Volunteer couple fighting against ‘lack of empathy’
FOOD PARCEL DELIVERERS CALL FOR HELP FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS
A NOTTINGHAM couple who go “above and beyond” have explained why they’ve been making food parcel deliveries in St Ann’s and other parts of Nottingham.
Sue and Terry Humphries, 69 and 70, have been making deliveries for around 15 months for the St Ann’s Advice Centre.
The retired teachers explained they wanted to volunteer to make a difference and that they feel “society is broken.”
“We were looking for somewhere to volunteer to make a difference this time last year. We saw that the St Ann’s Advice Centre needed volunteers and we wanted to make a regular commitment to the community,” Mrs Humphries explained.
“Initially, it was every Wednesday and now, we’re doing more work for the furniture and clothing store,” she continued.
The couple wanted to do even more after seeing an increasing number of refugees in the area.
“We feel a deeper commitment to asylum seekers. The asylum seeker community was a big part of my professional career and we wanted to increase our involvement.
“If you don’t have the basic needs of life: shelter, food, water or access to human rights, then someone’s got to provide it.
“If you have any humanity at all, you have to stand in the breach. Please, while you’re enjoying your own Christmas and festivities, please give consideration to what you can donate, if you can,” Mr Humphries said.
The advice centre has previously appealed for a wider range of items.
Mr Humphries explained: “[There is a] complete lack of empathy, I’d like sometimes to put the shoe on the other foot, politely and for people to consider what their position would be like in other’s situations.”
Items needed include vegetable oil, chapatti flour, lentils and rice.
Due to rising food prices, the couple are worried that people may not be able to make donations to food banks.
“It’s bound to happen – a limited amount of money means that people are going to look after their own families. If food banks can’t provide enough food then people will have nothing to eat. People have to make decisions like putting on the heating or feeding themselves.”
Rachel Graham, community engagement and general advice worker for the centre, said: “Terry and Sue have been with us around 15 months.
“They’re our only drivers and they’re absolutely committed.
“They go above and beyond which helps as we’re low-resourced.
“They’re so great.
“They help with the Big Push Out on December 24 and they do shops or help pack the food parcels.”
Ms Graham said she also appreciated that Terry and Sue had themselves made donations to the centre.
Nottingham City Council is providing extra financial support to residents for food and heating this winter, from the Household Support Grant.
This means eligible families may be able to claim up to two £50 supermarket vouchers until January 31 and again in from February 1 to March 31.
Residents in receipt of council tax support are eligible.