Nona’s volunteer story
I’m Nona, mum of two and a healthcare policy professional living in Hastings (my husband’s hometown) since 2019.
I saw some info about HEART on social media and immediately did some research. Learning about the great work they do, I registered interest in volunteering and was delighted when they got back to me!
I left my last job recently. While I search for my next one, I have free time that I wanted to use to contribute to the local community. Basically I was seeking some purpose, and to be useful. Also I wanted a reason to get out of the house (that wasn’t the school run or grocery shopping) and have face to face interaction with people in the day.
What kind of volunteering tasks do you do for HEART?
I volunteer at the Community Info Hub, which is exactly as the name suggests! Drop in assistance for anyone about anything. Hub volunteers and staff help directly when we can and signpost to other agencies and support where relevant. And in the event that neither is doable for the problem or query someone has, simply listening and offering empathy (and a cuppa) can be help enough.
I really enjoy the general chat with staff, volunteers and hub users. I’d been working remotely for years, so hearing about people’s holidays/opinions of Southern Water/Glastonbury highlights feels like being in a really friendly office again!
What do you feel you have gained from volunteering for HEART?
A sharp dose of direct insight about how challenging it can be for vulnerable members of our community to navigate the systems that are meant to help them. And also warm fuzzy optimism that HEART exists to meet people where they are and gently support them to do what they can.
Though I’m early in my HEART volunteering journey, I reckon I can already tell when people coming to the Hub have mistaken us for the (non existent) Tourist Information Office. And couples in search of the register office are easy to spot too - you can’t hide the look of love!
What advice would you give to someone considering getting involved with volunteering for HEART?
You’ve got nothing to lose by giving it a go :)