"Several years later when I had some spare time, I wanted to do some volunteering and The Carers’ Centre felt like an obvious choice."
Anne talks about her journey to becoming a volunteer at The Carers' Centre after being an unpaid carer herself.
"Volunteering for The Carers Centre is loads of fun, really easy to arrange and for me, incredibly rewarding.
The volunteers are an eclectic mix, and everyone is welcome.
Personally, I have been a carer myself for many years (but there is no need to be) and juggled those parts of my life with working within the healthcare sector.
My first contact with The Carers’ Centre was around 10 years ago. I was a bit tired and under the weather. My GP recognised my caring role and referred me to the centre. A few days later I received a call from a very cheery person who simply asked, ‘How are you?’.
After years of appointments where the focus had been on the people I was looking after, that simple question made a world of difference to my day.
Several years later when I had some spare time, I wanted to do some volunteering and The Carers’ Centre felt like an obvious choice. The staff and other volunteers were so warm and welcoming, the admin for signing up was minimal and the range of things I could get involved with was right up my street.
I started with Carers’ Voice which is open to all and speaks up for carers in the wider community.
We get together to discuss how things could be better and then go out and try to effect change (and have lunch!). I am able to use my old advocacy skills and general chattiness to impact carers' lives through workshops, training and just talking to people.
As well as that, I love helping with activities, day trips and making cups of tea (with more chatting) at the Carer Cafés.
To see a carer’s day transformed by an easter egg hunt (young carers love it!), a spot of axe throwing, learning how to crochet, being driven to visit some William Morris prints or by simply having a cup of tea made for them is wonderful.
The impact of the cafés is huge. It is fantastic to see new faces and whilst they may look a bit tired and nervous when they arrive, they leave with big smiles after a warm welcome, a cup of something and a biscuit.
Lots of useful carer tips are exchanged and everyone feels part of a real community where genuine friendships are made. There is a quiet understanding that everyone is in a similar boat and needs a bit of a break.
Volunteering at The Carers’ Centre is fun and rewarding. The team make it really easy for me to join in with things that I enjoy, and it fits seamlessly into the rest of my life. No special skills are needed, just a willingness to join in, have a laugh and make the odd cuppa.
I have met some amazing people and made new friends. It gives me a real sense of purpose and community and I love it!"
Considering volunteering with us?
Whether you can give the odd hour here or there, or can commit to a more regular role, there are many opportunities to get involved with The Carers’ Centre.
