Dynamic Dawn

VOLUNTEER STORY Meet Dynamic Dawn
I'm Dawn, I've lived in Hastings since June 2021. I soon realised after moving to the town how special Hastings is, as is the community spirit that thrives here.
I enjoy baking, growing things in my garden, reading, writing poetry, and tarot.

After an extensive clinical career including training NHS staff, in March of 2024 I was recovering from knee surgery and unexpectedly found myself without a full-time job.
I did feel bit lost initially and decided to look for a role working alongside and supporting people utilising my knowledge and skills. I found HEART online and emailed asking about volunteering opportunities in the Information Hub - a designated space in Hastings Town Hall where the HEART team and other organisations support and signpost people to local services, providing a buzzy hive of wonderful-ness for all who visit. I feel very at home working here.

We meet people of all ages and backgrounds who come in to find out about housing, contact information for services, broken pavements, to name a few! We provide a welcoming space to people really valuing the ability to drop in for a friendly chat and a cuppa. Some people come in about fathoming something they find infuriating on their mobile device, which takes courage and the need for trust.
As a teacher, I believe we should respect that some people missed learning IT skills in school, it takes courage and trust to ask for help, something we all have a need for some time or another.
I remember a lovely 82- year -old lady came in pushing a trolley, needing a photocopy of the newly announced bus- route changes Some bus numbers had also changed, and she needed support with planning her journey.

She told me every week she bakes several handmade bread rolls early morning, wrapped them up ready take to two friends, taking the bus from St. Leonards to Hastings, then on to Rye and home again every single week. I often think of her on cold mornings, baking bread rolls and heading out on her weekly trip in all weathers. to share bread and soup with lifetime friends. Big respect.
I'd recommend anyone to come in - say hello, and ask about volunteering in our lovely Hub