In November 2015 I finally did something I have been meaning to do for years – I became a volunteer.
Volunteering might sound like a selfless thing to do, but I honestly believe I get just as much out of it, if not more, than the people (and beloved pets) I support.
Feeling compelled to engage with lonely, frail elderly members of my local community (who in my opinion all-too-often get overlooked), alongside my desire to protect animals, led me to sign up with The Cinnamon Trust.
The Cinnamon Trust is the specialist national charity for people in their late years and their much-loved, much-needed companions.
I support two elderly chaps in my local community through the Cinnamon Trust. One is extremely frail and isolated from society but has two lively Jack Russell’s for company – I visit them several times a week. The other is Mike and his dog Oscar…
Every week I visit Mike, have a chat, check he is ok and then head out with his dog, who would otherwise not get a walk that day because Mike is too frail for the task.
Mike feels fortunate for the support he receives, explaining: “winter is a difficult time of year, particularly for older people like me, but I am very lucky to have my family, neighbours and Emily to help me. My youngest daughter does my food shopping and collects my prescriptions and Emily walks Oscar every week, something I can no longer do.”
Everyone wins – Mike has the added security of knowing I will be checking in, while getting to keep his beloved companion and Oscar can stand by his best friend’s side during his later, frailer and often solitary years. As for me, it gives me added purpose and a sense of giving something back, boosting both my mental health and physical stamina from all the walking!
As winter is fast approaching, spare a thought for your elderly neighbours or family members. Are they warm and stocked-up with medicines? Can you take them a hot, nutritious meal, walk their dog or simply lend an ear? Who could say no to someone in need or a smile like Oscar’s!
Loneliness and isolation can be extremely debilitating, particularly during the cold, dark winter months. That’s why at NHS England, we spend so much time and dedicate lots of effort and resource into helping people stay well during winter.
There are lots of online resources available to people who are thinking about volunteering but have yet to take their first step. This includes NHS videos and pages on NHS Choices dedicated to providing volunteering advice.