Frome Times asked some of the volunteers about their experience
Jacqui Close
What have you been up to?
Doing a weekly shop for Walter.
What difference has it made to the person/people you shop for?
Walter knows that he will always have his weekly shop delivered every week, it’s so important that he doesn’t have to feel pressured to go out and shop
Why did you want to volunteer?
Just wanted to do something to help others – fortunate enough to be in a position to be able to help
Have you got anything out of the experience?
Absolutely – I love Walter’s stories – social distancing on the doorstep – great stories of him being on a ship in Alexandria when VE was announced!
Jen Wilton
What have you been up to?
I have been collecting a gentleman’s grocery shopping for him each week.
What difference has it made to the person/people you shop for?
I hope that it has made him feel less isolated during this time, knowing that there are people in the community who want to do their bit to help others who are vulnerable.
Why did you want to volunteer?
I wanted to do my bit for the community to help those who are vulnerable and to know that I have helped someone who may have been struggling otherwise without mine or other volunteers’ support.
Have you got anything out of the experience?
It’s been wonderful and personally very fulfilling for me. I hope that the gentleman I am helping enjoys and looks forward to our weekly distant chats from his doorstep as much as I do!
Rowena Stewart
What have you been up to?
Shopping for isolated people and leaflet dropping.
What difference has it made to the person/people you shop for?
It’s been a lifeline for those isolated by the fear of infection and a link to the outside world that goes some way to alleviating the stress and monotony of solitary confinement for weeks on end.
Why did you want to volunteer?
We innately love taking care of one another, so it seemed the most natural thing to do in such an extreme situation, to support those who feel particularly vulnerable and confirm that they are valued members of our community.
Have you got anything out of the experience?
It has been and continues to be a very enriching part of the weekly rhythm and an opportunity to make new friendships that break down the isolation that the pandemic has created.
