Bryan was referred to The Carers’ Centre after his wife, Jill, was diagnosed with vascular dementia. They came along to a number of sessions together until Jill was moved into a care home and sadly passed away a few years ago. Like many carers, Bryan found that volunteering created a natural next step on his journey with us.
The Carers’ Centre had given me so much, I thought it was time I said ‘thank you’ and gave something back. So, I became a volunteer.
I was able to relax at the dementia carer support group I attended. At The Carers’ Centre you're speaking to people who understand what you are talking about. Not friends who are sympathetic to you but don't really understand. It makes a world of difference.
It's like when I play bowls, trying to get to concentrate on that silly little jack at the other end of the green, I blank out the whole world around me for a couple of hours and it gives me complete relaxation. This is what The Carers’ Centre is doing in their own way: giving you a break away from the person you're caring for, for a couple of hours, so that you can re-charge your batteries and make a better life for you both.
So when Jill passed away, I wanted to give something back.
Through my role as volunteer I've met all sorts of carers, listened to their troubles and I hope I make a difference. I've run activities like Bocha sessions (a kind of bowls) and walks around the old theatres of Bath. My big thing is to give everyone who comes through the door a big welcome. I feel like a fraud because I think I get even more out if myself, than I put in!
What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?
Give it a try! What's the worst that can happen?!
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.
