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Mike Bowden
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Jude Blair
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Mike is retired, enjoys the outdoors and rows three times a week with Twickenham Rowing Club. He also enjoys travelling with his wife and has done some epic cycle rides, including from Florida - Texas and from Istanbul - London.
Mike began volunteering for Embracing Age in 2015. He particularly enjoys taking them out for walks in a wheelchair, or even just around the home if the weather isn’t looking good. Mike says that getting out is so important for residents – having that change of scenery makes a big difference to them and he has seen them transform, as their mood lifts and they start interacting more. |
Jude has been volunteering for Embracing Age since 2017 and visits a family-run care home in Hampton, connecting with numerous residents rather than just one. She says:
“Each person is an individual with their own identity and humour. If you take the time, each has their own stories and life experience…We all, at times, can get a little ground down by life. I visit the care home and invariably I come back feeling ‘uplifted’. This may surprise a lot of people but we have a lot of fun and laughter and I find the residents very engaging.” Jude lights up the room with her energy and it’s wonderful to see how the residents come to life as she engages with them. When Jude isn’t walking or volunteering she runs “Move it or lose it” exercise classes for older people. |
Helen Lowe
With a background of working in the city, Helen currently does consulting work for charities, but was keen to spend some time doing something more hands on. "I have always loved all-things theatrical, and have performed in musicals and plays since childhood, so Tina thought I’d be the perfect fit at Brinsworth House."
From the minute she walked in the door, Helen knew she would love being a small part of the community there. "Here reside a plethora of creative types now facing the challenges of forming a community together in later life.
"I run a sing-along session on a Friday morning encouraging non-singers to give it a go and ex-pros to rediscover the joys of singing without striving for perfection," Helen says.
"Sometimes, if no-one feels like singing, I just play the piano or sit and chat. The highlight for me has been the launch of residents’ shows, giving anyone who feels able the chance to sing, read, dance, perform or direct in a low key performance for the staff and other residents.
"This has given many residents a sense of purpose and achievement, as well as improved relationships with the other residents. It’s wonderful to get a glimpse at the talents that many residents have and to help provide them with the opportunity to show them off again, to do what they love doing."
Helen has also seen how music can unlock what for many is the very closed world of dementia. Sometimes even those who struggle to speak or engage in what is happening around them come to life as she and the residents sing together, joining in or singing something they remember.
There have been sad moments as inevitably friends pass on, but also lots of laughter and fascinating conversations. "It’s lovely to be able to feel that you are making a real difference to someone, even if it is just for a moment," Helen reflects. "I’d like to thank all the staff and residents at Brinsworth for making my volunteering experience such a positive one!"
From the minute she walked in the door, Helen knew she would love being a small part of the community there. "Here reside a plethora of creative types now facing the challenges of forming a community together in later life.
"I run a sing-along session on a Friday morning encouraging non-singers to give it a go and ex-pros to rediscover the joys of singing without striving for perfection," Helen says.
"Sometimes, if no-one feels like singing, I just play the piano or sit and chat. The highlight for me has been the launch of residents’ shows, giving anyone who feels able the chance to sing, read, dance, perform or direct in a low key performance for the staff and other residents.
"This has given many residents a sense of purpose and achievement, as well as improved relationships with the other residents. It’s wonderful to get a glimpse at the talents that many residents have and to help provide them with the opportunity to show them off again, to do what they love doing."
Helen has also seen how music can unlock what for many is the very closed world of dementia. Sometimes even those who struggle to speak or engage in what is happening around them come to life as she and the residents sing together, joining in or singing something they remember.
There have been sad moments as inevitably friends pass on, but also lots of laughter and fascinating conversations. "It’s lovely to be able to feel that you are making a real difference to someone, even if it is just for a moment," Helen reflects. "I’d like to thank all the staff and residents at Brinsworth for making my volunteering experience such a positive one!"
Reg. Charity No. 1160400
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© 2021 Embracing Age
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