Volunteers’ Week takes place 1-7 June every year and it's a chance to recognise and say thanks for the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering.

Every year people from all walks of life around the UK take time to volunteer and make a huge difference to their communities. To learn more and get inspired, read one of our volunteers story below…

 

“Caring for someone can be a very isolating experience, and having someone to talk to can make all the difference to a carer’s day. As a Health Professional, and later as a carer myself, I have experienced it from both sides, and so when I retired and found myself with time on my hands, I decided to volunteer as a telephone befriender with Derbyshire Carers. Every conversation is different so I never find it boring, sometimes it’s chatting about hobbies or reminiscing about happier times, and sometimes it’s about just listening as they talk through their feelings of anger, guilt and frustration.

When I look back to my time as a carer, having someone at the end of the phone acting as a sounding board, would have helped me enormously. Sometimes it’s difficult telling those closest to you exactly how you feel, you don't want to worry them and sometimes you are afraid of being judged.

I find my role very satisfying and rewarding and over this past year knowing that I am hopefully making a difference to someone’s day has helped with my own feelings of isolation."

 

If you’re interested in volunteering for Derbyshire Carers Association, more information can be found on our Telephone Befriending Service.

Similarly, you can also contact us directly by calling 01773 833 833 or emailing info@derbyshirecarers.co.uk

 

 

For more information of Volunteers Week, please visit www.volunteersweek.org