Banstead Pantry Manager Ashley writes about the difference the new Pantry is making to the local community
Banstead Pantry opened on the high street in Banstead this September. We have been warmly welcomed by our local community, and we are so fortunate to have their support. In just a couple of months we have grown an amazing team of local volunteers who lend their time and energy to the pantry every week.
One of our volunteers is named Julie. She has now retired from a career with Mencap and was eager to put her people skills to good use. You can find Julie here at the pantry on Thursday mornings drinking a hot cup of tea and greeting all of our members as they arrive for their shops. She shares the table with many changing faces. At one moment, a baby in a pram needing looked after while mum shops. Next up, a teenager practising her sketches, then, a woman who walked uphill to get here and needs a moment to catch her breath. Finally, a new member who has just arrived, and is nervous for his very first shop. Julie greets them all with a smile and offers a listening ear to anyone who needs it.
Julie says: “Working at Mencap I am used to communicating with many types of people and having empathy for everyone who walks through the door. In the past I was very short of money myself so I realise that even if you look nice and dressed up you could still be in need. It’s difficult to ask for help, sometimes you feel ashamed or inadequate needing to go to a place to tell them that you are hungry and you need food. Volunteering here is just about caring about people and having empathy. You can’t always offer advice but you can listen to people and have an understanding of their needs.”
Julie embodies the sense of community we want to cultivate at the pantry by creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for whoever walks through the door. Whether someone is in a hurry, having a bad day, or needing advice for new recipes, Julie is up for the task. It is thanks to volunteers like her that our members feel safe and valued when they come to Banstead Pantry. As our community grows, we will continue to provide a space where our members always feel included. We are so grateful to everyone who dedicates their time to our mission of providing hope, dignity, and choice to all our members.
