Pembrey and Burry Port Foodbank – Volunteer: NICK VENABLES

I’ve been a member volunteer of Pembrey & Burryport food Bank since November 2020. I first decided to become involved as I really needed something to fill my spare time during the challenging times we currently face. Many people are aware that I’m a keen athlete who’s not too bad a runner either……….I’m good at it, It’s what i was born to do. In the current absence of any competitive race to train for I thought I may as well volunteer my time when I’d otherwise be training like a lunatic.

I also for a number of years have been suffering with anxiety and depression. I’ve never made a big thing of it primarily because they are my issues and I have to deal with it somehow in my own way. Running has been and always will be my release, my medication, but for the time being a volunteer is also my medication, my release……. Both help me to channel my aggression and mental health in a positive direction.

Finally let me tell you what being a member of this foodbank means to me. Many years ago at the age of 21, I found myself in the unfortunate position of being homeless and on the streets rough sleeping for a period, during that time I became heavily reliant on soup kitchens just to eat and stay alive. Being homeless, hungry and on the street is one of the most frightening experiences ever, I’ll never forget what I went through. I’ve taken he/lp in the past from charities, this is just my way of putting back into the system.

Everytime i go out in that van helping to deliver food parcels, I see grateful people mostly everytime the door is answered. Everytime.

Behind every door we knock on there is a story. Society should never judge, it could be anyone of us at any point in our lives.

At the end of every day that I volunteer, I go to bed a happier person and am satisfied knowing I’ve made a difference.

Thanks for having me week in, week out.

NICK XX #VOLUNTEER #GIVINGBACK