Story: John Mellor | Derwent Levick
Christ Church, Pitsmoor’s Thursday lunch club, serves nearly 40 meals to older residents.
Nick Edmondson, a volunteer, says.
“I help co-ordinate the lunch club, which serves meals cooked at the local primary school. I am a point of contact for the shared work of the project, including volunteering, introductions, training, supervision and finance, but I also wash up, drive, do accounts – whatever is required.”
Why do you volunteer?
“I started as an art student in 1980. Helping feed elderly patients on a hospital ward introduced me to a whole new world. I was impressed with the way nurses got on with the tasks that needed to be done for those old men facing death. This led to nursing training, something no one in my family had done before.”
Why do you feel lunch clubs are important?
“A lunch club is part community social work and part practical tasks. People who are struggling emotionally, are isolated or lonely, can get out more, and maybe consider the needs or distress of someone other than themselves. These simple acts are powerful medication. One of our volunteers says he benefits from 'just being there, thanking God, and seeing the people we know carrying on.'"
How do you see lunch clubs developing in the future?
“I always hope for more informal lunch clubs developing relationships with professional care workers. It’s not easy. It’s an adventure that takes time and forbearance on both sides.”
Contact Nick Edmonson on: 07725 569 380