This is Sharon Newby who is a relatively new addition to our steadfast team of volunteers. Like all our volunteers, Sharon has her own reasons for volunteering which you can find out more about now…
What is your volunteer role?
I am a sighted guide volunteer for outings and an assistant for activities such as chess and Boccia, and in-centre events like the coffee morning and celebration days.
How long have you been volunteering?
10 months.
Why did you want to volunteer?
I had worked as a Community Nurse for 40 years, which I left so that I could care for my husband who had a rare brain disease with early onset dementia in 2020. He passed away in 2023, and I wanted to fill a big void in my life after my carer needs stopped.
What interested you in volunteering?
I wanted to do something to help others and meet new people. I wanted to be part of a positive environment.
What does your volunteer role involve?
I attend the weekly coffee mornings and it’s nice to be able to sit and chat with the members that come in. Many live alone, so it is nice to learn more about them and have a good chat.
I assist with weekly chess sessions in the Centre, navigating the grid board and assisting members when learning the game. I also assist on the minibus as a sighted guide volunteer, to bring people to the Centre, or take them out on trips out and about in the community.
Did you have any concerns or worries about volunteering?
No.
How has volunteering helped you?
It has given me structure to my week, and the feeling of being needed. When I come to do my volunteering role, I feel comfortable, and it feels like family. I feel lifted.
What have you shared with the organisation during your volunteering for example any skills, experience, knowledge, hobbies, interests?
I have been able to use transferrable skills such as caring for people, which was a huge part of my career as a Community Nurse.
What have you learnt through your volunteering?
Volunteering is continuous learning, about people and how to adapt to situations. It keeps you developing as a person. I have been able to mix with a variety of age ranges and life experiences.
What do you enjoy about volunteering with your organisation/group?
I enjoy the variety of people that I get to meet and joining the different activities. I like the feeling that I have made a difference.
Has there been any outstanding moments that you wish to share?
The events in the Centre like the Burns Night and St George’s Day celebrations have been really uplifting and positive days.
If you could describe volunteering in a sentence or in one word, what would it be?
Rewarding!
If someone was thinking about being a volunteer but wasn’t sure, what would you say to them?
Definitely do it!
On that note, we will say ‘thank you’ Sharon, both for your volunteering and for the insightful interview.
If you would like to find out more about volunteering with SSW, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact Katie on 01903 235 782 or email her at katie@sswcharity.org.uk.
