As part of our focus on volunteering, we are shining a spotlight on an organisation which has some amazing volunteers to help the project thrive.
Father Hudson’s Young at Heart Project run social groups across Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle to help combat social isolation and loneliness among older people. They also offer face-to-face befriending support for those who are unable to get out and about.
Young at Heart has been running since 2013, and was created to combat loneliness, and give people aged 55 and over a place to socialise and make new friends. It is all about providing a safe and welcoming environment for people who might otherwise feel isolated.
Not only does it have an extremely positive impact on those who access the service, but it also gives so much back to the fabulous volunteers that give their time to help others.
Jayne Pointon, a support worker at the organisation, has shared an example of two volunteers who by engaging with the project, have both seen benefits to their own health and wellbeing.
First of all, there is Valerie. Jayne told us “Valerie was referred to us by Support Staffordshire, expressing an interest in volunteering. Due to a hearing impairment, Val preferred one-to-one befriending rather than volunteering in a group setting. We worked closely with Social Prescriber Helen Lawton to find a suitable match for her.
Val now supports a 93-year-old lady, M, who is very sociable but had become isolated due to poor weather and concerns about slipping outdoors. With limited family contact, M was feeling very alone. We introduced Val to M, and they quickly formed a strong connection. Val now visits M every Thursday.
A few weeks ago, as the weather improved, Val was able to accompany M to a local café, where they enjoyed a cup of tea, a slice of cake, and a lovely chat. Since then, Val has encouraged M to attend the Clayton Young at Heart Social Club, and M is now planning to join the group at the end of May.
In addition to her befriending role, Val has recently started to deliver chair-based exercise sessions at our Clayton Young at Heart Social group that meet on the last Friday of the month 1:30pm- 3:30pm at St James Church.
We are incredibly grateful for the time and dedication Val gives to the Young at Heart Project. She is making a meaningful difference not only in M’s life but also in the lives of our Clayton group members. Val is intelligent, talented, caring, and a true asset to our volunteer team.”
Valerie was also keen to share her experience with us. “I’ve have been visiting an elderly lady each week and it has been a pleasure. Her memory is really good for a 93-year-old and she is very careful of the problems I have conversing, I am registered deaf and lip read. This has caused my feelings of isolation.
She feels very depressed and worried about going out of the home so, despite numerous telephone conversations with friends and family she feels very lonely. She enjoys the weekly chats so we both benefit.
I have also visited some of the projects locally and enjoy the atmosphere. It is difficult for me to communicate easily but many of the people I meet make a big effort to make sure I understand what’s going on.
It has definitely been good for me and I hope for those I come in contact with.”
Secondly there is Claire. Jayne again told us Claire’s story. “Claire was referred to us by Social Prescriber Helen Lawton. I met with her to discuss the various volunteering opportunities available through Father Hudson’s Young at Heart Project. Claire chose to begin volunteering at our Talke Young at Heart Social Group, which meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at Talke Pits Village Hall, from 11am to 1pm.
Since joining, Claire has grown in confidence. She quickly bonded with the volunteer team and fit in wonderfully. Her warm personality, willingness to help, and previous experience in hospitality have been a real asset to the group.
Claire is always ready to lend a hand. She’s kind, caring, full of great ideas, and consistently goes the extra mile to support both the team and our members. Her contributions have made a noticeable difference, and we are truly grateful for the time and support she gives to the project.”
These two stories highlight not only the impact volunteering has on the life of others who they help, but also the benefits to themselves. Seeing volunteers flourish and gain confidence and build relationships with others is so heart-warming and definitely something to celebrate.
If you are interested in volunteering at Father Hudson’s please see the vacancy listed on our volunteering platform by clicking on the link here: DetailsForSearch – VMS