A new volunteer has recently started at Exeter Foodbank.
Rob has taken on the role of ‘Volunteer Signposter’.
This role is to meet and chat to clients, to give them a chance to talk to someone about the issues that they are facing. The Volunteer Signposter is not there to give advice, but can highlight the work of agencies and charities that work across Exeter, and possibly refer clients on to our partner agencies.
Our Volunteer Signposter, wanted to share some of his experience at Exeter Foodbank. We felt that this would be helpful for people to understand the work that we do and the issues that we see.
None of these ‘diary entries’ will use names or specifics. They will be very general but will, hopefully, express some of what we experience here every day and every week.
FOODBANK DIARY
“I’m volunteering in the local Foodbank while applying for paid work.
The Foodbank is an amazing place where you meet people of all ages from so many different backgrounds.
The only thing they have in common is they’re financially struggling and hungry.
My role is to welcome, chat and signpost to give access to the best support available in our City. I’m making and drinking lots of tea and listening to some incredible life stories.
In my first couple of weeks, I’ve met homeless clients, young parents, at least two people with recent postgrad qualifications and a vast range of resilient people. It’s heart-breaking at times, but also uplifting to see a smile, and good to meet and spend time with fellow volunteers.
I’ll obviously anonymize these reflections and publish everything with grateful thanks to the team at Exeter Foodbank. Please do donate here (our “Foodraiser”) or ask Exeter Foodbank if you would like to talk about volunteering.
I just wish there was a social impact framework that could measure the power of chatting over a cup of tea when you’ve not left the house for a week.”
