Matthew's Journey of Rediscovering Joy and Connection

Meet Matthew, a groovy 70-year-old retired postman whose happy-go-lucky lifestyle was abruptly altered by a severe leg injury. Matthew was unable to navigate the world as he once did, so he reached out for help.

Every fortnight, a cheerful minibus arrives at Matthew's doorstep. "I'm telling you, not having to figure out how to go to the store and back takes all the stress out of shopping. I love to cook, so I'm grateful that part is taken care of. I initially imagined the service delivered your shopping to you. I'm glad I still get to shop myself and choose what I want without thinking about carrying it all home."

Matthew cherishes the opportunity to connect with others during the outing. "I love catching up with my buddies on the bus", Matthew says with a smile. As an avid cook and baker, he generously shares the fruits of his culinary passion with fellow passengers on the bus. "It's a great feeling when people enjoy your food. You feel proud. And it makes me feel good knowing that everyone had a bite to eat. I often bring cake or other treats. A little bit of sugar now and then can't hurt, he chuckles."

His favourite part of the fortnightly ride is choosing various ingredients for his culinary experiments. "I don't get out often now; you would be surprised how much you look forward to getting out of the house, even if it is just to go to Asda," Matthew muses.

The fun extends to good-natured banter with Noel, our dedicated minibus driver. "I love winding up Noel," Matthew chuckles, revealing a playful side that adds a touch of humour to their outings. "I didn't expect to make so many friends. What a wonderful group of people."

For Matthew, the shopping service isn't just about groceries; it's a lifeline that brings a sense of normalcy back into his life. In a quiet corner of Hammersmith & Fulham, the simple act of shopping becomes a transformative experience for Matthew, a testament to the power of community support and the importance of maintaining connections as we navigate life's unexpected twists and turns.

As we continue supporting individuals like Matthew, we are eager to keep you updated on our service users' journeys. Stay tuned because we'll check in with Matthew again to see what new adventures await him.