Callum’s Story: From cooking food… to growing it

I have always enjoyed volunteering. I have volunteered locally and internationally. I was first introduced to Jules from Manchester Mind whilst volunteering for Barnabus at the Breakfast Project during the pandemic. Off the back of that introduction I ended up helping the Food for All Team over Christmas at the Unit. I am a chef and I’ve always been interested in learning more about the food and where it comes from, so Sharon encouraged me to visit the allotment and I have been a volunteer there since.

I really enjoy it, it is like a little oasis in the city. Everyone is so quiet and laid back and you are not forced to do anything. My job as a chef is very demanding and I also care for my mum who has multiple physical health needs.

“Since I returned to work, the allotment has been a great place to go to relax and take a break.”

I have met really kind, helpful people at the allotment project and I feel like I am building a network. Growing up I was in the care system and had to meet loads of different workers. They never stuck around for long and were always changing. I was expected to talk to people I had just met about really difficult stuff and I found it hard.

“At the allotment, you don’t have to talk about anything but the people there are open and you build up trust, so I know I could talk to them if I needed to.”

You can find out more about our allotment here