"Such a service is priceless within the community."
I have been involved with the 'Food Angels' (Meals on Wheels) service since moving to the area as Vicar of a local church. I am repeatedly impressed by the efficiency of the system and organisation delivering quite so many meals, over such an area, week in week out. The staff team and volunteer team show an extraordinary and joyful level of commitment in providing and delivering such a service.
For my part it has been a great pleasure to meet so many people within the community; seeing the forging of links and breaking down of so many of those perceived barriers of modern living and modern communities.
With the recipients of the meals themselves there is a building of friendship and conversation – a joy as they discover who is bringing their meal that day – some shared news or conversation; quite apart from that more sensitive connection when a recipient has a time in hospital or has some other need where, through the connection with the Food Angels, they can feel less alone and less vulnerable.
Such a service is priceless within the community. It is a source of hope that it exists. It is an honour to play a small part within it.”
"I find that I actually become friends with some clients."
“As volunteers we are an important link between clients and their families, giving the family peace of mind that their loved ones are having contact with someone on a daily basis. As a volunteer with over 20 years’ experience, I find that I actually become friends with some clients and can offer advice on certain things. One particular client was being ripped off by a tradesman; I was able to advise her on cheaper alternatives for which she was very grateful. Another client who was confined upstairs due to an injury could not have managed without our hot meals being delivered to her bedside.”
"I am privileged to be a volunteer"
“Food Angels is a vital service in the community, delivering a hot healthy meal to the elderly and vulnerable clients. In many cases, we are their link to the outside world as they might not see anyone else that day, families may live far away. Just to give a kind word or a hug to someone who is feeling low makes all the difference to their day. I was told that by a lady who was the main carer for her husband who had died. I feel that I am privileged to be a volunteer.“