Rahman Mohammadi, Campaign Coordinator

This month, we caught up with our new Campaign Coordinator, Rahman Mohammadi, to find out more about his first few weeks with us, what his aims are for the next 12 months, and his love for Arsenal F.C. Read on to find out more!

How have you found the start of your journey with Cambridge City Foodbank?

It’s been fantastic so far and I’ve enjoyed meeting the other team members at Cambridge City Foodbank. They, along with the volunteers, are all so knowledgeable and experienced and I’m really looking forward to learning from them over the coming weeks and months.

It’s also been a very busy time given the fact that I started just as the General Election was underway. However, this excites me more knowing that we have the potential to work with newly elected and retained MPs to make long-lasting change in the Cambridgeshire community.

Can you tell us a bit about your background prior to joining the Foodbank?

I studied History at the University of Oxford before getting a job at a charity called Turquoise Mountain. The organisation aims to deliver sustainable outcomes for individuals and communities in challenging conflict areas such as Afghanistan and the Middle East. This was of interest to me as, although I was born in the UK and currently live in Luton, I’m originally from Afghanistan.

I also worked at UNMAS (United Nations Mine Action Service) before joining Cambridge City Foodbank, which works to limit the threat of remnants of war such as mines and improvised explosive devices.

What is it about the Foodbank that made you want to apply to join?

The reason why I applied is because the issue of food insecurity is impossible to ignore – and it is only getting worse as time goes on.  If I’m able to make a difference, no matter how big or small, I absolutely want to. Meeting Steve and Kate also made me want to get the role – they were so motivated and welcoming.

Can you tell us about your role as Campaign Coordinator?

The role itself is structured by The Trussell Trust and essentially involves me developing strategic relationships and networks with key local stakeholders. The next step is for me to then use these to push for change in our community. A lot of my work will be centred around the ‘Guarantee our Essentials’ campaign, which aims to ensure the basic rate of Universal Credit covers the cost of essentials like food, household bills and travel. There is a lot to do, but I’m so excited to get started!

What are some of your hopes for the next 12 months?

It’s difficult to say so soon after the election result, but it would be great if we could push the retained and newly elected MPs across Cambridgeshire to commit to change. I’m a firm believer that the only way to ensure long-lasting, sustainable change is if we all work together.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?

I love playing and watching football, especially my team, Arsenal F.C. I also like to keep up to date with politics and current affairs in Afghanistan and the Middle East. Finally, I enjoy camping and the great outdoors and I’m always up for climbing a mountain – the bigger the better!