“I’m pleased to be able to give something back. When my mum and dad were alive, several people helped them and now it’s my time to help others. I know that just a small amount of support can keep older people going.” Andy, in his late fifties and living in Hoddesdon, is motivated by a desire to help others but he also recognises that “often when you help someone, you’re appreciated, you feel good. And that’s nice.”
“I was in a state of complete shock when I was diagnosed as having breast cancer. I just could not believe it. Cancer had never been on my radar. Young people of my age just don’t get cancer. This can’t be right.” Georgie was explaining to me her reaction to being diagnosed with cancer in May 2021, at the age of just 29. She went on to describe the unimaginable course of treatment that she received, including surgery, radiotherapy, and twelve weeks of chemotherapy.
Linda* is a busy volunteer who has contributed to several areas of Communities 1st work. She is involved in shopping, has supported Afghan refugees, and been a telephone befriender. When I called, she was having work carried out on her home. The loud banging disturbed her dog, Spot, who retaliated with loud barking. Amidst the “noises off,” I soon recognise that Linda is quite a private person. In this blog, she didn’t want me to use her real name. I think she felt that what she did was nothing particularly special.
Linda* is a busy volunteer who has contributed to several areas of Communities 1st work. She is involved in shopping, has supported Afghan refugees, and been a telephone befriender. When I called, she was having work carried out on her home. The loud banging disturbed her dog, Spot, who retaliated with loud barking. Amidst the “noises off,” I soon recognise that Linda is quite a private person. In this blog, she didn’t want me to use her real name. I think she felt that what she did was nothing particularly special.
Robin Cattle, in his sixties and living in Welwyn Garden City, is a volunteer driver. For over thirty years, he sat behind a desk when he worked in banking. Now that he has retired, he has decided that he wants to do practical tasks. He told me that “in my early life, practical skills did not come naturally.” However, he has discovered that being a volunteer provides lots of opportunities to broaden his experience – and to be practical.
"nothing is more important than the community and people"
and that is one of the reasons why Jeremy volunteers. He strongly believes that "volunteering is very satisfying and gives a sense of purpose. It also, makes me grateful for what I've got."
Jem Silverstone, in his early sixties, has lived in potters Bar for some 35 years. He was born in Enfield and for many years he has worked in marketing, graphic design, and copywriting. From our conversation, it was clear to me that the art of good communication is important to Jem.
Cheryl*, in her sixties, is a volunteer with Communities 1st. She has undertaken two very different roles – collecting and delivering oxygen monitors to vulnerable people and being a telephone befriender. Cheryl’s experience highlights the important part that volunteers can play in being the eyes and ears in the community, being aware of possible concerns, and, as necessary, passing on information.
Simon, like many of our volunteers, started volunteering during the COVID pandemic when he helped at a vaccination centre. He has since become a volunteer driver and what came across from my chat with Simon is his great enthusiasm for the work. This is perhaps a little surprising because he didn’t plan to become a driver! He explained “I rather fell into this! I didn’t go looking for a driving job. Someone at Communities 1st suggested I might give it a go and I found that it suits me very well.
Claire started volunteering with Communities 1st as a response to the COVID epidemic. She hadn’t any experience of volunteering in this country and, to be honest, she hadn’t heard of Communities 1st! However, her experience has been very positive, and she was keen to tell me that she found the world of volunteering very welcoming even though, in the face of “the crisis,” everyone was under pressure and so busy. She told me that “everyone was very friendly, and the volunteer organisers were brilliant. Very professional. If you had any worries, they were always t