How Volunteers like Liz make the work Social Bite does possible

This week we have been showing our gratitude to the many volunteers we have, all over the country, who donate their time and services to Social Bite. Whether it’s helping to serve meals at our free food services, or helping at our large scale mass participation fundraising events, we simply could not do the work that we do without their support. We’ve shared cards, small treats and lunches with our volunteer family this week, and hope that these small tokens go some way to show just how incredibly thankful we are for each and every one of them 💚

We also caught up with one of our longest serving Edinburgh volunteers, Liz, and asked if she would share with us a little bit about why she chooses to volunteer with us. Liz has been a Social Bite volunteer for eight years, and in this time has supported us in so many ways. She’s a regular fixture at our free food services, has spent hours in cold temperatures at our Christmas-time Festival of Kindness trees, and gotten out of bed at silly-o’clock in the morning to help us set up and run our Break The Cycle events. This list doesn’t even scratch the surface of all the ways Liz has helped us – she truly is a superstar 🌟

Q. How did you come to volunteer for Social Bite?

Liz: Eight years ago my daughter collapsed at the West End in Edinburgh. A young homeless girl named Laura looked after her, while others walked by. She took my daughter’s phone and called me several times. Unfortunately I was in class and didn’t have my phone on me, so she phoned other family members and eventually got my nephew. She stayed with her until he came, talking to her and looking after her.

I wanted to find Laura to say thank you, so a colleague suggested Social Bite. I popped in, met staff and heard all about Social Bite. I loved what they were doing, so I decided to become a volunteer. I didn’t find Laura, but I did meet a lot of other people who I felt I could help.

Q. What do you enjoy about volunteering?

Liz: I love putting a wee smile on people’s faces. Some of the people accessing free food services haven’t spoken to anyone all day or longer… so to ask how they are, listening, trying to support them and showing them you care, having a laugh with them – makes a huge difference to their day and their self-esteem.

Q. Has anything surprised you in your experience as a volunteer?

Liz: Yes lots! How anyone can end up in a situation of homelessness! Be it a teacher, lawyer, or a child from the care system – anyone. Everyone has a story. The hand that you are dealt in life can lead you to living with homelessness.  Also the lack of appropriate support available, and that some people in temporary accommodation are living in such awful conditions – I could go on! My experience volunteering has given me more understanding towards people experiencing homelessness and how a person can get into that position.

Q. What advice would you give to someone who is considering volunteering?

Liz: Do it! Come along with a smile, a kind heart, sense of humour, compassion and empathy. You will be rewarded by a sense of giving something back to the community, making someone’s life that little bit happier, and you will meet a lot of likeminded, lovely people –  we have such a laugh. The Social Bite team are fabulous! I have made life long friends. I am very proud to be a part of Social Bite, knowing the little bit I do helps these services operate. Think eight years in says it all!
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Thank you so much to Liz for allowing us to share her experience with you, and help illustrate just how integral the work of our volunteers is. And thank you again to every Social Bite volunteer we have – you inspire and amaze us every day!

If you, like us, have been inspired by Liz – you can find out more about volunteering with Social Bite in Edinburgh, Glasgow or Aberdeen by emailing 👉 volunteering@social-bite.co.uk