‘There are so many things that I like about volunteering with The Food Chain that I’m not even sure where to start!’ says Giulia who has been volunteering as a Host at Eating Together since February 2014.
‘My role as a Host involves setting up and laying the tables so that they’re ready for when the service users arrive, welcoming people and preparing them drinks, making sure everyone has signed in and claimed their travel expenses, and chatting (a lot!). Volunteering as a host is thoroughly enjoyable and time always seems to fly by. I mainly volunteer on a Saturday but I have done the odd Wednesday shift here and there as well. I love that I get to meet the most interesting people from all different walks of life and I particularly love that I get to see service users on a regular basis so I get to know them.’
‘The staff and volunteers are wonderful – they’re all so friendly and passionate about helping others and this creates a very positive atmosphere that inspires you even more to make a real difference to people’s lives.’
‘Prior to The Food Chain I was completely unaware of how living with HIV can impact on someone’s life and the various other issues that service users may be facing in terms of financial or housing concerns. Now that I’m aware of this, cheesy as this sound, I see life in a different way!’