My year at Oasis Waterloo
Hello, I’m Ash, a software engineer with the Civil Service! For nearly a year now, I’ve been a regular volunteer at Oasis Waterloo. Since it’s National Volunteering Week, I thought I’d share a bit about my experience here.
Having worked in food retail during the pandemic, I knew how valuable food banks were to communities and saw firsthand the impact it had on those in need of extra support during difficult times. So, after moving to the area, I thought it was a great opportunity to give back and do my bit to tackle food insecurity.
As the year has gone by however, I’ve realised that the food bank is so much more than I had originally thought. It’s been an incredibly enriching experience, not only helping those in need but also being part of a great team with wonderful people.
A Day At The Food Bank
As someone who helps run the food bank sessions, my Friday afternoons are always busy. Typically, we start by receiving deliveries from the Trussell Trust drivers, sorting through food bank donations (that we receive here) that go back to the central warehouse, and organising everything in our storage area. Then, once that’s done, we set up the space for clients to collect their pre-arranged parcels.
Of course, it’s not just about handing out parcels. The most rewarding part of the day is forming connections with clients. Sometimes that’s a friendly chat; other times it’s offering support like directing them to the community fridge or simply being a listening ear.
The food bank is also part of the community space at Oasis Waterloo, so it’s always nice to interact with regular visitors too! Making a cup of coffee here and there goes a long way in creating a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great place to be for an afternoon. Plus, thanks to the encouragement of one of our staff members, I’ve even been able to practice some of my Spanish. Normally my two hours fly by, but when I’m on Spanish time, it’s not quite as quick.
What You Might Not Know
Our food parcels are anything but generic. We cater to individual needs, offering options like halal food, gluten-free options, or just lots of fresh fruits and vegetables! We consult with clients before they arrive at the space and our warehouse team tries to ensure that everyone receives a parcel that works best for them.
My Takeaways From Volunteering
I’ve learned to appreciate the simple things, as there’s so much we take for granted every day. It’s given me a fresh perspective and reminds me to be thankful for the things I have in my own life.The Trussell Trust also has a wealth of experience, and with its strong structure and support network, it makes volunteering with the food bank truly rewarding. I feel very grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of the food bank team here.
Want To Get Involved?
Volunteering here has not only opened my eyes to a vitally important social issue, but it reminds me each week how food insecurity is a hidden struggle for so many. If you’re interested in giving back, I would highly encourage you to consider volunteering at Oasis Waterloo. It’s always the highlight of my week, the people here are wonderful and it would be great to have you as part of the team!
