How a Volunteer Made all the Difference
When one of our volunteers was matched with a couple, it wasn’t just practical support they provided – it was peace of mind.
Volunteer Sarah with dog Sasha
The client had recently suffered a nasty fall, leaving her with a broken arm and a back injury. While she focused on her recovery, she was also caring for her husband, who is living with dementia. Everyday tasks like housework and walking their much-loved dog, Sasha, quickly became overwhelming.
That’s when Voluntary Norfolk’s Community Support Service stepped in. After a home visit to understand the couple’s needs, we arranged for a volunteer to help with dog walking and some light household jobs while the client recovered. We also connected her with local services so she would have longer-term support if she needed it.
For the next few weeks, the volunteer’s visits took pressure off the couple, making sure Sasha still enjoyed her daily walks and the household didn’t fall behind. Just as importantly, the regular visits provided companionship and reassurance at a time when life felt difficult.
Looking back, the client told us how grateful she was for the help. She explained how “happy Sasha was getting outside for a walk.”
How making a difference in this way also helped the volunteer
This story is just one example of how our volunteers bring comfort, connection and practical help to people across Norfolk and beyond, making sure no one has to face life’s challenges alone.
Our volunteer Sarah tells us how she made a difference…
‘Hi my name is Sarah and I have been volunteering for Community Support Service for coming up to a year. There are varied roles from hoovering, dusting, shopping or dog walking depending on the needs of the clients. I love to support the client to help them stay in their home. They may have come out of hospital, had a fall or need extra help until alternative support has been arranged. It’s very enjoyable and rewarding, meeting different characters, and learning about their life stories. I would very much recommend volunteering with Voluntary Norfolk as it is a positive thing. It helps with mental health. You feel you are making a difference, and enables the client to stay in their home, where recovery will be far better, as there is no place like home.’
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