Making the move to frontline volunteering

Heather Heslin recently moved from packing emergency food parcels for Hackney Foodbank to more of a frontline role.

She’s joined the volunteer team at the Museum of the Home on Friday mornings, giving out parcels to visitors and signposting them to help.

She was initially anxious about volunteering at the food distribution centres because she felt she lacked the experience to help the most vulnerable visitors.  But she fit right in straight away and is loving her time there.

 She said: “Right from the first day I could see the volunteers have a really nice way with the people who use the centre – it’s very respectful and protects their dignity.

“The people we meet don’t like having to come to a food bank, but they don’t mind coming to Hackney Foodbank because they feel respected and safe.  Some of the people who come would be completely isolated otherwise.

“You get to know some people and build a rapport with them.  Some visitors just come for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat – they don’t come for food.  They meet people who are going through similar issues and sit and chat.

“The majority of people we support are really grateful but it’s not that we’re doing them a huge favour - you have to reframe that – I enjoy volunteering.”

Heather is also in training for this year’s Hackney Half when she’ll be among 87 runners going the extra mile (or 13) for Hackney Foodbank.