As we mentioned yesterday, Rob is coming to Exeter Foodbank in a short-term role as ‘Volunteer Signposter’. He meets clients and shares info on local services. And he drinks quite a lot of tea with people!
This is his first diary entry (All entries are anonymised. The aim is to help people understand some of what we see in the life of a local foodbank)
Rob the Volunteer Signposter’s Diary Day 1
“My volunteer role is a bit like a triage to find out if people visiting the Foodbank need expert guidance on local services and benefits. Citizens Advice deliver this and are on site for appointments three days every week.
In reality, this means chatting before and after doing their shopping. Many have had a long walk or bus ride and just want to sit with a tea or coffee before going through the process of registering their voucher and picking the food. Most people are really happy to talk, are super polite and very grateful for a cuppa and a biscuit.
It’s good to flex my coaching skills by opening up the conversation and listening to their stories. You know it’s not gonna have a happy ending, but it’s often the only chance to talk about their life and maybe open up some new thoughts about a way forward.
After picking out their food, I’m there to follow up on our chat and make sure they have the info for next steps. Maybe a light plan or nudge to make a call to the housing authorities or follow up on a job application.
Most of the food is canned and very heavy, so I’ll try to help get the bags to the bus stop or navigate the best way home. We’re at sea level in a very hilly city and I’ve spoken to a family of 4 with mobility issues who have spent £13 on the return 2 mile bus journey to collect food.
And, as ever, it’s a farewell of “lovely to meet you, take care and hope I don’t see you again soon”!“
Call for donations and support for Christmas here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/efbfoodraiser2026
