A long-standing Leeds volunteer has spent more than a decade supporting local families through her weekly visits to a Leeds food bank, alongside her own journey of living independently.
In 2015, determined to gain some independence, 49-year-old, Nicola Butterfield moved out of her family home in and into her own flat in Garforth. It was this time she began volunteering at Trussell Food Bank (Leeds South & East).
For over a decade, Nicola has travelled across from Garforth to Belle Isle on two busses every Friday to help local people facing hardship while building her own confidence and independence. Nicola said:
“I love meeting all the people who visit the food bank and I love that I am making a difference to other people’s lives and supporting such a good cause.”
No stranger to volunteering, before joining the food bank, Nicola volunteered at Sue Ryder in Garforth in her younger years and has always enjoyed giving back to her local community.
Enabling Nicola to live independently and begin her relationship with the food bank, Nicola has received support from Gaby Dell a care assistant at Springfield Healthcare since she moved into her flat 11 years ago. Gaby helps her maintain her independence through daily care visits and supports Nicola on her weekly journey to the food bank. Gaby Dell said:
“Nicola is so passionate about helping others and it’s really inspiring to see her make the journey every week to the food bank.
“We enjoy spending time together and I know it does a lot for her physical and mental wellbeing”
Over the years, Nicola has become a familiar and valued member of the food bank team. Her responsibilities include packing food parcels, checking labels and expiry dates, rotating stock, carrying out administrative tasks, welcoming visitors and helping check eligibility for food support.
Her weekly visits have also helped her develop new skills and discover strengths she never knew she had.
Through her role at the food bank, Nicola has learned about stock management, date checking and administration. More importantly, she says her confidence has grown significantly.
“I’ve learned that I’m very good with people and that I have lots of people skills,” Nicola said.
Colleagues at the food bank have seen Nicola’s confidence flourish over the years as she has become an integral part of the volunteer team.
Jenny Mills a signposting volunteer at the Trussell Food Bank added:
“I have worked with Nicola for the last four years – she is happy, kind and always willing to help with any of the roles.
“She is well supported by her carers, which enables her to fulfil her potential within the food bank.
“Over the years, Nicola has developed good friendships within the team and seems to enjoy her time with all the other volunteers.”
Despite travelling across the city every week and dedicating her Fridays to helping others, Nicola remains modest about her contribution.
When asked to sum up her experience of volunteering over the last 11 years, Nicola said:
“It is an absolute pleasure to be able to volunteer.”
This post is based on a press release issued on behalf of Springfield Homecare Leeds
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