Sep 2020
Introducing Clive, one of the fantastic volunteers at Chestnut Court
Clive has provided Chestnut Court with brilliant support and memories during his time volunteering with us.
The volunteers at OSJCT play a crucial part in supporting the home teams – particularly over the past few months.
Clive has been volunteering at Chestnut Court for two years and he is incredibly popular with the team and residents throughout the home.
Reflecting on his reason for becoming a volunteer at Chestnut Court, Clive said: “I decided to volunteer at Chestnut to stay involved with everything going on at the home. My wife lives on one of the households, so this also gives me chance to see her before I start the working day and before I leave to go home.”
During his time at Chestnut Court, Clive helps at the home around 3-4 times per week. He has built up a bit of a routine for his visits.
“On Monday, I do ‘Men’s Club’ – so this gives me the chance to go around and speak with the gentlemen throughout the home. There is a gentleman on one household that I now play Dominoes with every Monday. On a Wednesday I do a singalong on one of the households, Friday is Bingo and Saturday I do a singalong over two households.”
Over the past 2 years, Clive has made some fantastic memories at Chestnut Court and he has found volunteering incredibly rewarding.
“My favourite thing about volunteering is making a difference to someone’s day, I think it’s so lovely to take someone back to a special moment in their life. Especially those living with dementia. If I had to pick a favourite memory from my time here, it would be my Saturday singalongs with our residents. It’s very rewarding to see them all getting involved and enjoying themselves.”
It is therefore no surprise that Clive would wholeheartedly recommend volunteering at an OSJCT care home to anyone.
“Volunteering at Chestnut Court has been a great experience for me. It was very easy to get involved. I had to get my DBS done and I have now signed up for weekly Covid-19 tests. It has given me a routine each week and I have also found it very flexible with the ability to choose the days and hours that suit me best. There are a wide range of activities you can get involved with to help out the home.”