Harry has been volunteering with Finchley Foodbank since the start of the year, putting his time off work to good use to benefit the local East Finchley community

Hello Harry! Please tell us about how you started volunteering?

Two big things happened last year that have given me more time to do something different. I was made redundant from my demanding job at global advertising agency WPP, so I was home, looking for work, for the first time in my adult life. That coincided with my twins finishing their A Levels and going off on their gap years, with their younger brother at home with my wife and me. We noticed we had a bit more time to think and not just focus on putting one foot in front of the other!

So, on top of the job hunting, I decided to do something helpful to others.

Why Finchley Foodbank?

I had been aware of a growing need for foodbanks over the last 10 years.

Life’s become more expensive for all of us. The Covid pandemic, the Ukraine war, rising interest rates, and now the war in the Middle East, have all led to higher prices for food and essentials.

At WPP we had a relationship with the Trussell Trust, getting employees involved in community work, food runs and raising money. Through this I increased my understanding of the underlying issues of food poverty in London. I had a growing feeling of wanting to do something to help others.

I’ve lived in East Finchley since 2010. It’s the first time I’ve lived anywhere for that long and really laid down roots, been part of the kids’ school community and built an amazing network of friends.

There is lots of evidence locally of all the volunteering going – for example, the volunteer gardeners have really smartened up parts of Church Lane and The Walks - and I’ve come to realise how important it is, and felt my own volunteering could be an extension of this.

Tell us about Finchley Foodbank, and what do you like about it?

The people I have met and volunteered alongside have been friendly, chatty and welcoming, with everyone equally involved. The sessions are well run, with supportive managers giving clear instructions, all done in a nice way. They get the balance right managing volunteers who are giving their time for free.

It’s very busy and energising – the client sessions in particular fly by. It’s a whole different way of working, for me, compared to my usual office environment. You're on your feet, you're moving the whole time, and you need eyes in the back of your head.

What skills are you developing by volunteering?

I guess it’s an awareness of what is going on right in front of you and around you. Nobody wants to have to depend on a foodbank yet they cross that threshold and deserve respect and care. The volunteers have obviously got to make sure that everyone's following the rules, as well as getting that balance right with clients, showing respect and kindness.

I think it is quite a unique working environment. There's a sensitivity to it.

We’re all developing the skills to be confident with each other and clients, and efficient in a fast-moving environment. And things change, reflecting the current hard times. Our stock levels are under pressure, for example, and we’ve had to reduce the number of items people can take.  So communication skills are really important. And the sensitivity and empathy to how people are feeling. You get to know very quickly what people's emotions are like in there.

What would you say to anyone thinking about volunteering?

Give it a go!

My advice is to find something that you care about, that you are motivated about. And that fits your lifestyle and routine because it is a commitment. At Finchley Foodbank we all do a minimum of two sessions a month, and I know that the manager and the team need volunteers that commit. For me it’s been a way to give back to my community, to be part of the community, and use my skills and time to help others.

I'm definitely a big advocate for it.