David’s volunteer story
I’m a retired analytical chemist having spent most of my career running an analytical facility in the coatings industry. Although I was a manager for much of my career, I continued working in the laboratory when the need arose. Now I have plenty of free time I enjoy days with grandchildren, walking our dog, gardening, reading and photography.
Having had a good career and raised a family I felt it would be good to spend some time supporting others in need. I’m naturally shy and reserved so putting myself forward to interact with complete strangers was going to be a challenge, however, much to the surprise of both myself and my wife it seems to be going OK! So far so good!
I applied for most volunteer roles at HEART but after an initial chat I was asked to train as a Volunteer Co-ordinator. Aswell as organising volunteers to support clients’ requests for assistance, I have also delivered leaflets, collected and delivered prescriptions, helped at a vaccination walk in clinics, ferried clients to doctor's appointments and to vaccination centres.
I enjoy all of it! So far, all the clients have been really appreciative and our volunteers’ willingness to help has been great.
I have found myself surprisingly able to empathise with clients from enormously different backgrounds, and I get the satisfaction of knowing that even the little things we do to help out actually make a big difference to people’s lives.
The very first day I was manning the jobs board there was a request for multiple aspects of support; shopping, company, collecting prescriptions helping with light cleaning etc. Pretty much the first volunteer I spoke to was not only available but very keen to help and we rapidly started making grand plans as to all the different support activities that could be supplied. Then, in a moment of enlightenment we both remembered “lockdown”, had a laugh, and agreed for the moment it would have to start with phone support!
“What advice would you give to someone considering getting involved with volunteering for HEART?”
Just do it!! All the people working for HEART are friendly, accommodating and easy to get along with.