May 11, 2021
Volunteering to lift others up
LRMN spoke to our volunteer driver about how volunteering can help others improve their wellbeing.
It was in the midst of the pandemic that Ruth joined LRMN, after deciding that she wanted to help people during such a difficult time. After a friend suggested helping in Lewisham, she was put in contact with LRMN.
Today, Ruth drives across London and collects food from stores and warehouses and brings it to the Migrant Hub where it is prepped, packaged and distributed every Thursday.
But the Migrant Hub wasn’t always a food bank. It was during the Covid-19 crisis that we transformed our advice hub to help our community meet their basic needs. And this transformation was only possible with the help of our volunteers – who tirelessly sourced, packaged and delivered food parcels around south London.
“We are helping people to get a life and just be safe. That’s what we all want, a roof over our head and to be safe and that’s what we’re doing, helping these people to be,” explained Ruth.
“If my volunteering helps others with their mental wellbeing then it is worthwhile,” she added.
“We are helping people to get a life and just be safe. That’s what we all want, a roof over our head and to be safe and that’s what we’re doing, helping these people to be,” explained Ruth.
Ruth keeps a busy lifestyle which she attributes to keeping her mentally healthy: she goes swimming, to the gym, and on walks with friends. At the end of the day, she is so tired that sleep comes instantly.
Lockdown has been challenging though, especially with the cold weather because there are days when she doesn’t feel like being outdoors with wind and cold. However, she always makes plans with friends to have a walk and a chat to motivate her to go out.
“I believe that mental health is connected to having people around you,” Ruth said. Having people to connect with creates a support bubble that will motivate you to keep active. “Even if you don’t feel like it, it’s important to do these things.”
“I believe that mental health is connected to having people around you.”
Before Covid-19, the Migrant Hub served coffee, tea and food for families to enjoy in the community centre. Ruth is looking forward to when that time comes back and she can meet more people from the migrant community and sit in the warmth of restaurants.
Ruth added: “We provide a sanctuary for these people. They’re just such warm affectionate people, which is really rewarding. So I am looking forward to after Covid when I’m hoping I can be more involved in what they do and how I can help them.”