With a kind, caring, can do approach, our volunteers do everything from helping someone who is recently returned from hospital to weekly befriending visits. They also do vital check in phone calls, transport to medical and social appointments.
Plus, trips out, helping at our multigenerational groups, and one-off shopping, DIY and gardening requests.
But more than this, our volunteers help enrich the lives of the people they support, and help them build a life worth living. Even a seemingly small thing like a 10-minute call can make all the difference!
We would like to thank all our volunteers for their ongoing support, but would like to particularly showcase our volunteer Amy’s story, this volunteer week.
Amy’s Story
“I joined Communicare around a year ago. I work in the mental health sector as a support worker, as well as having my own struggles with mental health in the past which I’ve overcome.
I wanted to use my skills from my job role and my own personal experiences to help others. My faith has also massively helped me through some tough times and I just wanted to help and support helpers.
I’ve especially enjoyed my time as an activity buddy and have been really moved by the positive impact these sessions have had on the individuals I’ve helped.
I’ve seen one lady overcome real physical hurdles from not being able to walk far to walking and getting herself to places independently, and another lady overcoming her anxiety from leaving the home to feeling confident walking places on her own and feeling like a new person.
Communicare is a wonderful charity with the heart of individuals in their minds and I am really proud to be a part of it.”
We also spoke to Liz, who Amy helped to gain confidence using public transport. She said, “It was really helpful having Amy as my Activity Buddy. She helped me gain confidence going on the bus as I’d not done it for a long time. I now feel more confident and have gone out on my own several times. It was also lovely to make a new friend!”
If you would be interested in volunteering with us, please visit www.communicareinsouthampton.org.uk/volunteer