ABOUT US
Hello, my name is Yasmin Paulson Project Co-ordinator & founder of Be Kind. I began volunteering at a food bank in 2018, I really enjoyed the work and found it incredibly rewarding. In 2019, just before the pandemic began, I had a strong desire to do more voluntary work, helping other good causes.
In 2019 I set up Be Kind because my drive has always been to help people in real need. I consider myself very fortunate with a comfortable lifestyle. My background is somewhat different. Growing up in Leicester, my parents owned a newspaper shop and we lived above. I very much appreciate what I have now, but I know that there are many people who are not as fortunate. In wanting to make a difference to those struggling I have found an amazing group of people who share my passion.
This was the first time I ran the food drive. I was all on my own in the city centre. I can’t believe I did it!
Be kind is a charity that provides support to service users at food banks, women’s refuges and the homeless community in Birmingham City Centre at our food drive.
WHERE WE ARE NOW
June 2020 five volunteers came on board to support Be Kind and by September 2020, 19 more joined. There are now 70 core volunteers who we can call on with specific skills, all giving their time and energy freely.
Our aim is to help alleviate food poverty. This is why we operated a food drive service weekly in Birmingham city centre. Until December 2023, every Monday night the Be Kind volunteers hosted a food bank in Temple Street, Birmingham city centre. Our Be Kind volunteers distributed food and toiletries.
The food drive is now operated by the charity “Who Is Hussain” who also serve hot meals in addition to distributing non-perishable foods and toiletries to the homeless community and people in need.
Whilst Be Kind still supports the Monday evening food drive, it's main focus is centred on other projects within the community. Please refer to the PROJECTS section for details of the currently active projects for Be Kind.