Why I Volunteer: Julie’s Story with York Carers Centre

Hello. My name is Julie. I am 60 years old.

Currently I volunteer with TWEV NHS as part of the ‘Involvement and Engagement’ co-production team. We are currently working to provide the new 24/7 mental health hubs in York. I have recently been appointed a ‘Carers Champion’ with York Carers Centre.

As a teenager, I gave service to the British Red Cross Society. I have been involved with Girl Guiding and Scouting for many years. Then I switched to York Church youth groups, including administrative duties. 25 years ago I retired due to ill health. It was whilst spending time as an inpatient that I first became interested in gardening. This lead me to study garden design and horticulture.

My main interest is now organic gardening in a sustainable, wildlife friendly way. I learned a lot about this as a volunteer at Brunswick Organic Nursery. It was extremely rewarding, supporting the workers on a one to one basis, to achieve gardening tasks. I have enjoyed gardening in Hull Road Park and Rowntrees Park. I have been encouraged to share my skills with others.

I led a gardening session for the York Carers Centre Mental Health Wellbeing Group, which led to an opportunity to volunteer at the Hub at 30 Clarence Street. There, I helped recruit several other carers, who have become my friends, to join me in maintaining and developing the Hub garden.

I was invited to join the co-design team for the 24/7 Hub, where I’ve continued to be actively involved. I’ll also be contributing to the design and development of the garden at the Acomb 24/7 Hub, which I’m very much looking forward to.

In addition, I was pleased to be invited to sit on the interview panel for the recruitment of new York Carers Centre staff for the 24/7 Hub.

My various volunteering roles have enhanced my well-being in so many ways. They provide structure to my day. I am motivated to socialise and meet up with people. I find working as part of a team is much more enjoyable than gardening alone. Generally, I feel good about myself as my self-esteem is boosted and a I feel valued.

I also use volunteering as a way of giving something back to the charities who help me or my family. Beside monetary donations, charities also welcome the important work of their volunteers.”

If anyone is thinking of volunteering I would definitely encourage them to do so. Give it a go! I am happy to challenge you that you will enjoy it and be back for more. I would suggest choosing an opportunity you have an interest in. Or, maybe do something you haven’t done before and are willing to try? It’s not important to be skilled, as in my experience, you learn as you go and everyone is supportive of each other.

Volunteering is so rewarding and fulfilling. Why not, give it a go?