cleckheaton Foodbank which was set up in response to the Coronavirus.
WHAT IS YOUR VOLUNTEER ROLE?
Cleckheaton Foodbank helps people in the local area in crisis with free food parcels as well a food shopping and delivery service for those isolating who are able to pay for their own food. Initially we were volunteering at the Foodbank every week day for a couple of hours. Recently, Christopher has returned to work but I continue to help at the foodbank 3 days per week.
When we arrive at the Foodbank we sort out the new grocery donations and then the list of jobs comes through for the day which we allocate between the team of volunteers. The tasks include a mixture of making up and delivering food bank parcels and also supermarket shopping for people who have paid in advance and supplied a shopping list. We then deliver the shopping to people’s houses – leaving the delivery on the doorstep and stepping back to a safe distance. Some older people request a call 10 mins beforehand, so they are ready to receive the delivery.
Many people really want a chat as well, so we can be stood at a distance for 20 minutes talking, and this is as important as the delivery for people who are isolating. If I have carried out a supermarket shop for someone I take a photo of the receipt then email it through to More in Common and they then refund the amount into my bank account – this usually happens really quickly and seems very well organised.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING?
We enjoy helping out, we were fortunate to be furloughed and would feel guilty sat at home. It has been good to have some structure to the day and to meet new people, both Volunteers and some of the regular people who use the service. My Mum and Dad are in their 70s and are isolating – if I wasn’t there to do their shopping, I would hope someone would be there to help them.
It has been lovely to see how the small things can make a big difference to someone who is isolating – whether that is getting them the right TV magazine, their favourite biscuits or batteries for their TV remote! It is the small gestures that can make someone’s day.
Once I return to work I won’t be able to give the same amount of time but I would like to stay involved with the Foodbank in some way for example by fundraising or making donations.
Cleckheaton foodbank has been set up by a range of Community partners including Cleckheaton Churches Together and local Councillors. Cash and food have been provided by local people, including the President of the local Chamber of Trade and Commerce, the local Rotary Club and Batley Foodbank. The situation has brought different faith communities together, with a major donation coming from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association.
You can find out more about More in Common here: http://www.moreincommonbatleyandspen.co.uk/
If you need help, you can contact the Kirklees Council Coronavirus helpline:
0800 4561114 (8am to 6pm weekdays, 10am to 4pm weekends and bank holidays)