This is Volunteers' Week! We are meeting some of our emergency volunteers each day this week to find out what they’re doing, and why they do it.
Colin Drawbridge is a Tameside Neighbourhood Volunteer
Why have you chosen to volunteer?
I wanted to volunteer to help my local community in any way I could, helping anyone who was impacted by the pandemic. I saw on the local media, vulnerable people having to shield from the public, not able to get basic food from shops and families losing their jobs who had to reach out to foodbanks. After seeing a link for Action Together on Facebook, focusing on the Tameside area, I had to sign up!
How have you approached the tasks?
I was a little anxious at first, isolating in my home bubble (just like the rest of the nation) and could see the rate of infection was increasing in the area. This only made me more determined to get stuck in and help. The team at Action Together are very supportive, I was upfront about what I was able to offer, the tasks I wasn’t comfortable doing and started collecting food donations to take to foodbanks in the Tameside area. I would select 50 – 100 houses per week, post flyer’s detailing when I would be picking up and what was needed. Collect the food donation’s a couple of days later and drop off at the central foodbank in Dukinfield.
Has anything surprised you / learnt anything new about yourself or your community whilst volunteering?
At first, I found it a little awkward when posting the flyers through doors as I didn’t want to make people uncomfortable. I was very wrong; the local community couldn’t have been more supportive with their generosity. There is a real genuine community spirit.
What would you say to someone looking to help out during this time?
If you can spare just 4 hours per week, are able to practise self-distancing and have an honest community spirit then sign up with Action Together. If you don’t drive, it’s not a problem as there will be other volunteers who would be able to help.I have now returned to work and will continue to offer some of my free time to help the community.
Click here to find out how you can become a volunteer in Oldham, Rochdale or Tameside.
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