Jonathan is a volunteer in Lewisham.
A year of working from home has left me feeling fortunate to be employed, but also isolated from the community around me and without a sense of purpose in what many of us have grown to consider a shared responsibility to overcome the pandemic. Somewhat selfishly too, I find myself at a comfortable and happy time of life, but with career morale at a low ebb. The volunteering experience has inspired me through revealing the enthusiasm to make things better that simmers throughout Lewisham, and the real differences we can make just through showing some willing and perhaps a little common sense.
I have learned that there is no typical volunteer. Some have jobs, some don’t. Some are retired. Some are still in school. Some were born around the corner, and some have just arrived. Some are driven by ideology, some want to learn new skills, and others just want to get to know their neighbours. They do all share a real enthusiasm for the challenge, though, and I was at times surprised to see the extent to which the general public shared this enthusiasm.
With the scaremongering of media coverage it is sometimes difficult not to dwell on the negative responses to Covid — those that are reluctant to stay at home, to social distance, to get vaccinated. However, a day at the vaccination centre blows away these concerns. The tide of residents passing through the doors appear from all corners of society. Almost all are smiling, thankful, or at least quietly satisfied to be doing their bit, and grateful we are doing ours.