Volunteers at Fenwick2
Volunteers are an important part of the Fenwick2 team, providing valuable support across the board to both staff and members. Volunteers awards were presented to Group volunteers during Volunteers week this year. Below is what some of our Fenwick2 volunteers had to say about their work with the Group.
Sheila Robinson, from Lyndhurst, helps out at the Phoenix Social Club for elderly people on Monday afternoons at Fenwick2. She's been volunteering since the group started over 18 months ago. "When I retired I wanted to do something to help other people. The people who come to the club are all quite isolated and they really appreciate the chance to get out of the house and meet other people. We play quizzes and games and have tea and cakes - it's a real social occasion. There can be anything up to 15 people attending every week and the other volunteers are very friendly. It's turned out even better than I expected. I really enjoy it."
Doreen Richmond helps out at the Fenwick2 early dementia assessment project on Wednesdays. People who are beginning to experience memory loss can attend the centre one day a week for 12 weeks to meet a multi-agency team of professionals who can help them plan for their future care needs. Doreen attended the assessment centre herself as she is beginning t o have trouble remembering things. She enjoyed it so much that she stayed on as a volunteer for subsequent groups. She helps the new people to ease in to the centre and makes them feel welcome. "It's very friendly here. It's hard when you start to lose your memory. I enjoy coming to the centre so I wanted to stay on," she said.
Nancy Hall studied as a care assistant and specialised in dementia. With a young son to look after, she wanted to volunteer to keep a link with the work environment. Nancy volunteers at Fenwick2 on the early dementia project and in the Carers' Resource Centre with Carers Together New Forest, and also helps out at fundraising events. After volunteering for 18 months she has recently been taken on the staff for one day a week to work with the early dementia assessment group. "I volunteer because I like helping people. I would rather give my time to charities rather than money - I think that's more productive," she said.
Ann Sturgess, from Ashhurst, accompanied by her cousin Pat Osborne, helps out once a fortnight with the Fenwick2 assisted bathing service. The bathing service uses a hydraulic assisted bath to help people who are unable to bathe themselves due to disability, ill health or reduced mobility. "I heard Lisa Dillane give a talk about Fenwick2 at the parish council meeting and I thought it sounded interesting," said Ann. "I worked at the Fenwick for 30 years as an auxiliary nurse when it was a hospital so I know the place very well. People with limited mobility really appreciate having a bath. It means a lot to them. We had one lady who had not been immersed in water for four years and it was heaven for her. The bath is big enough to lie down in and there's plenty of hot water. We do foot massage, wash their hair and do head massage as well sometimes - people love it. Sometimes we talk to them about their lost loved ones. People bring in nice clean clothes for after their bath and they feel so much better," said Ann.
Pat also enjoys helping with the bathing service. "We get lots of satisfaction from helping people. I hope someone will be around to help me if I ever get to that age and can't take a bath."
Ann says the pair would be willing to run the service more frequently.
"Apart from the initial training you don't need qualifications - just a caring and loving heart. When we help with the bathing service we don't see old bodies, just a person."
Ann Crabbe, from Lyndhurst, is Treasurer on the Fenwick2 League of Friends and also volunteers on reception when necessary or helps out with gardening. "I have only lived in Lyndhurst for five years. I wanted to get involved with the local community and thought this was a worthwhile organisation. It's a good project and there's a lot of space that can be used in a very positive way for the community. It's been enjoyable to watch Fenwick2 grow. I've learnt a lot about how it all works and about local organisations. "It's very fulfilling to be able to help in a way that is rewarding and helps others. You can see the fruits of your work," she said.
Sylvia Dibben and Sandy Aylen are volunteer drivers at Fenwick2. They help transport elderly people to the Phoenix Social Club on Mondays in their own cars. "We help out when we are needed. We pick people up and drop them off at home again at the end of the afternoon," said Sylvia, who is married to Fenwick2 League of Friends Chairman George Dibben. "It makes an enormous difference. For some people it is probably the only time they go out in the whole week. They enjoy the interaction with others. They play mind games and quizzes and it helps keeps their minds active and aware. I get a lot out of it because some of the club members are lonely people and it makes you feel quite humble when you speak to them and realise what they are experiencing."
Diane Andrews helps out on reception for Fenwick 2 every Tuesday and really enjoys her time there. She is well qualified having previously worked on the reception at the Lyndhurst GP surgery and finds the physiotherapy and homeopathic clinics that run on a Tuesday busy with interesting clients to meet and greet. The Fenwick policy is to offer all customers a warm or cold drink on arrival and it is amazing how many people say they feel better for just being met with a smile and the offer of refreshment. The reception at Fenwick 2 is always busy with lots of laughter and cheerful faces, it is a really nice place to volunteer and I feel that the work I do is worthwhile and much appreciated.
Lisa Dillane commented that without the help and support of all of the volunteers, Fenwick 2 would not only be unable to supply and facilitate the multitude of available services but the centre as a whole would be less vibrant and diverse. There are lots of people out there who have relevant skills and perhaps do not want to work full time or would like to help projects that are not for profit have a positive social impact and are community based. Fenwick 2 provides an ideal opportunity for anyone wanting to give time and effort to a worthwhile project meeting this criteria. So a big thank you to the League of Friends and all of our wonderful volunteers from all of the Fenwick 2 staff and everyone at SCA.