Sam’s first interaction with OBS was as a service user in 2015. Seeking help with breastfeeding her newborn daughter, she attended her local drop-in in Rose Hill, where she found the support she needed. She became a familiar and friendly face at these sessions, chatting with other parents and offering them encouragement (and plentiful tea and cake). ‘You don’t need to have a problem to come back next week’, she would say to them. And quite often, they did come back. The following year, she formally completed OBS’ in-house peer supporter training programme, and began volunteering at other OBS venues across the city.

Sensing that OBS’ pump hire system needed to become more efficient, and scaled up in a way that was sustainable, she offered to take responsibility for storing and cleaning parts – and eventually, took on almost the entire administrative workload. During the covid-19 pandemic, our pump loan system continued to operate, and Sam – with her messages, check-ins, and occasional Zoom support for service users – was a welcome presence at an often-difficult time for new parents.

Sam’s time at OBS thus far has been underpinned by strong relationships – with other volunteers, facilitators and even service users. It has not been without its challenges. Our covid risk assessment policy does not yet permit volunteers to attend sessions with their young children, which means that Sam is unable to resume volunteering in-person just yet. It is testament to her commitment that she continues to tirelessly manage the pump loan service in the meantime.

In OBS volunteering circles, Sam is referred to as the ‘Pump Queen’. It’s not a label she would in any seriousness ascribe to herself, for she is nothing if not self-effacing. But we as a charity are keenly aware of the value that she brings to our mission: educating and empowering Oxfordshire families to achieve their feeding goals. We prize Sam’s hard work, diligence and kindness with service users.