A care-experienced woman says volunteering at a new social supermarket has helped her develop her communication skills. Rachel Fairless is part of a team running the new pantry at the Riverside Family Hub in North Shields, helping families who are struggling with the cost of living and rocketing food costs. North Tyneside Council said the pantry, which opens once a week, offers a bag of store-cupboard, frozen and fresh goods for £10. Miss Fairless said the work had "inspired her to cook" from scratch and she now wanted to pursue a culinary career. The 25-year-old, who was referred to the project by the council's carer leavers team, said: "The pantry has not only given me really useful skills and experience, but it keeps me busy doing something that feels good. "I've picked up so many skills for my CV, from cooking to budgeting to communicating with people. "I've learned to make meals from scratch - curries, pies, my own pizza dough." The venture is a joint project between North Tyneside Council, Future Foundations Health Information and Advice Virtual School (HIVE), a specialist teaching and youth service based at the hub. Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Council, Karen Clark, said: "Not only does it support our residents to access more affordable food, it provides a space for our care-experienced people to build skills for life. "The community spirit is palpable and it's evident that it's bringing people together in a really positive way." Follow BBC North East onX,Facebook,NextdoorandInstagram.
Working at pantry 'helps me communicate better'
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"Volunteering at Social Supermarket Enhances Care-Experienced Woman's Skills"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Rachel Fairless, a 25-year-old woman with care experience, has found significant personal and professional growth through her volunteering role at a new social supermarket located at the Riverside Family Hub in North Shields. This initiative, launched by North Tyneside Council, aims to assist families struggling with the rising costs of living and food prices. The pantry operates once a week, offering a selection of store-cupboard items, frozen goods, and fresh produce for just £10. Rachel has expressed that her experience at the pantry has not only enhanced her communication skills but has also ignited a passion for cooking. She has learned to prepare meals from scratch, including curries, pies, and her own pizza dough, which she credits as a valuable addition to her skill set and CV. The skills she has gained through this experience are helping her to consider a future career in the culinary arts, showcasing the positive impact of the initiative on her life.
The pantry project is a collaborative effort between North Tyneside Council and Future Foundations Health Information and Advice Virtual School (HIVE), a specialized teaching and youth service based at the hub. Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Council, Karen Clark, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating that it not only helps residents access affordable food but also fosters a supportive environment for care-experienced individuals to build essential life skills. The pantry has created a strong sense of community, bringing people together in a constructive and uplifting manner. Rachel's story exemplifies the transformative effects of volunteering, as it provides her with a sense of purpose and a chance to contribute positively to her community while developing vital skills for her future.
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