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Spotlight on volunteering - ONE

Updated: Jun 5


From Monday 3rd June to Sunday 9th June GCDA is joining with National Volunteers' Week to help promote the benefits of volunteering.


GCDA has always worked with volunteers, ever since it started more than 40 years ago. We know just how much our volunteers value their time with us, and we really depend on their help too. It's a win win relationship that brings many rewards.


Our volunteer Lee Heaster shares his story.


South-London based Lee Heaster has been volunteering with GCDA for more than a year. Formerly employed as caretaker, Lee had to give up his role due to personal reasons and found the subsequent lack of routine very difficult to deal with. Lee found out about GCDA through a friend who suggested that he get in touch, and soon afterwards he found himself volunteering alongside Sue Pollock, the organisation’s delivery driver and all-round logistics queen! Lee’s main role is to help pack and deliver food for GCDA’s ambient meals project.


He also helps with the holiday meals programme which ensures young people throughout Greenwich don’t go hungry during the school holidays.


“Lee has been an absolute asset," says Sue, "helping me with all the lifting and delivering. He’s really keen, and he’s got brilliant time keeping. He never makes a mistake! I’ve really seen him grow during the time he’s been with GCDA. It makes a big difference having somebody so efficient on board.”


"Volunteering with GCDA has been a real life-saver for me," shares Lee. "It gets me out of the house, gives my day structure, and keeps my mind occupied and busy. It’s a huge help and my time no longer drags. It’s been a really positive thing for my mental health. I’d encourage other people to give volunteering a go too.”


Through his volunteering, Lee also found out about GCDA’s free Learning Programme, and has completed two cooking courses – one on healthy eating and another on plant-based cuisine. “I’ve really enjoyed learning new cooking skills and it’s been an added bonus doing the courses and meeting new people."


To find out more about volunteering with GCDA, please email haley@gcda.org.uk

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