Volunteer’s Digital Hub

Thank you for joining our volunteer team. Volunteers are a core part of what we do, and we couldn’t do our work without them. In return, we strive to create a welcoming, safe environment where you can make a difference, meet new people, and learn new skills. Scroll down to find the Volunteer Handbook and Agreement and more information about us.

The foodbank began in 2013, when a small group of dedicated church volunteers at St Johns, Walton came together to support a local family in crisis. With a few donated items stored in a small cupboard in the church, they began meeting an immediate need in their community. 

However, it soon became clear that the need extended far beyond a single family. As word spread, both the collection and demand for food grew. In response, the church partnered with St Peters church, Hersham and brought the initiative under the Parochial Church Council (PCC). Recognising the increasing complexity of food storage and distribution, and the growing number of people seeking support, the team joined Trussell Trust (now known simply as Trussell) to formalise their operations and comply with relevant regulations. 

Initially, the foodbank operated with around 30 volunteers, offering four distribution sessions in two churches each week and supporting 20–30 people. Over time, demand has grown significantly. Today, we hold sessions in three churches plus the Bridge, our family support hub in Walton town centre and have more than 60 volunteers and regularly assist over 100 people every week. 

We were established over 800 years ago, making us one of the oldest charities in the country and a trusted member of the local community.

We understand the needs of those living in Elmbridge and work with local partners and the community to tackle issues of poverty, health, housing and educational attainment in our local area.

Through our grants programme, we fund charities, schools and community groups who are tackling poverty in Elmbridge and supporting local families and individuals living on a low income.

We also have almshouses and acres of land which we have made into green spaces available for local residents, including a community allotment and Tree Canopy project.

In 2022, in response to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, a strategic decision was made to transfer the foodbank from St Peters PCC to Walton Charity, a larger, more resource-equipped charity. This transition has allowed us to better meet the increasing demand and ensure the foodbank’s long-term sustainability and impact. 

Essential reading - the volunteer handbook and agreement

Please note: you only have to sign the foodbank volunteer driver self-declaration if you will be driving as part of your role as a volunteer with us. If driving is not part of your role, please leave it blank, but make sure you sign the other sections.

Once you’ve finished reading the handbook, please download it, sign it (in the boxes provided), and return it to Nina at info@waltonhersham.foodbank.org.uk

• Volunteer handbook and agreement - Please download this document, save it to your computer, fill it out, and then email it back. This document only works as a PDF and on a laptop or PC.

Additional reading - policies

• Health and Safety Policy

• Pooled Vehicle Policy

• Equal Opportunities Policy

• Complaints Policy and Procedure

• Data Protection Policy

• Privacy Policy

• Safeguarding Policy

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