We were lucky enough to work with students from The University of Sheffield’s ‘Change Lab’ programme recently.
Change Lab is a social action programme developed in-house by Sheffield Students’ Union to support students who want to run meaningful social action projects in the local area.
Here are some reflections from some of the students who worked with us:
Thinking back to before you started your Change Lab project, what has changed for you as a result of taking part?
- I just really want to ensure that whatever company I go into has a clear social awareness and impact for the better, I think that my experience with S6 Foodbank and other skills from Change Lab will give me a good foundation for approaching that.
- I feel as though I have a wider network and am part of a community outside of the student bubble. I also have a strong sense of appreciation for the solidarity, activism and organising that takes place in Sheffield
- It has allowed me to see parts of Sheffield that I haven’t before, like the foodbank, and I got to meet people that work to make society more equal which was really inspiring.
Has working on this project influenced, or changed your perspective on the topic that you were working on? If so, how?
- It really opened my eyes to how food insecurity is a systemic problem. I had never been to a foodbank and didn’t really know what went on which is a privilege in itself I guess. Foodbanks, or at least S6 aren’t just a place for people to get food and leave. Most people enjoyed the company, the chat, the time out of the house and in S6 it didn’t feel as if they were isolated or ashamed, for many it really was a social event that some even looked forward to. For whatever reason beneficiaries were using the foodbank they were received with respect, support and honesty.