One hour per month.
It doesn’t sound like much, does it? You could watch almost a whole football match, an episode
of The Apprentice or cook a pasta bake in the same time. You could also spend one hour
focusing on your mental health, one of the most valuable ways to improve your wellbeing.
Working alongside the Foodbank, Community Grocery and the Night Light Cafe
is the Restore Programme.
Have food banks created a community with a positive outlook for the future? In today’s world, where food insecurity continues to be a pressing issue, food banks stand as: potential symbols of hope, a last resort, or a form of action in likely times of uncertainty. Behind the scenes, we have a dedicated team of unsung heroes – the volunteers. Thinking of the definition below, ‘volunteers’ are also people, with their own back stories and future chapters, actively participating for the greater good, whatever their motivation.
volunteer
/ˌvɒlənˈtɪə/
verb
c. 1600, “one who offers himself for military service,” from French voluntaire, “one who volunteers,” also as an adjective, “voluntary,” from Latin voluntarius “voluntary, of one’s free will.” Non-military sense is first recorded 1630s, and as an adjective from 1640s.
Effectively, we’re saying that these individuals dedicate their own free time and efforts to ensure that no one in their community goes hungry. Their role is not only vital, but also, a symbol of the power of collective action and human compassion. They choose to be present. They are not obligated to be. Yet from the below, we can see that ‘mentions’ of the word “volunteer” are on the decrease. Where does this leave organisations who depend on the generosity and nature of people like this?
Differ if you will, but volunteers allow organisations such as Acts Trust to simply function at all. Period. Without them, we are no more. From receiving inward deliveries and donations, and organising and distributing those into set volumes for those who need it most in our community, to offering a listening ear in themes of hardship, and making space for another human to feel safe. They are involved in every step of the process.
Given the huge credit they deserve, their skillset doesn’t lie in simple tasks, however. It is ingrained in their souls. They bring empathy, and warmth, and breed compassion amongst the people they’re surrounded by, be that, guest, or, fellow teammate. It’s not always easy, nor simple, yet they show up, consistently, through adversity as well as success.
Endearing they may be, but the impact of their presence here is more than that. It extends far beyond the immediate distribution of food – a handing over of a parcel with a smile, if you will. By offering their time, experience, and skills, volunteers create a ripple effect of positive change within communities through connection, building dignity, trust, friendship, inspiring deeper conversation, as well as the potential for those less fortunate now, to consider doing the same when they are able.
Remarkably fulfilling, you see many sides to many people, and many situations, to many circumstances. It can bring a wave of emotions. One thing it most certainly is, however, is humbling. It reminds us to be grateful for what we do have in our own lives, rather than seek what we have not. It shows us that under difficult times, we can all learn something from each other and show up with a positive attitude to life. It shows solidarity and human spirit. It shows us that human kindness knows no bounds.
To find more about how you can volunteer click here https://www.actstrust.org.uk/get-involved/
Andrew* (not his real name) didn’t have too much confidence. Poor physical health and a couple of mental health issues had left him feeling battered by the world and a little fragile. He started shopping at the Community Grocery, and while he was there, he saw a poster advertising a course. It was called Life:Ready, and described as a ‘foundations’ course. It made Andrew think. Perhaps it might help a little. At least it would get him out of the house.
When he received an email about it, he began to worry about how many people would be there. So he called the number at the bottom of the email, and spoke to a kind sounding woman, who reassured him that he would be very welcome. He couldn’t remember the last time he was very welcome. He decided to go, even if he just sat at the back and said nothing.
Last month we had our annual volunteer celebration. Volunteers are intrinsic to the work of Acts Trust so this was a time to honour, celebrate and shout about the incredible work that they have done over the last year.
At Energize we are so excited for summer! We have a fabulous programme packed and we can’t wait to get it started!
We want to raise the aspirations and self-esteem in young people across Lincoln to reach their potential, improving their lifestyle choices, health and well-being, reducing the risk of social exclusion, crime and antisocial behaviour. We achieve this through our brilliant schemes with family fun days, exciting trips, partnering with children in need and the HAF programme.
