Amy’s story
Where do you volunteer?
Dunbar Foodshare. Formally known as Dunbar Basics Bank - an independent foodbank covering Dunbar and the surrounding areas.
When did you start?
I started volunteering with the stock management team in November 2021, before also offering to assist on their Community Strategy Team too; helping with the website and social media.
Why did you start?
As I work from home on my own, I was looking for something that would allow me to be around other people, whilst also being more involved in our local community. Having moved to Dunbar in summer 2020, there hadn't been much opportunity for this due to Covid!
The work that the Foodshare does also has a personal connection for myself. After becoming a single Mum in 2018, leaving an abusive relationship and filing for bankruptcy; the service that the Foodshare offers - particularly with their option to Self-Refer - is something that could have helped me through one of the toughest periods of my life. Unfortunately I didn't yet live in Dunbar at that point.
What do you enjoy about volunteering?
I love the team of volunteers I work with, we like to refer to ourselves as the A-Team! It's also nice to know I'm able to make a difference in our community. People are always keen to share the enthusiasm of what Dunbar Foodshare does and its lovely be a part of that.
Any challenges?
It can sometimes be easy to get caught up in the frustrations that foodbanks are still needed in 2022, particularly right now with the current cost of living crisis. But this is always quickly forgotten when I see how thankful our clients are for the help Dunbar Foodshare offers, as well as the support we continually receive from our local community.
What would you say to anyone else thinking of volunteering?
If you can give up some of your time to volunteer, then just go for it! Especially if it's a cause that you have a personal connection with. Making a difference in the world and your community is not only a fantastic thing to do, but it can give you a real feel-good factor too.
