Volunteer Stories

In late 2012 Droitwich Churches Together felt there was a need for a Foodbank in Droitwich – this was led by the then Methodist Church minster. It took a team of hard-working volunteers 18 months in which to raise money, find premises and collect 3 tons of food before the first session of DSFB opened its doors in The Old Library on July 14th 2014 as a Trussell Trust Foodbank in order to use their knowledge, support and experience rather than being an independent foodbank. 

We opened our doors for 4 sessions before we had any clients. It became clear that we had to widen our range of referral agencies. Numbers coming to the foodbank rose very quickly and our signposting skills became something clients needed and appreciated. I soon became Foodbank Centre Leader and formed a good relationship with Referral Agencies like Housing Associations, Citizens Advice and many others. In the early days our Referral Agencies knew little about what a foodbank was – and what it offered.  

After 6 months it became obvious that due to numbers coming to the foodbank we needed significantly more storage space. The Baptist Church provided us with another town centre location which clients could easily find – and it still meets our needs today.  

Right from the first days of the foodbank some volunteers loved working at the warehouse and many preferred working at the Centre, so little has changed there! I am now a trustee so have experienced volunteering for foodbank in most of its areas. Why did I initially choose to volunteer? 

• Having worked as a Health Visitor in Droitwich I was aware of the need for a foodbank 

• When I retired I wanted to give something to the community in which I live 

• As a Christian it was a response to those I knew in the community were struggling in 2014 with the cost of living and making ends meet.  

• It was a good way to meet like-minded others 

In July 2024 I will be calling time as a volunteer. We initially hoped DSFB would only be needed for a few years. Sadly we realise it will be needed for many more to come but at least I know that it is in many pairs of safe hands of volunteers. 

Mary – Founder and Trustee – Involved for 10 Years 

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As we acknowledge our 10 year Anniversary of service to the Droitwich community, I’m sure we are all reflecting on the reason each of us first volunteered for the Droitwich Foodbank, and the impact it has had on our own lives. As one of the Centre Managers for the past 3 years, and a helper before that, it has certainly widened my friendship group and has improved my capacity for thinking on my feet! It has also made me appreciate the relatively stable financial situation I have and, so far, my good health. I am constantly humbled by the troubling and challenging situations our clients have to cope with on a daily basis and it is such a privilege to be part of an organisation that exists to alleviate some of those anxieties with a listening ear and a few bags of food. It has also made me so grateful to the Droitwich community who so generously donate food and money in such a caring and neighbourly way. When Foodbank days are particularly demanding on us as volunteers, both physically and emotionally, I find these wise words from Mother Theresa very helpful, as they capture all we try to do at the Foodbank: 

“We can do no Great things, only Little things with Great Love” 

Nikki  – Centre Manager Volunteer 

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It is hard to believe that it is 12 months ago that I first joined Droitwich Foodbank. During this time my roles have been a combination of driving and working as one of Anne’s Angels at the Foodbank. All staff, both at the Warehouse and Foodbank, have been most welcoming and genuinely supportive. The working atmosphere is always warm and friendly with lots of banter and good-hearted nonsense thrown in. Their concern and willingness to help as well as provide advice to our clients were apparent to me from day one. One of the highlights of my year was when Steve and I made the Harvest Festival and Christmas collections from local schools. The enthusiasm and generosity of the children, their parents and the teachers were extremely heartwarming. The biggest surprise to me has been just how many of my friends and relatives have initiated conversations to ask about the foodbank and about voluntary work in general. With so many shocking events happening in the world there are still so many people who do care, and they want to make a difference to help others.

John – Centre & Driving Volunteer

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Volunteering at the Droitwich Foodbank offers so much! Firstly you are taking part in a countrywide operation to help people suffering crisis through many varied reasons get food, a very basic need for us all. Not only can you help provide food but also offer a listening ear, a warm safe place to visit and some ideas on how they may deal with their crisis.

On a personal level, for a few hours in the week you will join a team of like minded people. Friendships develop so easily and though we may be dealing with people in difficult circumstances we support each other and have some fun.

You can do as much or as little as you are able at the Foodbank centre or at our warehouse. Come along to see us and join our teams!

Anne – Centre Manager Volunteer

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I have been a Foodbank volunteer since we started in Droitwich Spa and during that time, I think I have assisted with every Tesco collection. Our first was at Tesco St Peters on a warm summer’s day unlike the cold at our most recent collection at Warndon. On this first one, a member of Tesco staff had taken our wish list and arranged displays of the items around the store. As a result, we were overwhelmed (a good thing) with masses of packets of Corn Flakes and pasta. It was on this occasion my fellow volunteer told me that her vocabulary had been broadened by some people who, let’s say, were not supporters of the concept of Foodbanks. On another occasion on a warm day at Warndon a group of people appeared and said that e looked hot and presented each with an ice cream.

Another time at Warndon, in the earlier years, we were giving out lists of what we needed and top of that list was washing up liquid. Before long, our boxes were filled with a huge amount of washing up liquid. It was from that we learnt to have a rotation of wish lists as people tend to start from the top. One collection, myself and another volunteer were approached by a man who said that he was a farmer and could we make use of 15 tons of potatoes. For obvious reasons we sadly had to decline the offer! Pre Covid we often used to take back the filled boxes to the warehouse ourselves and I think that the most I managed in one go was 20.  The most rewarding part of doing it is when someone comes up to and hands you a donation saying ‘Thank you, you helped me when I hit a low so I want to give something back.’

Mike – Volunteer  – Involved for 10 years

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Volunteering is a remarkable way to contribute to my community, while also benefiting me. It’s about making connections, gaining new skills and finding a sense of purpose. Volunteering opens the door to a world of positive change for both myself and my community.

Lesley – Warehouse Volunteer

When I was in middle school, I was bullied for being small and it took me a while to get back to a normal mental health state. I had years of CAHMS treatment and home school. At age 13 when I was at a positive mental state, I attended Pershore high School until year 11 where the exam stress got to me. So, I took a break from school for about a month until I found The Bridge Training and development centre in Malvern.

At The Bridge Training and Development centre during the first year for work experience, once a week for 6 weeks I helped at the Droitwich foodbank warehouse this really helped me build my confidence up and enabled me to develop my skills needed for future employment.

Following this experience, I realised that I enjoy this type of work and started to look at future careers based on stock control and customer service. With the help of my careers coach on my second year of the Bridge my next works experience placement was at a Garden Centre in Wychbold once a week for 6 weeks in the Garden tools department I really enjoyed this so much and everyone loved me for who I am I could by myself without judgement.

I am still currently employed at the garden centre on a zero hours contact which was enough for a while until January when the shifts slowed down, and I found it hard being at home all the time mostly because I lost my sister to cancer, and I was bored and thinking of her all the time which made me sad. I realised that I wanted to do more things, so I became an official volunteer at the Droitwich food bank as I have missed the food bank family, so I have returned to volunteering once a week.

The food bank staff are so welcoming and make me feel good about myself they utilise my stumps and give me a sense of belonging.

I feel so proud to be part of this team and volunteering has been great for my mental health and well-being.

Harvey – volunteer