We will be in Moorland, Hykeham, Birchwood, Monks Road, Ermine, and St Giles, starting from the 24th of July up until the 24th of August. Through our HAF programme, young people get to taste and learn about fruit and vegetables using the five senses, giving them a better understanding of the eat well plate. They are provided with a delicious hot meal at lunchtime to get them ready for an afternoon of fun workshops and activities both to enrich and energize as we partner with Children In Need.
Our fun filled trips this summer will be at Drayton Manor, Jump Inc, Play Zone, the YMCA Showroom for rock climbing and caged sports, and we’re headed to Mablethorpe for an all-day beach trip! It’s going to be epic! If you visit the Energize Facebook page, there you will be able to see everything we have planned across Lincoln!
All these schemes are brilliant for young people and families. It’s a chance to spend quality time with family and friends, it gives great opportunities and forms wonderful community. In my own experience, it’s been amazing to see young people come out of their shell and be comfortable to be themselves. They form quick friendships and they get stuck in with activities. Seeing young people outside with great big grins across their faces is a beautiful sight to see. We want them to connect with others and want to give them chances to explore new interests, which is what this programme does.
Across the corridor from the Lincoln Community Grocery is a space called the Alive Cafe. If you go in on a Wednesday morning, you will be greeted with a smile by our wonderful volunteer, Dee.
Dee isn’t from Lincoln, and struggled with loneliness and anxiety after moving here. Wherever she went, she’d keep her head down and try to avoid talking to people.
As money was tight, she and her husband were introduced to the Grocery, and began to come weekly, enjoying the friendly welcome and the opportunity to get good food at a great price for their large family.
They noticed that sometimes the cafe was open for tea and coffee, and one week, they plucked up the courage to pop in. The drinks and pastries were free, and Dee found it easy to talk to the ladies who helped out. She began to wonder if there was room for her to volunteer too, but lacked the confidence to offer.
The following week, Dee came to the Grocery on her own. She surprised herself with how ‘at home’ she felt in the Grocery, and how easily she could talk to people. It felt like she had found a place where she was free to be herself and still be fully accepted.
After her shop, she popped into the cafe, but there was no one else there. One of the Grocery volunteers made her a drink, and as she sat drinking, she sent a photo to her husband.
‘Are you on your own? You should offer to help out,’ he replied. ‘You know you would love it.’
Buoyed by his encouragement, Dee finished her tea and went through to the Grocery to sign up as a volunteer.
Now Dee is a vital part of the Alive Cafe team, offering a kind word to everyone who comes in. Her smile and banter are infectious. The Alive Cafe and Community Grocery have given Dee a safe place to flourish, and she is eager to welcome those who keep their heads down and avoid eye contact, as she used to do.
If you would like to know more about what is going on in Acts Trust then please click here: https://www.actstrust.org.uk/whats-on/
Just across the corridor from the Lincoln Community Grocery, you will find the ALIVE CAFE – a new welcoming space provided by Acts Trust.
The cafe is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30am – 3pm, serving free drinks and snacks. You can enjoy a pastry or biscuit, with a cup of tea or coffee, when you’ve finished your Grocery shop.
Hi my name is Sally and I am a volunteer at the Lincoln Community Grocery (LCG).
I became aware of the LCG when a friend shared a post on social media, I looked further into it and loved what was happening and had this strong feeling of wanting to get involved. The first thing I did was I contacted the LGC manager Kerry who arranged for a taster shift of two hours for me – I loved it. I couldn’t wait to come back and be a fully-fledged volunteer with this amazing team.
So far this year we have had 1400 referrals and have helped 3100 people (1040 of those were children), that is a 64% increase on the same period for last year and a 188% increase from 2019 (pre covid).
All the food that goes out is donated, so far this year we have given out 23,251 tonnes of food and have collected 13.3 tonnes. All of our reserves are now depleted and we are in desperate need of donations.
Due to this massive spike in demand an emergency food collection at Tesco was organised for last weekend and we are so grateful for the response.
Since September Lincoln Foodbank has been lucky enough to have our own Citizens Advisor working within our Distribution Centers. This has meant that people coming for a food parcel can seek additional help immediately.
With the Cost of Living Crisis and the rise in gas and electricity our advisor has been incredibly busy offering essential advice which has helped 93 people achieve an estimated total income gain of £175,052 and 25% of the people he had seen now no longer need to use the Foodbank service.