A kind-hearted volunteer has gone above and beyond to volunteer at Corby
Foodbank to help make a difference to those in the community that rely on its
services.
Jennifer Hallam, a member of Corby LIVE, a North Northamptonshire Council
service that supports adults with additional support needs, has become an invaluable
member of the foodbank team since she started volunteering there around four years
ago.
With the support of the LIVE team, which focuses on learning, independence,
volunteering and employment for its users, Jennifer underwent independent bus
training, allowing her to travel from her home in Cottingham into Corby town centre
and then onward to St Peter and Andrew’s Church on the Beanfield estate, from
where Corby Foodbank operates.
This remarkable achievement in independence has allowed Jennifer to work
alongside other foodbank volunteers Bev and Jane, to pack three-day emergency,
non-perishable food parcels for local people in food crisis.
“LIVE supports adults to work towards their own personal goals with volunteering
being an important part of the journey,” explains Catherine Kettle, community
enablement worker at Corby LIVE.
“Independence is a critical part of our customers’ LIVE journey, so seeing Jennifer
build the confidence to travel independently and receive such positive feedback for
her attitude at the foodbank is fantastic.”
PRESS RELEASE
Speaking of her desire to volunteer, Jennifer said: “I knew a little bit about Corby
Foodbank and that it was there to help those struggling to find a home or don’t have
a roof over their heads.
“And it also helps those who may only have a room. It broke my heart to hear of
people struggling and I wanted to help.
“It makes me happy to help, and I would like to keep volunteering as I enjoy every
second of it.”
In addition to the volunteering support given, Corby LIVE also donated £100 raised
from its LIVE Coffee Bar based at Corby Diagnostic Centre, which is run by
volunteers from the Corby LIVE Team. The money was used to purchase a ‘wish list’
of specific items, ensuring that the donation directly met the needs of local families
facing food insecurity.
Commenting on the support given, Corby Foodbank’s manager Martin Langford said:
“Jennifer is a great member of the foodbank team, and it has been fantastic to see
how her personality has developed, including getting to the foodbank independently.
“She goes above and beyond to get here and when she is here, she takes particular
care and pride of what goes into each food parcel.
“The money donated has also gone a long way in providing essential food items to
those in the community who most need our support. So a big thank you goes to
Corby LIVE and Jennifer for their support.”
For more information about Corby Foodbank, visit www.corby.foodbank.org.uk