Members of the Carlisle United Community Sports Trust have been out and about around Carlisle over the course of the past few weeks delivering food, collecting parcels and carrying out a range of volunteer work to help those who have needed it most through the current Coronavirus crisis.
CST manager John Halpin was out with the Carlisle Youth Zone on Wednesday as they helped the Carlisle Covid-19 Community Help Group to deliver 50 lunch parcels for over 100 children.
And thank you to Teresa Mulholland, the traineeship coordinator with our CST, who has sent us a copy of her case study with the Cumbria Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) following her latest community shopping trip.
Why did you decide to volunteer?
Like many others in the UK I am furloughed from work and wanted to help support my community. I am a widowed parent with two sons and appreciate how social distancing can have a huge impact on not only your physical but also mental health.
Having your independence taken away particularly for those whom have been advised 12 weeks isolation for medical reasons is tough, if I can help the burden by being a friendly face to do their shopping and drop off prescriptions or emergency food parcels then felt this is a great job to do.
How did you find out about your volunteering opportunity?
My manager was sent a link for any of us interested in signing up to support the community.
What is the name of the organisation you volunteer for?
Carlisle Covid-19 Community Help Group (majority of my volunteer work).
Also volunteer at Pennine Way Community Development Centre.
What is your volunteer role?
I receive shopping lists on various days for clients within the city for various supermarkets.
I purchase the shopping from their usual supermarket and drop off at the client’s home. I also collect prescriptions from chemists and drop off at clients homes.
I also help to deliver emergency food parcels around the city.
At PWCDC I volunteer on Tuesday and Fridays to support parents/carers print off FSM vouchers and homework.
What are the benefits of volunteering?
To help support the vulnerable in the community and contribute to society whilst feeling proud that you are helping make the difference. Providing a friendly greeting to a person who may never see anybody from one week to the next.
Would you recommend volunteering to other people?
I would certainly recommend volunteering as you come into contact with other like-minded people and other organisations that you may never have known existed and also you never know in the future you may need this provision!
Are you likely to continue to volunteer after Covid-19?
Fingers crossed I will be able to go back into my fulltime employment soon however I would be happy to continue to volunteer as and when I can.
Three words that summarise your experience of volunteering:
- Rewarding
- Purposeful
- Connecting
