Giving back for World Mental Health Day

On October 10, in celebration of World Mental Health Day, the UEL Alumni team, Advisory Board, and UEL Volunteering collaborated with the east London branch of The Felix Project, to help in the organisation’s efforts to rescue good-quality, surplus food from the food industry that cannot be sold and would otherwise go to waste.

The rescued food, much of which is fresh fruit and vegetables, is delivered to hundreds of food banks, charities, primary schools, and holiday programmes across London with the team at The Felix Project collecting and receiving food from hundreds of suppliers, including supermarkets, wholesalers, farms, and restaurants.

The event, hosted at The Felix Project's east London kitchen, brought together 10 dedicated volunteers, including UEL alumni, current students, and staff, all united in their commitment to support London’s most vulnerable communities. Volunteers worked diligently to prepare food items, directly contributing to The Felix Project’s mission of redistributing nutritious food to those in need, including families, children, and the elderly.

Kamile Hudson, Alumni Manager at UEL said the event also fostered connections among participants while making a tangible difference in east London. She said, 

"It was inspiring to see our alumni, students and staff come together for such a worthy cause. The Felix Project's work not only addresses hunger and food waste but also aligns closely with the values of care and community that we uphold at UEL. I’m incredibly proud to have been part of this event, which truly showcased the power of collaboration and compassion."

Laura Lane, Alumni Advisory Board representative for the School of Psychology suggested the volunteer opportunity to the Alumni team, and with the support of UEL Volunteering Coordinator Shazma Khatun, the idea came to life.

Ms Lane said, "It was a wonderful experience working with the Felix Project on World Mental Health Day. Helping others by giving of our time and talents can greatly improve our mental well-being and support meaningful connections within our communities. A heartfelt thank you to the UEL School of Psychology students and alumni for your participation and for making this event so special."

The evening also underscored the positive impact of volunteering on mental health. Participants shared how the opportunity to engage, network, and support the local community instilled a sense of purpose and well-being. Engaging in such activities not only benefits others but also enhances personal mental wellness – a fitting tribute to the spirit of World Mental Health Day.

Those who volunteered their time were able to record their hours under the Alumni Ambassador Scheme, with all hours collected through the year set to be recognised at the Annual Alumni Awards Ceremony in October 2024. To learn more about UEL Alumni Ambassador volunteering opportunities and sign up, visit our Alumni Ambassador homepage.