Have you ever thought about volunteering for a local charity? It is such a positive thing to do – in return for giving a little of your time, the rewards are surprisingly positive. Here Lisa tells us about what volunteering at The Glaven means to her.
‘I have been a volunteer at Glaven Caring , a day centre for elderly people in Blakeney, for the past 8 years. The Glaven has a bus which travels around the local villages to pick the clients up at the start of the day and then takes them home after they have spent their day at The Glaven – had their lunch, maybe a bath and some company for the afternoon.
I help the passengers get on and off the bus and see them safely to their front doors. When I started I never realised how it would enrich my life. I love being close to these older people and we have such great conversations. They share words of wisdom that you wouldn’t hear from anyone else. On the bus they take me back in time and I see the villages through their eyes. It’s like a history lesson! I feel like I get more out of it than they do sometimes. It is so fulfilling and giving something back to my community is very rewarding – win win !
Volunteering at The Glaven has also helped me be a better daughter to my mother who has dementia. A better understanding of her needs and also how I can best help her. I have been given such a gift through volunteering which I can now share on a daily basis at The Glaven and at home with my family. There hasn’t been a day when I wish I wasn’t volunteering. It is totally rewarding and I really recommend it to anyone who would like to achieve this positive sense of being.’
The Glaven are looking for volunteers and welcome any enquiries. Just a few hours a week or month will make a real difference. Volunteers can help prepare tables for lunches, help with the bus, talk to the clients and help serve teas. Please do call Steph on 01263 740762 to chat through opportunities. Thank you.
