By Amy Colley – Lincoln Foodbank Coordinator

This week I went to the Bridge Community Hub to catch up with one of our amazing volunteers Charlotte. Charlotte first came to the Foodbank at the Bridge Community Hub as she was having an incredibly difficult time in her life. 10 months on Charlotte is now one of our Foodbank volunteers, she helps at the Bridge Community Hub twice a week and is an absolute asset to our team. 

Describe how things were before you came to the Foodbank: 

It was really bad, I was struggling for food and I was so stressed. I heard about the Foodbank through my health visitor and came to the Bridge. I came for a food parcel and got chatting to one of the volunteers. The Bridge were able to support me for a long time, I had regular food parcels but also support from the volunteers. It meant so much to me. 

How has volunteering made a difference? 

It has made a BIG difference. I sometimes feel quite stuck at home and lonely, however I know that twice a week I can always come here and help. I feel like I am giving back and it has given me so much purpose. The volunteers are amazing to work alongside and my confidence has grown so much. It has been great to be able to see people each week and I really feel like I am part of a community. There is no discrimination at the Foodbank and it feels like a really safe space. 

What would you say to anyone thinking about volunteering? 

It’s great, you get to know other people, feel part of a community and it’s given me the opportunity to share my experience with others. It has also helped me to get out of my comfort zone. I love volunteering for the Foodbank, it gives people hope and I feel like it really makes a difference. 

Without volunteers like Charlotte Lincoln Foodbank would not be able to function, we are so grateful for the time, energy, compassion and commitment that all of our team members display. 

For more information on volunteering or to find out more click here.