We are proud of our meals on wheels service in Elmbridge which provides a lifeline to many of our residents. The service runs seven days a week, making sure healthy meals are delivered around the borough. It depends on volunteers to run.

“The volunteers are the backbone of the service” explains Seema, manager of our Molesey Centre. “Whether they are able to give a couple of hours a week or 10 hours a week, we couldn’t run the service without them.”

For many of our volunteers it’s the desire to give back to their local community which motivates them. Hamid, who has been volunteering for 5 months, describes it as “the perfect opportunity.”

Our volunteers also find they get a number of personal benefits from volunteering. Hamid says, “Not only have I met an amazing group of dedicated people, but during a really difficult time in my life because of joblessness and a global pandemic, meals on wheels gave me a much-needed boost and helped my mental health greatly. [Volunteering] gave my life meaning when I didn't have a job and things didn't look too bright, so I'll always be grateful for that.”

Volunteers are given training and support to take on the role and the hours can be flexible. “The guys at the centre understand my position,” says Hamid “they work around my availability.”

The service is in need of more volunteers to continue providing this vital service. If you are interested in joining our team of dedicated volunteers and would like to find out more, please contact the Community Support Team for a friendly chat on 01372 474 552 or email commservices@elmbridge.gov.uk.