Joyce’s Story

The difference volunteering can make

When Joyce moved to the area to be nearer to her family, she turned to volunteering as a way to meet new people. Since becoming a Supporting Hands volunteer in 2022 she has supported countless local people by providing companionship and support to people living with a life-limiting illness and those around them. She explains what drew her to the role, what she gets out of it and the difference her support makes. 

“When I first contacted the volunteering team at Rennie Grove Peace it was about a different role that I had seen advertised. But after talking to them about my experience, my skills and what I enjoy, they suggested Supporting Hands. I was drawn to the role because I had experience of supporting my own mother as she got older and had volunteered with a dementia club. The chance to support people one-to-one, and offer respite to their family, really appealed to me. So I completed the training and have been volunteering ever since.  

“At the moment I’m supporting two different people and I really enjoy it. I have been working with one lady for over a year now. I know she has a lot of health problems but we actually don’t talk about health at all, during our time together. I think it’s nice for her to have someone outside of the family to talk to. 

“She struggles with confidence to tackle things like admin or paperwork so we’ll often tackle it together. I help with things like using the computer or getting her paperwork in order so she can keep track of appointments. 

“In her case it’s a combination of the companionship that comes with having someone outside the family to speak to and the practical support I can offer, that make it so beneficial to her. 

“I’m also currently volunteering with a gentleman who is quite unwell. I spend time sitting with him and we chat if he’s up to it that day. But an equally important part of the role in this case, is providing respite to his wife. For those few hours each week she knows she can leave the house safe in the knowledge that he won’t be alone. 

“I’ve seen during my time in this role that providing respite for people who are caring for a loved one can be a real lifeline. Caring for a loved one at home is a 24/7 job and just a few hours per week to get out for a walk, to meet a friend or even run a few errands can be the thing that makes the difference between coping and struggling.” 

Making an impact on local lives

“I enjoy giving my time to help people who are facing a difficult time. I’m so pleased that I can make a difference in just one or two hours sitting with somebody. I know that this support can make a huge difference to patients and those around them and everybody I have supported has been very appreciative.”