Our wonderful volunteer Hilary has been supporting our Social and Therapeutic Horticulture sessions.
Here is a little bit about what volunteering with Alive is like for her.
What were your reasons for wanting to volunteer? What do you like about volunteering, and is there anything in particular that you like about volunteering with Alive?
Hilary: I have always been community-minded and volunteered in various ways, but time pressures meant that this commitment gradually became squeezed out. Regularly visiting a neighbour who had moved to a care home made me realise just how restricted her life, and that of other residents, had become. After she died, I felt I wanted to do something to bring more light into the lives of people like her. I discovered Alive by serendipity, and therapeutic gardening (which I love) seemed like the perfect opportunity. Every week is different, every person is different, and I get to learn new things about myself and other people.
What I particularly like about volunteering with Alive is the support from the organisation and all the other volunteers. It really is a team effort and I’m proud to be a part of it.
Is there a favourite memory or story you would like to share?
Hilary: There is a new memory every time – what I love most is the way an older person’s face lights up when you make a connection. It could be with words, or the texture of a pinecone, the scent of rosemary, the feel of earth… it’s sheer joy.
Has volunteering with Alive had any impact on your life?
Hilary: The reciprocal effect of what I can give to the people we meet and what I gain from the way they derive obvious pleasure and being part of the team.
(Also a growing sense of anger at how older people are perceived in today’s society.)
Have you learned anything from volunteering with Alive?
Hilary: Just how much depth there is in people’s lives and their capacity to enjoy simple pleasures at any point in their lives. If there’s anything we can do to help that, it’s a reward in itself.
Did you have any reservations or challenges to overcome before you started volunteering with Alive?
Hilary: Would I be considered to be too old to volunteer? But I think being older has had its advantages, by enabling me to give more to the people I meet because I can share similar memories and background.
Could I learn new things? Doing something new is always a challenge, but it was made easy for me with encouragement, guidance and full training and support at every stage.
Is there any advice you would give to others that are thinking about volunteering with Alive?
Hilary: It’s fun, it’s infinitely rewarding and you’re never too old to learn!
Are you interested in joining Hilary as a volunteer with Alive? Please email our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@aliveactivities.org or give us a call at 07861 385 543 for more info and to apply.