Community Shop and Food Coordinator

I am Alison and I joined Derby City Mission in September 2016 as Food Co-ordinator having previously been a volunteer at the Nightshelter and making sandwiches for Recovery project.  I was so impressed during my time volunteering with DCM that I knew that I wanted to be more involved.

In my role, I oversee the running of the basics bank warehouse and also the community shop and café. In the warehouse there is a dedicated group of hardworking volunteers who check, sort and shelve all the food donations that come in from churches, private individuals, local businesses and supermarkets where we have donation points. Here we also make up food parcels to be given out by our Jubilee debt and benefit advice project.

In October 2021 we opened a Community Shop and Café based at our premises on Normanton Road. Those in need can come and select their own food items as an alternative to a food parcel. Here a team of caring volunteers assist in the shop, serve hot drinks & biscuits and sit and chat with whomever comes through the door. We provide a calm, safe environment for anyone who needs a little care and support.

I also manage a team of telephone befrienders as we reach out to people who are lonely and isolated at home.

I'm married to Roman and have a Jack Russell Terrier called Pepper and a cat called Edie. My favourite pastime is live music and a couple of years ago had a music artist play an acoustic gig in my living room!!

[email protected]