I have had a connection with St Mary’s for a long time now. I was coming to exercise class before the pandemic, and would also come to see IBK Initiatives, one of the tenant organisations. Then during lock down I was coming to use the Social Supermarket.
It was during this time that I began to volunteer as a catering assistant to help in the kitchen. I come on a Thursday, when I have some time to myself from caring for my son.
I come to meet ‘my ladies’ the fantastic volunteer team in the kitchen, we laugh and we cook some amazing food, beautiful recipes from different cultures.
You meet lots of people on a Thursday. Seeing people, vulnerable people who may not have a hot meal at home, eating our food is very satisfying.
The Support Buddies do a fabulous job, nothing is too much trouble for them, they are always polite and happy. I can’t see what more we could be doing. I see St Mary’s as a place for community.