By Wayne Clark
After being out of work for four years, I was feeling down and fed up with nothing to do.
I was doing work with Fare Start Scotland through Aberdeen Foyer, when my work coach suggested volunteering. An opportunity was available at CFINE doing admin for Tullos Community Garden.
I must admit that I had never heard of CFINE but after reading up about what they do, it sounded like the kind of place I would like to help.
So I went for an interview, which went well, and I was offered the opportunity to volunteer at CFINE. On the first day there I was introduced to Rebecca Dunn, CFINE's Community Growing Development Worker, who showed me around and what to do.
My first job was to input data on a spreadsheet and to learn about the garden. After a couple of weeks, I was introduced to Lucy Edwards, CFINE's Community Growing Assistant, and I was then asked to look into funding for the garden, this was scary as I have never done that before.
With help from Lucy, I managed to apply for funding and to my great surprise I secured funding from The North East Scotland Climate Action Network (NESCAN). The committee of the Tullos Garden were very pleased with my efforts. I eventually became a member of the committee and became the secretary.
At the start I was only volunteering once a week but now I am in three times a week. I help out with booking slots for clients at CFINE's Aberdeen City Pantry and also help input data to various spreadsheets for Nicky, the Senior Development Worker for Pantries. Since I’ve been doing more hours, I have got to know more of the staff and feel more included.
Volunteering at CFINE has been great for my mental wellbeing and I enjoy coming into work.
If you would like to become an admin volunteer with the CFINE Pantry we would love to hear from you! Please get in touch with nmckay@cfine.org or call us on 01224 596156, thank you!
