Often when we think about volunteering, we think of the all the valuable things contributed to our communities by the selfless people, who give their time so generously. However, what we don’t always consider is what people can also get out of volunteering. In this article we focus on two incredible women, who volunteer at The Bread and Butter Project in Burton, and the unexpected rewards they have received by giving their time to help others.
The Bread and Butter Thing, which aims to supply fresh food at affordable prices to those households who are struggling the most to buy food for themselves and their families, relies on volunteers to help the organisation achieve its mission. Stephanie Chandler and Brenda Morley are two of these wonderful people that help them do that.
Stephanie found herself with some free time after retiring from a 24-year long career with the NHS Sterile Services, in 2022. Realising, she wanted to help her local community more, she first acquired a job at a local school. Unfortunately, this didn’t work out for her and it left her confidence shattered and negatively impacted on her self-esteem. Determined not to give up, she decided to look into volunteering. She registered on our volunteering platform and then found the listing by The Bread and Butter project. She instantly thought this project was something she’d like to help with.
It didn’t take Stephanie long to get past the initial anxiety of going to a new organisation, and she soon began to see the benefits of volunteering on her own wellbeing. Stephanie told us, “Volunteering has been such a positive experience. Everyone at the hub was so welcoming and friendly. They have been so supportive to me and that has helped me build up my confidence. I have always been friendly and like to chat as well as helping others, so the role suited me perfectly. I’ve been able to build relationships with other volunteers, using my natural personality traits. The community is so lovely and seeing how everyone works together has been truly heartwarming. It’s not just the people here, we need to give a shout out to the supermarkets, drivers and all the people behind the scenes who organise the project and make sure it runs smoothly. They all play an integral role in helping our community thrive.”
Stephanie also told us how her experience has been so rewarding to her personally as well. “Volunteering here is the best thing I’ve ever done. My confidence has come on in leaps and bounds. I’ve learned so much about networking and making connections as well as how to use my skills to make a difference. I’ve also made some great new friends and connections that will last beyond this. I’m so grateful for the project and all it has given me.”
One of the friends Stephanie has built a bond with is Brenda, who she describes as such a lovely lady. Brenda also shared her experience of volunteering with us and how it has helped her. “When I first started to volunteer, I was struggling with my mental health. I had had a massive breakdown and wasn’t coping well with things. I met Rosanna, the Volunteering for All Officer, from Support Staffordshire, at the Job Centre and told her about my difficulties. She was very supportive and understanding and told me about The Bread and Butter Thing. I soon realised it was only down the road and even with my physical difficulties with getting out and about, it might be possible to try and go there.”
Brenda talked about how volunteering had helped her too, “I’m lucky as the people there are so lovely and that helped me feel more at ease. It’s definitely helped improve my anxiety about going out and meeting new people. It’s still hard for me at times but I just take it one step at a time and do what I can. On bad days it helps to give me a purpose; having it scheduled on the calendar ensures that I have somewhere to be and some motivation to leave the house. Slowly, my confidence has grown bit by bit and I’ve started to make real friendships there. Particularly, Stephanie who is very good at reading people and understanding how we work. This helps as she supports me and I don’t feel any pressure to do things a certain way.”
Brenda also had some advice for anyone else who is considering volunteering. “Don’t be put off by negative experiences of work or volunteering in the past. If you find you don’t fit in one place, don’t give up. Try another as there are plenty of places with nice people to give you a chance.
These two ladies have found so much joy in volunteering and been given many gifts along the way. One being the friendship they have found in each other. Not only have they contributed to many people in their local community’s wellbeing; in doing so they have helped their own and found parts of themselves that may have been lost or hidden away. This is a special gift which volunteering has been able to give them to thank them for all they’ve given to others.
To find out more about the Bread and Butter Thing, please visit The Bread and Butter Thing launches five affordable food clubs with East Staffordshire Borough Council — The Bread and Butter Thing
If you are interested in volunteering at the Bread and Butter Thing, take a look at the vacancy we have listed on our volunteering platform. DetailsForSearch – VMS