06/06/2026
A BIG thank you to Rob and all our Feed the Birds volunteers! If you want to find out more about becoming a Feed the Birds volunteer email: [email protected]
Celebrating our local heroes this National Volunteers Week—Meet Rob a Feed the Birds volunteer with Telford and Wrekin Council.
My name is Rob, and for the past five years I’ve been a Feed the Birds volunteer with Telford & Wrekin Council. What led me here was something deeply personal.
In her later years, my mum became housebound and eventually completely bedbound. I moved in with her and became her unofficial carer. Although she had professional carers visiting up to four times a day, the responsibility of being there for her around the clock was challenging and, at times, overwhelming.
One thing that made a real difference to both of us was the support of a volunteer befriender who visited regularly. Those visits didn’t just brighten my mum’s day—they gave me something just as important: a little breathing space. Knowing I could step away for an hour or two each week helped more than I can put into words.
That experience stayed with me. When the opportunity came to volunteer myself, I wanted to give something back. Joining Feed the Birds felt like the perfect fit, especially as I’ve always enjoyed birdwatching.
What I’ve loved most about volunteering are the simple moments—sharing conversations, laughter, and stories with the person I visit. We talk about everything: birds in the garden, everyday life, and sometimes even “putting the world to rights.” I’ve also had the privilege of meeting people from all walks of life, each with their own unique stories and experiences.
Not every visit is what you might expect either. Over the years, I’ve found myself successfully untangling a set of Christmas lights—and less successfully crawling around on my hands and knees searching for a missing pendant alarm!
If there’s one thing I’d say to anyone thinking about volunteering, it’s this: just do it. You’ll meet wonderful people, make a real difference, and—if you’re anything like me—you’ll enjoy every minute of it.
If you are interested in joining the team of Feed the Birds volunteers, Please visit: Feed the Birds - https://volunteertelford.co.uk/opportunities/feed-the-birds-telford