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.

It's certainly been a summer of unpredictable weather and perhaps you have had plans cancelled or changed due to sudden stormy conditions?

The marvellous community behind Embracing Age Isle of Wight did not let heavy rain dampen their spirits at their recent Vintage Afternoon Tea Garden Party fundraiser, pushing on to enjoy a wonderful afternoon and raising over £3,000! Incredible! 

The money raised will help bring companionship and joy to more care home residents without family and friends or those that are particularly isolated. ​

One of the guests commented, "What a lovely happy party!" and a volunteer helper said afterwards, "I really enjoyed it, what a wonderful event. I'm usually in the kitchen but I really enjoyed waitressing." ​

It's always risky thanking people by name for fear of accidentally missing anyone! However, here are a few people we would particularly like to mention: 

• Barbara  & Alan for the use of their beautiful garden and all that it entailed to organise the event.
• Ryde Tesco Extra amazingly donated food to cover all the delicious sandwiches, as well as crisps and salad garnish. 
• A number of Island businesses donated to the generous raffle prizes, which we are so very grateful for in this tough economic climate.
• The star auction lot included a two night stay with breakfast at Haven Hall 5 star hotel in Shanklin generously  donated by owners David & Arielle Barratt.
• Maggie Molyneux, one of the volunteers on our fundraising team baked and donated the cakes and scones, which were delicious.
• Kimberley Jennings donated the use of her beautiful china trios, milk jugs and sugar bowls collection, and Claire Leah donated the use of her beautiful tiered cake stands from her business  Claireskitcheniow.co.uk, all of which made the event look gorgeous.
• True Vine Church and Youth For Christ Team and helpers for lending and erecting the marquee which saved the event from being cancelled due to rain.
• Everyone that volunteered both up to the event, during and afterwards - especially our volunteers who gracefully delivered the tiered cake stands in the rain! You are amazing and we could not have pulled off the event without all of you.

This event could not have happened without the generosity of all those that came together to make it a wonderful event with a very generous amount of money raised for island care home residents. Thank you to everyone that contributed through donating time, skills, use of items such as china and the marquee, gifts for prizes, donations and their attendance at the event. This really is Island community life at its best!

You can find out more about Embracing Age Isle of Wight here. We have lots of different ways to get involved as an individual or an organisation and for a range of time and skills, and we would love to welcome you into the team to bring joy and companionship to more isolated care home residents across the island.   ​