I am delighted to be the new Food Buddies Development Worker for the Borders and I’m excited about taking this project forward! So far I feel I have been welcomed into a warm and nurturing team, where everyone is a human being and very understanding of other people’s situations.

My initial career in freelance publishing was convenient while my three daughters were younger – but soon became monotonous and solitary. I always wanted to be there for my children but at the same time I was keen to play an active role in the local community. Various voluntary roles, including volunteering as a Forest School leader, led to my recent completion of a Masters in Outdoor Environmental Education. I love the outdoors; until recently I was a keen trail runner, and I believe it is important for people of all ages to get out into green spaces as much as possible.

I suppose I should confess my other love is food! French, Indian, campfire, picnics, seafood, foraged, seasonal veg…and clootie dumpling! Many of these foods bring back memories of people, experiences and events. Food tastes and other senses can change as folk get older, but I can’t imagine being deprived of the right to choice in the foods I eat.

This is my ideal job as it is very flexible, no two days are the same and I feel trusted and valued as someone who will always put my best efforts into any project. It gives me the chance to communicate with individuals, and communities, helping people to do the things they enjoy, with the people they care about – with food being a very important part of this – for as long as possible.

For more information visit the Food Buddies project page.