From F1 to FFB, Debbie Price talks about how volunteering complements her day job
Debbie’s a long-term, extremely committed volunteer supporting many causes and now taking on a more senior role for Finchley Foodbank as a Monday Session Leader.
Hello! Please tell us how you got involved with Finchley Foodbank?
I’ve been involved with the Foodbank for almost two years now. I’m a volunteer with The Archer newspaper - I do deliveries for them - and I saw an ad that the Foodbank needed people too, so I got in touch to see how I could get involved.
What motivated you to volunteer? What do you get from it?
I work as an event organiser in the crazy world of Formula One. My job is done remotely rather than office-based - I can do it from anywhere. I really miss the social interaction you get from working in an office, which is a reason I love volunteering and the volunteer community. It’s a great way to meet like-minded people and build connections that I can’t make through my working life.
I have been volunteering for as long as I can remember, firstly when I lived in Australia, about 20 years ago, in the children’s hospital in Sydney and also with a charity for people with physical and mental disabilities. Now, in addition to The Archer newspaper and the Foodbank, I’m part of a reading charity called Bookmark, helping improve children’s literacy.
I learn so much from everyone in my volunteering networks, from the clients and the other volunteers, broadening my knowledge of the world around me and giving me totally new and different perspectives on life and cultures.
I have been so lucky in my life to have always had a supportive, loving family, a roof over my head, a good job and I have never had to flee my own country. So if I can give back in some small way, then I always will.
Now you’re taking on a leadership role at Finchley Foodbank, how did that come about?
My partner Rich says I was approached to be a session leader because I am bossy and I like telling people what to do, but I argue it is just because I am a good organiser! Leading the session means managing the volunteers, managing the stock, getting quantities right, keeping on top of changes. The other volunteers make it so easy for me, because they all know what they are doing and are so lovely to work with.
How different is it from being a volunteer?
Session leaders have to be organised, they have to possess the right people skills and feel comfortable giving orders and troubleshooting when problems come up. There’s more responsibility, you are multi-tasking and keeping it all running smoothly.
And what do you like about it?
It’s great to challenge yourself and be forced out of your comfort zone. In my role for Formula 1, I do the same job every day - I could do it with my eyes closed. Whereas at the Foodbank, well, this keeps my brain active. I’m learning new skills and testing myself.
What skills are you learning?
Organisational skills, because I have to be careful not to make any mistakes in stock control. And quick maths skills - what we need, how many, where we are short. It’s a test of numbers under pressure!
People skills, because I am giving out tasks to the volunteers so I have to be sure I articulate exactly what we need – and I don’t want to be a ‘bossy boots’ about it!
What would you say to anyone thinking about stepping up into the leader role?
I think it is always good to develop new skills and keep your brain active so I would encourage anyone to give it a go.
In the volunteer community everyone is so lovely and supportive. It's a really good way to develop new skills and keep your brain active. What have you got to lose? Try it and see!
I feel being given the opportunity to volunteer for any charity is a privilege. I would encourage anybody to volunteer. And now it’s an honour to be asked to be a session leader too.