Learning through kindness in these strange times

Lynn MacLellan reflects on her own experience of volunteering during the months of ‘lockdown’’.

‘We live in strange times’ – a phrase which is often bandied around to describe our current situation.  These past 4 months have produced changes in our lives which we could never have imagined this time last year.

I have noticed that one of the positive outcomes from this time has been the outpouring of generosity and kindness towards others in our local communities, particularly those who have been struggling. Community Hubs, often operating out of places of worship and working in partnership with a network of existing organisations have quickly organised themselves to provide emergency help to those most in need.  They have been delivering emergency food parcels and home-made meals, doing the shopping and picking up prescriptions, providing activity packs for families and children or signposting people to others who can help.  These Hubs have often been resourced by a willing band of volunteers who have come forward because they have time on their hands - maybe because they have been furloughed and were simply looking for ways to contribute. 

I myself have spent some time volunteering at my local Hub, doing deliveries, helping with their statistics and mucking in where needed.   There was always great banter and laughter around but also a deep sense of care and support – it was a place where everyone mattered, regardless of background.   And they fed us well with lunch and cakes!  It gave me a real insight into the diversity in my local area which I was probably only partially aware of.   Volunteering has connected people from different backgrounds and different cultures who would not normally have rubbed shoulders.  It has built relationships and helped people get to know one another on a personal, human level.

Who is it helping? There is a perception that volunteering is about helping others less fortunate than ourselves which is true but it’s not the whole story.  Volunteering is so much more.  We are all in need and looking for a sense of purpose.  It is a two way process which addresses particularly needs but in doing so provides huge benefits in work experience, social interaction and providing much needed support.    

Spending time getting to know people from different backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures, helps us understand one another and learn from one another.  And you would be surprised how life-giving an experience that can be.  One volunteer has commented on how the conversation on the doorstep when delivering the food parcel is such a privilege and about so much more than providing food. 

During this pandemic, faith communities have been part of the response and been surprised how they have managed to learn more about the people living on their doorstep.  There is now a more open opportunity to develop this ‘connectedness’ beyond COVID.