Hemel Hempstead woman volunteers to do grocery shopping for residents who are self-isolating

A volunteer from Hemel Hempstead has been making a difference in her town by supporting the Community Transport Team during the coronavirus pandemic.

Angela Aikman, a volunteer driver for Community Action Dacorum, has been doing the grocery shopping for residents who are self-isolating and unable to get a supermarket delivery slot.

She joined Community Action Dacorum in April because she wanted to help people who were not able to go out and get their own shopping or essentials.

She said: "This is my first volunteering job, but volunteering is something that I have always wanted to do but never got around to doing.

"Last Christmas I thought about trying to find something to do along the lines of being a ‘buddy’ for someone but with work and other commitments never got round to doing it.

"A friend shared the Community Action Dacorum post on the Store to Door scheme on Facebook and I thought why not apply?

"It looked like a great chance to get out and help someone. The thing that I enjoy the most about volunteering is that it gives me a real sense of happiness that the elderly and vulnerable do not need to worry and I have a purpose still in these unprecedented times.

"The people that I have helped have been so grateful when they receive their shopping and that makes me happy and smiley. I have really enjoyed meeting new people and some of the clients have asked for me which is great.

"One particular client lists his shopping list in the order of walking around the supermarket aisles, which is fantastic, I enjoy doing his shop!

"I also now know what they like and what to substitute items for if they are unavailable. The biggest challenge I have faced is the queuing!

"On one occasion I turned up to the supermarket too early in the hope to beat the queue and ended up having to wait 30 minutes for the store to open.

"I also worry when I can’t get the things people ask for and dread having to say “I couldn’t get …” I’m convinced it’s going to be the one thing they really wanted!

"I would recommend people get involved in volunteering as it’s a nice thing to do and gives you a real sense of purpose especially at the moment.

"People are so grateful for your help. I probably won’t have the time to the shopping when I return back to work but I do hope to be able to continue to volunteer in some way, maybe doing something along the lines of befriending which will be easier to fit in around my work commitments.

"My family and friends have said that it’s brilliant what I am doing but I don’t think of it that way.

"One friend commented when we were clapping for the NHS and key workers on a Thursday that I am a key worker and the clap was also for me – but no, I’m not, I’m just doing somebody’s shopping."

These difficult and uncertain times have brought out the best in many people in Dacorum and many people have stepped forward to volunteer and help in any way that they can.

Their work has been recognised and praised by Dacorum Borough Council.

Councillor Julie Banks, Portfolio Holder for Community and Regulatory Services, said: “Dacorum’s volunteers have come out in force, which is testament to the great community spirit to help their neighbours, local communities and local organisations.

"I would like to echo my personal thanks and those of the council in saying a big thank you to all the volunteers, frontline workers and Dacorum Borough Council staff."

This month The Gazette will be saying a Big Thank You to those who have made a difference during the coronavirus pandemic.

Please share with us photos of any unsung heroes you know including their names and details about how they have contributed during this crisis - they could be anyone, a business that has gone the extra mile.

We’ll publish these photos online and in a special Big Thank You supplement in the newspaper. You can send the photos and details to [email protected].