04/06/2026
🌟 Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Debbie 🌟
Debbie has been volunteering as a befriender with Food Train since 2022 and currently visits Alice, building a friendship that has become incredibly special to them both. And she doesn't visit alone – her little dog often comes along too, bringing plenty of joy and companionship to their visits. 🐾💙
When asked what prompted her to volunteer, Debbie said:
"I was looking for a way to give back locally and wanted to work with a charity that supports older people in our community. Food Train just felt right. It has been the perfect fit for me."
One of Debbie's most memorable experiences happened over Christmas:
"I had the most special visit with Alice. I took her to our local garden centre to see all the festive decorations, and afterwards helped her set up a little Christmas tree in her home. Alice got so emotional, and seeing firsthand just how much that small moment meant to her is something I will never forget." ❤️🎄
For Debbie, the best part of volunteering is knowing the difference her visits make:
"Especially when it's spending time with someone who doesn't have many people around her and is pretty immobile. Alice has the most amazing sense of humour, incredible determination, and so many great stories to share. We never run out of things to talk about. I know my visits, especially when I bring my little dog along, mean the world to her." 🐶
Thinking about volunteering? Debbie has a simple message:
✨ "Sign up, you won't regret it! Even a little bit of your time can completely change someone's day, and it rewards you just as much."
Through her volunteering, Debbie says she has become a better active listener:
"Learning to fully focus, understand and respond thoughtfully to others, especially when chatting with isolated or older people."
What has surprised her most about volunteering with Food Train?
💙 "The genuine friendship I've built. It's completely stopped feeling like 'charity work'."
And what does she wish more people knew about Food Train?
"When you volunteer as a befriender with Food Train, you aren't just doing a good deed. You are part of something that provides a vital lifeline to the outside world for someone who might be very isolated and lonely. Even a weekly little chat can change not only their day but their outlook on life. And it completely lifts your spirits and gives you a huge feel-good factor too!"
Finally, when asked which celebrity would make a great Food Train volunteer, Debbie chose Lorraine Kelly:
"She is known for her warm, down-to-earth personality and her ability to chat with anyone – perfect for befriending!"
A huge thank you to Debbie (and her four-legged helper!) for bringing friendship, companionship and smiles to Alice's week. Volunteers like Debbie show how a little time, a listening ear, and even a wagging tail can make a world of difference. 💙🐾
