“I’m not normally a volunteering kind of person having worked in charities for such a long time. But I felt I owed MIH a lot as I had benefited firstly from the community classes and then the brilliant support during the first lockdown. It [the free meal service] was quite a lifeline. I thought I should “give back” although I hate that phrase! I like the way the charity is organised, it’s smart, innovative and forward thinking. I enjoy being in that well organised environment. Sukhin is very good at making things run smoothly and making sure we’re thanked. Everyone is kind and supportive and always a lot of fun. My favourite part of volunteering is the social aspect, meeting people, being busy. I like to be up and doing something, a combination of feeling useful whilst meeting lots of nice people. I do like the approach of MIH, encouraging people to try more vegetables, pulses, beans etc. It does sink in and I think over the years I have greatly reduced the amount of meat I eat. What I value about volunteering is that I feel needed and wanted and I can do something useful. And that there are regular offers (at the moment I’m doing about one cookery class a week). Regular fixtures/routine are what you miss when you’re not working. In some weeks it may be the most sociable thing I do. I’ve been quite interested in new ingredients. It boosts you to learn new things. It’s important for older people – there’s so much to learn and so little time! Once you’re retired you have to find purpose in life, but I don’t have children/ grandchildren/ relatives so I’m very much dependent on social activities and friends, neighbours. I really appreciate MIH as a local community resource and facility.”