Volunteer Mel is FCHO’s Hidden Hero

A woman who started volunteering at a local affordable food organisation as she struggled with the loss of her mum is First Choice Homes Oldham’s (FCHO) July Hidden Hero.

Mel Kershaw, from Fitton Hill, has helped out at Local Food First CIC for a year. She was grieving after giving up work four years ago to care for her mum and getting involved has helped her immensely. 

She was nominated for the award by Local Food First co-founder Dave Hanlon. 

“Over the 12 months Mel has become a highly valued and important member of the team and now helps to lead food growing volunteer sessions two days a week and has become involved in the packing of our Community Vegbag,” Mr Hanlon said. 

“She has also used volunteering as a stepping stone to then start horticultural training at Alexandra Park and use these skills in a local growing project." 

Receiving her award and a £50 shopping voucher from FCHO’s Neighbourhood Co-ordinator, Imran Ahmed, the mother-of-two said: “Volunteering has helped me when I was struggling after my mum passed as it got me out of the house, interacting with people and in nature, and I encourage anyone to give it a go if they’ve got the time.” 

She added: “I’m surprised to be nominated because I don’t do it for recognition, I just do it to get out in nature. I love being outside and I’m always in my own garden. But it was nice to be rewarded for the effort I give.” 

Based at the Wildbrook Community Food and Growing Hub in Wildbrook Crescent, Local Food First works to improve access to affordable, healthy, nutritious food across Greater Manchester. 

It runs a local veg bag scheme, outdoor educational sessions, and volunteer gardening days.