This Volunteers’ Week we’re celebrating the hundreds of incredible individuals who donate their time to support our homes.

One of our most popular roles is Volunteer Activities Assistant. All our homes run activity programmes doing everything from bingo to film nights, sing-a-longs to baking, gardening to knitting. Of course, not everyone wants to join in group activities so sometimes volunteers support residents do an activity they can enjoy quietly together. Whatever the activity, our Volunteer Activities Assistants are often front and centre.

It’s such an important role, Clare tells us about her experience as a Volunteer Activities Assistant and why she enjoys it so much.

How would you describe your volunteer role to a friend?

I describe my volunteer role as a privilege. 

I enjoy it so much; you learn such a lot about some amazing people. Where they have been, what they have done. I enjoy joining in with the activities they do. I don’t volunteer to be seen to be “doing good”, I volunteer because I want to. I enjoy the interaction with both staff and residents. I get the nice bits, the chat, the fun and laughter.

Tell us a bit about you. 

I’m a good Yorkshire girl from Leeds! I went to Domestic Science College in Edinburgh, and subsequently worked in school meals and then was a demonstrator for the Electricity Board. 

I was heavily involved in the Girl Guide Movement, being a Brown Owl from the age of 17 until in my mid-40s. I have volunteered at Monkscroft Care Centre for nearly a year now.

What motivated you to become a volunteer at OSJCT?

The care given to my husband over a period of nearly four years. I was able to see the way all residents, however difficult, were treated with dignity, individuality, affection even. It made me want to give something back.

What would you say to someone who was thinking of volunteering with OSJCT?

Do it! It is SO rewarding. I occasionally, not often, go feeling tired or with no enthusiasm. I always leave on a “high”. The staff are so grateful for the support, and the residents are so pleased to talk. Some don’t have any visitors at all, but have lived such interesting lives, it really opens one’s eyes to how many amazing people there are and puts into perspective whatever is going on in your own life.

What is your favourite memory as a volunteer for OSJCT?

So many, but recently I was part of 10-week singing group with a local Primary School. It was so rewarding. The same group of five residents and most days 15 children, with accompanying teachers gathered with Becky a peripatetic music teacher (who was wonderful) to sing. We had discussions as to what jobs the resident had done in their lifetimes, then composed a song with the children as to what jobs they could aim for. Going from a McDonalds Big Mac maker, to a Judge!

We were all sad when it ended.

I also have enjoyed going in and cooking with a small group. People who are used to cooking every day, and now can’t do it. I have been going in and we have had lots of fun, it encourages memories and discussions about food. We did a Jubilee tea party, tarts, savoury for the diabetics, and jam for us all, Christmas cake, Valentine heart biscuits, vol au vents. They also enjoy sampling the produce (as do the staff). I get to do the planning and preparation, so it keeps me on my toes!

What’s the best thing you have learnt since becoming a volunteer?

I think perhaps to listen more, and to realise that every resident, whatever their reason for being in care, needs to be treated with dignity and respect. I look around at Monkscroft and see the way each person has benefitted from the ethos taught; it is ingrained in all staff from the Handyperson John to the Manager Doreen. I’m a very lucky person.