One of our newer volunteers has shared a beautiful story about the friendships she's been building with three residents - relationships that have rebuilt her confidence and given her something to look forward to, just as much as the residents she spends time with. ​

My volunteering story*

I began volunteering with Embracing Age in August 2023.  Retirement is looming and I wanted to explore other ways of using my time.

I felt quite nervous before my first visit to the care home, although I had already received a warm welcome from the Manager and other staff.  However, the lovely ladies I met on that first morning soon put me at ease.  I continue to visit these residents, and others, spending time with three or four ladies each week.  

I feel I have developed a particular rapport with three of the residents.  On my first visit I met Betty.  She had recently been in hospital and was unable to go home to live on her own.  Betty had been taken away from everything familiar to her, including her home, community and friends.  Her only son lives on the other side of the world.  Understandably she was upset and confused, and had none of her own belongings with her.  On top of this, Betty is very deaf.   On that first visit Betty told me all about her situation, and during our weekly chats I have learnt quite a lot about her life.  She often expresses anger and frustration at her situation, however, she also has a dry sense of humour, and has started to feel comfortable enough with me to tease me!  I think it makes a difference to Betty to know that I listen to her and visit regularly.  I was particularly touched when she told me that my visits give her hope.

Molly is a very interesting lady, and I look forward to chatting with her each week.  She travelled widely and regales me with tales about her adventures in other countries.  She is also a local historian and we have a shared interest in the local area, so we enjoy sharing stories and filling in each other’s blanks. Molly has become a good friend, and is always pleased to see me.  She appears to “prepare” for my visits by thinking up “new” tales to recount!   

My third lovely resident is immobile and sits in her chair dozing and watching television.  She also appears to enjoy my visits, although I’m not sure that she remembers who I am!  We chat about her early life, her family and her dogs.  During most of my visits I give her a hand massage.  I also take in gardening magazines so that we can talk about plants and flowers.

The last four years in my paid employment have proved very challenging, and I feel that I have been unable to contribute to any great extent.  This has caused me to lose confidence and self-esteem.  Volunteering and befriending the residents, and feeling that I can help, has helped me regain confidence.  I have never been particularly talkative, so I have surprised myself by chatting away with my lovely ladies!  I think of them often during the week, and look forward to Thursday mornings.

The care home manager told us that these residents' quality of life has improved and they feel more connected to the community because of this volunteer's visits, adding that she "is a valued volunteer and always very professional and caring. We are happy to have her as part of our team."

If you would like to find out more about becoming a befriending volunteer, do contact one of our area co-ordinators for a friendly chat or find more details on our Get Involved page.

*Names have been changed for anonymity.

Sylvia said, "I'm looking forward to going out to a nearby Costa with family to enjoy our prize voucher. Sometimes my daughter will pick up a takeaway Costa and we will sit by the water at Hamble in the summer."

Their winning score was 120 (out of a possible 165 marks), just 4 points ahead of joint second place teams. 

Thank you to all the individuals and teams who took part in our quiz - together you raised an incredible £550! Your support will enable us to bring companionship to more care home residents this year. 

The quiz answers are now available via the button below. 

​We plan to produce more fundraiser quiz sheets in the coming year so why not sign up to our quarterly newsletter via the button below to hear when they're released!

​Visiting care home residents
We are really grateful to new befrienders who are visiting care home residents weekly and bringing companionship and joy to these residents. They are making such a positive difference.

One resident, who doesn't communicate much, is enjoying her weekly visits. Her volunteer brings gardening magazines and this has sparked lovely conversations about gardens and flowers and lots of reminiscing. The Activities Coordinator told us "we can't believe how chatty she's been, it's great to hear the laughter coming from her room".

Another resident, who has been reluctant to join group activities, has enjoyed sharing her photo albums and talking about her family with a volunteer befriender. The Activities Coordinator says that "Margaret's visits have made a great difference to Jean's well being and she has been feeling more confident to join in and has been in better spirits".

Another volunteer has been spending time with a resident who has just moved into the care home and is finding it hard to adjust to her new surroundings. Mary met her on her first visit and they bonded instantly. The Activities Coordinator says "Mary's presence in the home has really helped Jan settle in and feel at ease".

One of our new volunteer befrienders told us, “Volunteer visiting is so rewarding. Getting to know the residents is a privilege whether through sharing laughter or listening to worries. The volunteer training for residents with dementia has been extremely helpful.”

We would love to be able to welcome more befrienders as we develop links with more care homes and receive referrals for residents who would really benefit from regular visits.

Events - watch this space!
​We have a fundraising Christmas quiz planned. Individuals and groups are invited to purchase a quiz sheet, which will be available from November, and answers need to be submitted by the first week of January. There will be questions for all ages, and we hope families will enjoy taking part together. There will be prizes too!

We are also planning some Christmas shopping, craft, and pamper events in the lead-up to Christmas. More details of the quiz and events will be posted on our Facebook page, "Embracing Age Hampshire," in the coming months so follow that to keep updated, or contact the Hampshire team for more details.