URBAN COMMUNITY PROJECTS
IN THIS BLOG URBAN COMMUNITY PROJECTS GIVE AN INTRODUCTION ABOUT THEIR FOOD BANK PROJECT AND THEIR VOLUNTEERS SPEAK ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE.
As well as our food bank, we provide training for disadvantaged communities, which Camden Giving has supported us with, it has been very beneficial for many people; in isolation, who faced drastic changes and who are unemployed.
This year we’ve been building an army! An army of young, gifted and creative minds who really want to give something back. An army, who want to make something of their lives and really make a difference.
Introducing our Volunteers Autumn & Josh:
My food bank journey.
Autumn:
I’ll make it short and sweet how did I know about the food bank, well last year my family and I had to use it. So… depressing when you realise how rubbish your life is. But one thing mum has taught us (my sister and I) is we’re not victims. I told myself that every time I placed tinned veg into a bag.
One day... “Why don’t you come and help us out” said Rasheeda, who does everything cooking and training. “What do I need to do?” Rah why did I say that I thought, can I really commit? Ok that was cop out, it wasn’t like I was doing much anyway. Mum runs the cheer-leading club on Saturdays, I go there sometimes to take part, but most of the time I am just playing on my phone. The food bank is literally opposite the hall, I really didn’t have any excuses did I?
So for the next 3 months after our conversation, I opened the food bank, made sure it was stocked and gave food out to people who are basically just like me. It makes me upset, the fact that they have to use it. But at least I was helping them, well me and my boyfriend, he helped too.
UPDATE: we broke up!
Josh:
Ok so, I only joined the project to see if I could get my CSCS card renewed. I know that’s bad, but let’s just say I was kinda desperate to change my life. I actually was one of the original volunteers that helped set up the food bank. I’m working part time on the estate but I wanted to get back into construction work. That’s how I got the training and first card. But it needed renewing and I didn’t have the funds. No card no work basically. After 12 weeks, I finished the CSCS training, I am currently waiting for my results, hopefully I’ve passed and can get a job that I actually like.
And I actually didn’t mind volunteering not gonna lie, it didn’t make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, but I actually loved meeting people.
Urban Community Projects are funded by the Camden Giving's KX Fund. This fund will re-open in April 2018, to keep up-to-date with our funding opportunities join our mailing list by emailing admin@camdengiving.org.uk