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Volunteer Stories
HAVE CAR, WILL TRAVEL – BUT NOT AS FAR AS I USED TO!
In June 2006 I retired early from my career as a surveyor, intending to relish the summer months and look for a new, local job.
I offered my services to the Volunteer Centre as a driver, to create a bit of “structure” to my week. I enjoyed taking regular and occasional clients to a range of appointments and visits, in parts of the county that I know quite well. Most of my passengers have a wealth of stories to tell, making the journeys full of added interest!
On finding the sort of job I was seeking it was very helpful that the Volunteer Centre could provide a current “work” reference.
I still have time to “drive” about once a week, and appreciate the continued contact with clients, fellow volunteers and the team at the Volunteer Centre
IAN COWDROY
“No matter how great or small the time that you can set aside to volunteering, you really do make a huge difference to peoples lives in the community. I have met some delightful people since I have been part of the Brighter Futures Volunteer Team”.
PETER MARCHAL
'I approached the Volunteer office in October and started with Edenbridge Primary School helping with reading and comprehension with
year 2 and 5. The children are lovely and the staff very friendly. I miss it during the holidays. Three mornings a week is enough but rewarding. I learn from the children and they learn from me. I would advise anyone with time on their hands to look into volunteering.
JENNIFER
Be a volunteer – It's GREAT! Have fun, meet lovely people. Find your way around Sevenoaks and go to fun meetings or cream teas!!
A friend gave me a ‘Benefits of Volunteering’ keyring - I joined and never looked back. I love it.
AUDREY BAKER
SONA
Sona arrived in
“I decided to volunteer because I wanted to learn, meet new people and feel useful. Now, after working for the Citizens Advice Bureau for a while, it brings me a lot of happiness to know my work is important to others. I feel that I am useful and my work is appreciated. I have found that people who volunteer and help others are lovely, honest people with whom I feel honoured to work and they have welcomed me most warmly”
LIFE AS A VOLUNTEER, JULIE STEVENS
What a difference a year makes, and how much happier and fulfilled I seem to be. Bereavement, an unsatisfactory job, and the 'joys and tribulations'' of having three teenagers meant I felt stressed and in need of a lifestyle change.
For a while, I had followed the Volunteer Centre section in the Chronicle, thinking, I could do that - it was now time to act. It began with a trip to the Volunteer Centre, a chat about what I liked to do and a review of jobs available. Now I have a variety of roles. I have found if you volunteer, you get the job!
On a regular basis I am helping out at the local Blind group’s monthly meeting, assisting with transport, running the raffle, taking bus money and, of course, chatting. Some members are great characters with interesting takes on life and it’s fascinating to hear their stories. I also go out with the group on organized trips.
I have two volunteer roles within the National Trust, one as a room steward at Knole, (history was never a strong point with me but I now find it very interesting), and the other as a volunteer gardener at Chartwell - lovely fellow gardeners and beautiful views.
A couple of short term jobs include rattling a tin outside Sainsbury’s (and falling for the guide dog helping out), selling charity Christmas cards in Tonbridge library and dealing with the admin for
What am I getting out of it? A buzz, more confidence, an inner feeling of satisfaction, and a renewed social life. I raise money for charity, and help people less fortunate than myself. My gardening skills are increasing, I get helpful tips and advice, and am recognising more and more plants. From the 10K race I improved my computer and administration skills.
Other benefits - I can change my work day to fit in with family life, although as a volunteer you do need to be reliable. Most jobs offer expenses so you’re not losing anything financially. Finally, it is lovely to work with people from all walks of life, who are doing a job because they want to, not because they have to.
It is good for me to go to the Sue Ryder Shop. I size, tag and hang clothes. I check videos and books and price them. I even do hoovering and take the money to the post office. I have met some nice people there. I go on a Thursday and sometimes on a Friday. Going to the Sue Ryder Shop gives me a purpose instead of being at the Cheshire Home doing nothing.
MATTHEW
THERESA and Pets as Therapy Dog, HOLLY
When deciding how best to give some time to the voluntary sector, Theresa only had to look down at her feet for some guidance. Holly, her eight-year-old flat-coated retriever provided her with some clear inspiration. Since January 2005, Theresa and Holly have worked with the “Pets as Therapy” national charity, visiting residents at the Stangrove Abbeyfield home in Edenbridge.
Holly is one of 3,500 active PAT visiting dogs and cats currently at work in the
The constant companionship of an undemanding animal, that gives unconditional love, is often one of the most missed aspects of their lives. PAT was formed to help make this loss more bearable and speed recovery.
The residents are not the only people to benefit from the visits. “I thoroughly enjoy my weekly visits. I get to share my passion and joy for animals whilst also seeing residents talking positively about their life experiences, particularly pets they have owned and loved. During the last two years, I have seen residents slowly open up and share part of their life history, which is always fascinating to me. Holly is also keen and enthusiastic to start, often tugging me to see her next friend. Over time she has worked out exactly who wants a chat and cuddle.”
PAT is not Theresa’s only volunteering commitment. She also works with the Cinnamon Trust, the national charity for the elderly, the terminally ill and their pets. Theresa is one of five volunteers who work a roster, walking a dog for an elderly gentleman in Edenbridge. On a Saturday, Theresa, Holly, Cara (Holly’s sister) and Scampi take a long walk in nearby fields. This small service has also had a positive effect on the pet’s owner. “Whilst Scampi gets to enjoy some daily exercise and the company of other animals, her owner is also benefiting from the daily interaction of greeting the dog-walkers. Owners can often feel very anxious about the welfare of their animals and the service provided by The Cinnamon Trust gives them peace of mind that their pet is getting the necessary care.” Additionally, Theresa has also taken up a several one-off volunteering opportunities including being a marshal at a World Wildlife Fund Walk in
Theresa’s work with PAT and The Cinnamon Trust is evidence that volunteering can work alongside and even enhance our passions and interests. She is able to balance her day-to-day work in the food industry with her desire to help the wider community. This is perhaps where the most profound benefit can be seen. “My volunteering is a direct contrast to my work where success is often equated with making a profit. I’ve realised through my volunteering commitments that seeing the pleasure someone gets from seeing and stroking a friendly dog like Holly is immeasurable.”
For further information on working with Pets as Therapy, The Cinnamon Trust or other volunteering opportunities, please contact us.
DOROTHY (age 80)
