The Food Chain is Looking for Christmas Day Drivers
The Food Chain provides nutrition services including essential groceries, communal eating sessions, cookery classes and nutrition advice to people living with HIV. It aims to ensure that no one living with the virus has their ability to get well and stay well adversely affected by lack of access to appropriate food. All Food Chain’s services are provided with the help and support of around 150 volunteers.
On December 25th every year, Food Chain opens its doors to up to 60 Service Users who have been with them through the year and who they know would otherwise be spending Christmas Day alone. Christmas can be a difficult and isolating time for many people but Food Chain hopes that by providing a friendly, relaxed and nurturing environment they are able to ensure that Christmas at The Food Chain can be a joyful experience.
As there is no public transport on Christmas Day, Food Chain relies on the generosity of volunteer drivers to pick up our Service Users from their homes on Christmas morning. You will be provided with a pickup plan in advance. You’ll set out on Christmas morning to pick up their guests. Lambeth is one of the busiest borough’s for Food Chain - the number of people you collect will depend on the capacity of your car. You’ll drive them to their base in Stepney Green and drop them off at the door. Then you’ll park up and come in to join them.
Before lunch is served Food Chain will have plenty going on to keep everyone entertained. They have Christmas movies, games and quizzes, and you’ll be very welcome to join in the festivities! At 2pm everyone sits down to lunch –of course yours will be provided too –before setting off for the homeward journey at around 3/3.30pm. You’ll take the same people home with you as you brought in.
Expenses: Mileage will be reimbursed at a rate of 45p per mile in line with The Food Chain’s expenses policy. Interested? Food Chain would love to hear from you!
 Volunteers needed to support intergenerational workshops with InCommon
Did you know that Britain is one of the most age-segregated countries? Most people have little contact with different generations outside their family and this has serious consequences for our wellbeing, our sense of community and the development of ageist attitudes (which can form as young as 6 years old).
InCommon is on a mission to bring generations together and build more age-friendly communities. They do this by connecting groups of young people with their older neighbours in retirement homes for monthly intergenerational workshops.
They’re currently looking for volunteers to support the smooth running of workshops, which run on weekdays usually around lunchtime.
Volunteers support workshops by:
- Assisting with on-the-day workshop preparation and clearing up
- Getting involved with the workshop activities (joining in games, assisting the facilitator, helping pupils with reading and writing etc.)
- Supporting older participants with additional needs (e.g. hearing difficulties, mobility issues, memory loss etc.)
No skills or prior experience are necessary. All they ask is that you’re reliable, comfortable interacting with people of different ages and respectful of different needs and access requirements. Click here to find out more.
 Looking for some TLC? Volunteer with The Lunch Club!
Are you passionate about making a difference in your local community? If so, TLC invites you to become a vital part of The Lunch Club.
TLC is a brand-new charity based in Streatham. It's mission is to provide regular meals, social interaction, and support to vulnerable individuals in our community who are facing poverty or financial hardship. They do this by serving up nutritious, freshly cooked hot lunches to people who struggle to provide this for themselves or their families. TLC offers this in a safe and welcoming environment, allowing people to socialise, connect with others, and form new friendships.
TLC will also look to support them with any issues they might be facing by acting as a gateway to other charities and support services. By providing this service TLC hopes to care for people’s physical and mental wellbeing. It is a holistic initiative that combines meals, social engagement, and collaborative efforts to support the lives of those most in need.
TLC is primarily looking for volunteers to help them out on lunch days – preparing food, cooking, serving, welcoming, and chatting. They are also looking for volunteers to help behind the scenes with surplus food collections, social media, and fundraising amongst many other things.
TLC is based at the Woodlawns Centre in Streatham and begin their journey every Friday from the 3rd of November 2023. Over the course of the year TLC will open more days, becoming a Monday-to-Friday service within 12 months.
For more information about The Lunch Club check them out here, and register your interest in volunteering. They also have a Crowdfunder for equipment and venue costs that you can find here.
 Calling West Norwood! Come to Our Team Lambeth Volunteer Fair - 29th November, West Norwood Library
Team Lambeth is excited to invite you to a special volunteering event at West Norwood Library on the 29 November. This event promises to be a great opportunity for you to get involved, connect with your community, and make a real difference in West Norwood.
Date: Wed November 29, Time: 3pm to 7pm
Location: West Norwood Library, 1-5 Norwood High St, Norwood, London SE27 9JX
Key organisations from our vibrant neighborhood will be in attendance, and they're eager to welcome passionate and dedicated individuals like you to join their teams. Whether you're interested in environmental causes, youth mentoring, supporting the elderly, or any other area of interest, you're sure to find a volunteer role that resonates with you.
Why should you consider volunteering?
- Strengthen Community Bonds: Volunteering is a fantastic way to connect with your neighbors, make new friends, and build lasting relationships.
- Personal Growth: Gain valuable experience, develop new skills, and boost your confidence by giving back to your community.
- Make an Impact: Your efforts can have a positive impact on the lives of others and improve the overall well-being of our neighborhood.
- Find Your Passion: Discover causes and organizations that align with your interests and values.
This event is an excellent opportunity to learn more about local initiatives, meet the people behind them, and find a volunteer role that's right for you. So, mark the date on your calendar and come to West Norwood Library on the 29 November.
We look forward to seeing you there and working together to make West Norwood an even better place to live. Your involvement can make a significant difference!
Let's come together to create a stronger, more connected West Norwood.
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